Reflection
As I reflect on my innovation project, I recall the moment I realized part of the coursework was to come up with an idea that was innovative. Just the word innovative was unnerving. Innovative meant my idea needed to be something that was going to be transformative, something new and original, something that created a positive change. I finally decided on an innovation plan for blended learning. My implementation idea was based on blended learning using a station rotation model to teach social studies in the primary classroom. Once my idea was in place, I began to review the literature to present my idea with research to my stakeholders. Once the research was completed, I created an Implementation Outline that would lay out a 5-phase plan for implementing my idea into the classrooms, then created an overview along with a video to present my ideas and the need for blended learning.
With any new idea, there is a need for a growth mindset. In order to present my plan, I needed to focus on my stakeholders having a growth mindset, but first I needed to analyze my own mindset and what I believe as an educator. I developed a Growth Mindset Plan to present to my administrators and teachers.
In order to convince my stakeholders that my innovation plan is an idea they should invest in, it is crucial that I think about the learning. I had to ask myself what kind of learner am I? What is my learning philosophy? To begin, I created a Learning Manifesto to convey how I believe the COVA+CSLE approach is the core of creating significant learning environments for our students. My learning philosophy aligns with constructivism where the learners use their previous knowledge and build on it. Other popular constructivists are Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, and the still popular Marie Montessori.
The next step in my innovation plan was to determine Significant Learning Goals[ with a BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal). My BHAG was that learners (teachers) will identify blended learning using a station rotation model and implement this model within the social studies curriculum in a primary classroom. For my goal, the teachers were the learners. I used a table adapted from L.Dee Fink to create a 3 column table. In order to fully understand course design, I also created a course design with my BHAG using the UbD Model. Of the two models I determined that for my professional development needs, I preferred the 3 column Table to be a better design.
Professional development is key to implementing a new idea. Creating an alternative model professional development where teachers are actively participating in the learning was a major part of my implantation plan. I developed a professional learning course to help teachers learn how to use blended learning with a station rotation model. However, training teachers is not enough. Knowing how to have crucial conversations so that I will not react with emotions when I see some pushback. I have to know how to create a safe environment for conversations that makes everyone feel we are working for the same goal.
Changes
As I began to work on my plan throughout the program, the 2022-2023 school year came to an end and my school district started a pilot for a new math program. Due to the new pilot, and the need for teacher support, I changed my innovative idea from social studies to math for the 2023-2024 school year.
Where I am at now
I am in the process of developing an Action Research plan for my project so that after implementation, I can assess its success. My next step is to present it to my administrators. I feel that with the new math curriculum my district has put into place, it will be an idea that our administration will listen to and hopefully consider.
Things to complete
I need to add the Literature Review and Action Research Plan to complete my Innovation Plan. I also need to implement it and assess it. I feel that I have all of the parts in place, but I am missing the important part of implementation.
Analyzing and Assessing the Learning Process
The learning process was a tough one for me starting out. Going back to college after being out for a long time was tough. Throughout this course, I enjoyed being a learner again and pushing myself farther than I thought I could go. I feel that I now have a different perspective on learning. In the field of education, it takes leaders and innovators to push us in new directions. The recent past has proved that things can change in an instant. Technology suddenly went from a teaching tool to a learning tool, and now our students are lost without it. Teachers have to adapt to the new face of education and without our leaders and innovators, we will fall short.
What worked
Unfortunately, I could not implement my plan so it is hard to say that anything truly worked. However, the feedback I received was positive when I presented my idea along with my professional learning course to our district math specialist.
What I can do better
Seeing myself as a leader and gaining the self-confidence to approach administrators is something I could do better. It is always unnerving when presenting original thoughts or ideas, especially when the people I am presenting to are my appraisers.
Lessons Learned
Throughout my ADL journey, one of the biggest lessons I learned was that the COVA+CSLE approach is not only the best way to learn for me, but it is the best for my students as well. In the beginning, I struggled with this approach and contemplated whether or not I was “smart enough” to earn a master’s degree, but as the course progressed, I realized that I was in charge of what I was learning. That is when the course started to come together in my mind and I became excited about the work and the research.
Promotion and Communication
I plan to promote and communicate my innovation project by sharing my ePortfolio with my administrators, teachers, district specialists, and fellow teachers. I also plan to continue to post to my blog and continue sharing my thoughts on digital learning and technology.
What I Would Do Differently
A few key things I would change would be to read all about the ADL program, study the 3 column tables that are posted for each course, and watch all of the videos in the ADL program on Dr. Harapnuik’s website. If I had done this earlier, I could have grasped the concept of the COVA+CSLE approach much sooner. I would also try to come up with an innovation plan that would be easier to implement in my own classroom with my students as the focus, rather than training teachers. The biggest reason for this is because as a classroom teacher, it is far more difficult to get fellow teachers to buy into a new idea. If they can see me being successful with my students there would be more of an interest.
My Next Innovation Project
I actually look forward to developing another innovative project. I would follow the steps in the process that I learned throughout this ADL program. I would begin with an idea to propose, start the research, create the significant learning goals, create the professional learning course, and use influencing behaviors to present to the stakeholders. To determine the success of the idea, I would conduct the action research plan to assess for usability.
Final Thoughts
It took years to finally make the decision to go back to college. At a time in my life when I thought I would be preparing for retirement, I suddenly realized that I am not done. I am not ready to walk away from a life of learning and teaching. Earning a Master’s degree in Applied Digital Learning is taking me to my next chapter in life. Although, I am not sure if I will ever fully implement my Innovation Plan, I have learned how to be a leader, how to develop innovative ideas and share them, and how to create significant learning environments where learners have choice, ownership and voice over their learning.
Blended Elementary 