Kimberly Purvis
Digital Learning Journey
Aligning Outcomes, Assessment, & Activities
Innovation Plan Background and Insights
This course aligns with the goals of my Innovation Plan by providing the steppingstones to the building of a career portfolio for educators. This course will provide the basics of technology and create significant learning environments for our educators. A year or more after this course is over, I want all educators to have a full understanding of how to implement COVA, create significant learning environments, and use their ePortfolios to show their learning throughout their journey. The outline of this course and more information about implementation can be found on my Alternative PL Outline page.
“Give the pupils something to do, not something to learn; and the doing is of such a nature as to demand thinking; learning naturally results.” - John Dewey
BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) - Course Goal
To develop self-motivated, reflective online learners who recognize opportunities for further growth and model them effectively, both independently and through professional learning communities.
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They will accept that they are not only educators, but learners themselves, and be open to sharing the stage with other learners to create a shared learning environment. Educators will know what it is to model and guide the use of COVA+CSLE to advance the same skills in anyone have the opportunity to educate. Educators will self-evaluate and assess past achievements to create an extensive ePortfolio that will showcase and demonstrate all they have to offer and provide an ever-evolving portfolio of learning.
3 Column Table
The 3-column chart below aligns with the principles of COVA+CSLE learning. Creating a significant learning environment and modeling are essential to the successful outcome of any innovation plan. In this course, educators are guided through activities and assessments that give them the tools needed to become confident, autonomous learners. This course will lay a solid foundation for understanding COVA and the technology tools available for ePortfolio creation.
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“A leader’s job is not to do the work for others, it’s to help others figure out how to do it themselves, to get things done, and to succeed beyond what they thought possible.” - Simon Sinek
Learning Environment & Situational Factors to Consider
Specific Context:
This course is designed for adult online educators. Being that it is a purely virtual setting, all meetings for this course will be presented online through Zoom. Educators will need to have a dedicated computer, working high-speed internet, a headset with a microphone, and a quality video camera for participation. They should also be located in a designated space that is quiet and where they are able to participate fully. All educators should be equipped with the necessary tools being that they use these daily for student classes.
General Context:
There are many considerations to be made about the expectations that are placed on this course by the organization and the education industry as a whole. It is expected that online educators are prepared to work in a virtual environment. It is expected to use all online time wisely and to develop programs and professional learning that is engaging and requires participation. Content is expected to be relevant to the educators and benefit them and the organization. I address the steps on how to ensure professional learning is effective on my Alternate Professional Learning ePortfolio page.
There are many considerations to be made about the expectations that are placed on this course by the organization and the education industry as a whole. It is expected that online educators are prepared to work in a virtual environment. It is expected to use all online time wisely and to develop programs and professional learning that is engaging and requires participation. Content is expected to be relevant to the educators and benefit them and the organization. I address the steps on how to ensure professional learning is effective on my Alternate Professional Learning ePortfolio page.
There are many considerations to be made about the expectations that are placed on this course by the organization and the education industry as a whole. It is expected that online educators are prepared to work in a virtual environment. It is expected to use all online time wisely and to develop programs and professional learning that is engaging and requires participation. Content is expected to be relevant to the educators and benefit them and the organization. I address the steps on how to ensure professional learning is effective further on my Alternate Professional Learning ePortfolio page.
Nature of the Subject:
In my learning philosophy, I identify mostly as a constructivist learner and educator. This is the theory behind my approach when planning this course. I agree with Harapnuik (2016) who shared that it is not only our responsibility as constructivist educators to create the significant learning environments that include COVA, but that we act as mentors and guides to move them through their development journey and help them to take ownership of their learning. This course focuses on the learner having choice, ownership, and voice through authentic learning experiences while mentors and trainers guide the experience. In my learning manifesto, I list the areas that I believe to be of importance in learning. Pulling a few of the listed beliefs from my manifesto, I believe that:
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Collaboration is important
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Distance learning is quality learning
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Rigor should not be built-in, it should be fostered
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We are all learners, lifelong learning is the key
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Be comfortable with the uncomfortable, mistakes are how we learn
I incorporated all of these aspects into this course to combine structure and guidance with the freedom of exploration and creativity. The subject requires both convergent and divergent thinking. Users think "outside of the box" to find solutions and create their own path in learning through play and collaboration.
“It is better to have enough ideas for some of them to be wrong than to be always right by having no ideas at all.” ― Edward De Bono
Characteristics of Learners:
The learners in this course vary greatly and are highly diverse. Educators are located worldwide and come from many different backgrounds and socio-economic classes. All learners have college educations, at least at the bachelor's degree level, and have worked in the online setting the entirety of their time with the organization. Most are highly skilled in digital technology and its uses. It is expected that educators will be able to use the technology with ease, but it is understood that there may need to be adjustments. Time zones will need to be considered to ensure all have an equal chance to participate and attend the courses. Learners should be prepared technologically, but also be ready to learn and open to working together for a common goal. My approach to this will be starting with "the Why". Reaching the heart of our learners will guarantee we are all on the same page ready to create change and see success.
Characteristics of Mentors/Trainers:
Mentors and trainers will allow for COVA+CSLE in the courses, but will also take on the role of learners. They will act as coaches, mentors, and guides to motivate and ignite curiosity but will not give all the answers. The focus will be placed on listening and learning from each other. As I shared above, I beliefe that we are all learners and knowledge should be shared. My beliefs and approach to being an effective leader can be found on my ePortfolio page on self-differentiated leadership and encompasses my thoughts on mentors and trainers in the organization.
References
Godin, S., & Jiwa, B. (2013). Whatcha gonna do with that duck? : and other provocations, 2006-2012. Portfolio/Penguin.
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Harapnuik, D. (2016, June 16). Mapping Your Learner’s Journey. Harapnuik.org. https://www.harapnuik.org/?p=6420
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Fink, L. D. (2013). Creating significant learning experiences: An integrated approach to designing college courses.
John Wiley & Sons.