Digital Learning & Leading (DLL)

In my own personal search for learning I came across the Digital Learning and Leading program. I was looking for a master program that could help me learn more about online learning. I was currently going through a transition from a classroom teacher to becoming an instructional coach. Our school had made the decision to go 1:1. This was a monumental change and little did I know how much the DLL program would change me and my school district.

COVA from the Start

In the beginning of this journey I was very apprehensive as to how going back to school would be. It became very clear the DLL program was going to be different from the start. I will be honest that I had never heard of COVA prior to this program. I had some experience with Authentic Intellectual Work through school and professional development. So when I first heard about COVA some things resonated with me. Everything that happens with in the DLL program is focused around the COVA model which stands for Choice, Ownership, and Voice through Authentic Learning. I think that it is truly difficult to explain how this process works until you have experienced it. Like many of my fellow classmates, I had questions and maybe some concerns at the beginning.

“I thought to myself what have I gotten myself into….”

Leigh Jass

As I started to experience the ideas behind COVA, I felt myself starting to grow. I was pushed outside of my normal intellectual comfort. At first it can be hard to understand what is expected. It was nice to be able to see examples from past students. It became apparent as I looked at examples of students projects that each one was different and each one was authentic. Through out this program I have been asked to think critically on several different topics. This all started in 5302-Concepts of Educational Tech, where we were asked to think about our Learning Manifesto. Everything about this early assignment embodies the ideas of COVA.

One of the most important parts of this course is the ePortfolio. I was asked to create a portfolio. I have been asked to do the same thing in education before. Little did I know that this wasn’t the same thing. Everything about my ePortfolio was my choice, ownership, and voice. It is totally authentic to my self and my own thoughts and needs. Everything from the platform, color, pictures, blogs, and more have been my choice. It is my voice that can be seen through the many examples of my Blogs. I have to be honest that I am a man of few words and this has probably been the biggest struggle for me. As I have worked through the course I have struggled the most in the area of writing/sharing my ideas through blog.

To be an Innovator

“Innovator : Noun : a person who introduces new methods, ideas, or products.”

Innovator. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/innovator?src=search-dict-box

This is not something that I would regularly walk around and think about myself. I have never thought of myself as an innovator. It wasn’t until I was asked to apply for my districts Instructional Coach position that I started to think about myself as a leader. This all started to change when I was asked to become an innovator. I began to develop an innovation plan focussing around the idea of Blended Learning.

Applying the Concepts

I started to apply the concepts of COVA into my classroom. I started small by only applying it to one classroom. The one thing that I have found is that applying COVA & CLSE takes time. CSLE stands for creating significant learning environments. Another component of the DLL program is developing the skills needed in order to create CSLE in a classroom. The introduction of UDB and the 3 Column Table helped build the skills needed in order to help me transform my classroom. I began to develop my own CSLE classrooms and I haven’t looked back since.

In my own classroom I have worked to create a classroom focused around the ideas of my blended learning innovation plan. As the leader I feel that you lead by doing. I am passionate about bended learning and it along with COVA has transformed my classroom. My own students like me struggled to grasp the ideas of COVA. Having a growth mindset is very important with in the COVA. Having a growth mindset is very important with in the COVA model. Students and staff both need to understand that having a growth mindset is important to personal growth and the COVA model. Now I find that students are asking for the COVA model. They are asking if they have a choice. I find that teaching is more enjoyable as well. Students like when I create authentic assignments.

I plan to continue to incorporate the ideas of COVA & CSLE into every classroom that I teach. I also have a big idea of transforming my school district to COVA & CSLE as well. I know that not all teachers will be jumping at the idea. I think that there is an idea of lack of control. What I find is that control is what is holding back students. Give them the choice, ownership, voice and you will receive authentic work. In turn students will be better prepared for the 21st century.

Resources

Harapnuik, D. (2018). COVA model. It’s about learning: Creating significant learning environments. Retrieved from http://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=6615

Harapnuik, D. (n.d.). CSLE + COVA. Retrieved from: http://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=6988

Innovator. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/innovator?src=search-dict-box