Applied Digital Learning
The Applied Digital Learning (ADL) program at Lamar University has been a game-changer for me as a teacher. This program has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to effectively integrate digital learning into my classroom, and the impact has been transformative in so many ways.
Enhanced Instructional Strategies
Through the ADL program, I've been introduced to a variety of digital tools and resources that have enhanced my traditional teaching methods. By incorporating these tools, I've been able to create more engaging and interactive lessons that cater to the diverse learning styles of my students. This shift has made my teaching more dynamic and effective, making learning more enjoyable and accessible for my students.
Improved Student Engagement
The digital learning strategies I've learned in the ADL program encourage the use of multimedia, interactive activities, and gamification. These methods have significantly increased student engagement in my classroom. My students are more motivated and enthusiastic about their learning, leading to improved participation and a deeper understanding of the material.
Development of Critical Thinking Skills
The ADL program emphasizes the importance of fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Through project-based learning and collaborative digital projects, I've been able to create opportunities for my students to think critically and work together to solve problems. This has helped them develop essential skills that are crucial for their future academic and personal success.
Professional Growth and Confidence
The ADL program has also focused on my personal and professional growth as an educator. Participating in this program has given me confidence in my ability to implement innovative teaching methods and lead digital initiatives within my school. I've gained a supportive network of peers and mentors, which has further enhanced my professional development.
Positive Feedback and Recognition
The innovative approaches and successful implementation of digital learning strategies have garnered positive feedback from parents, peers, and school administrators. My efforts have been recognized as contributing to the overall growth and success of my students. This recognition has further motivated me to continue exploring and integrating new digital learning techniques.
Empowerment to Lead Change
The ADL program has instilled a sense of empowerment in me, encouraging me to be a leader of change within my school. I've embraced this role, advocating for the adoption of digital learning practices and inspiring my colleagues to explore new teaching methods. My leadership has helped create a more collaborative and forward-thinking educational environment.
The ADL program at Lamar University has played a pivotal role in shaping my approach to education. By integrating digital learning strategies, fostering student engagement, and promoting professional growth, the program has enabled me to provide a more effective and enriching educational experience for my students. This transformation not only benefits my students but also contributes to my ongoing journey of personal and professional excellence. Here is a list of some projects that I've completed in the time of the ADL Program:
Innovation Proposal
Every innovation starts with an idea. I started by writing a letter to my administration at my current elementary school with a proposal to change the way we present student work during student-led conferences and also a way for students to reflect on their work and watch their progress.
Innovation Project Video
My innovation project video marks the beginning of our innovation plan, serving as a compelling call to action for my colleagues to embrace the implementation of ePortfolios in our elementary school. The video emphasizes the potential of ePortfolios to transform student learning by fostering engagement, creativity, and critical thinking. By showcasing the benefits and providing a vision for how ePortfolios can be integrated into our curriculum, the video aims to inspire and motivate fellow educators to join this innovative journey, ultimately enhancing the educational experience for our students.
Growth Mindset Plan
Having the opportunity to really dive into what a growth mindset is has been very eye-opening. While I realize that a lot of my actions tend to be more growth mindset geared, I still have a lot of thoughts that a fixed mindset brings. I am continuing to grow my growth mindset. I created a presentation for teachers in my elementary school to grow their own growth mindset and also guide their own students through that journey.
A New Culture of Learning
Creating a new culture of learning in a school can be a daunting thought. Moving from a very traditional model of education to learning that focuses on active participation, critical thinking, collaboration, and moving beyond rote memorization. By incorporating project based learning and real-world applications, my goal is to instill curiosity and intrinsic motivation for my students in my classroom.
The Learning Environment
Creating a significant learning environment is key to student's success in learning acquisition. Working on Fink's three column table allowed me the chance to really think about how interconnected concepts can be and gave me the opportunity to create a meaningful and engaging lessons for the teachers who are ready to and not so ready to implement ePortfolios in their classrooms with their own students.
Innovating Education
Creating a 4DX plan allowed me to see where my innovation project was going and gave me the opportunity to make a concrete plan for implementation. Our 4DX plan is designed to provide a structured framework for achieving our objectives in implementing ePortfolios at our elementary school. By focusing on the wildly important goals (WIGs), acting on lead measures, maintaining a compelling scoreboard, and creating a cadence of accountability, we can drive successful outcomes and realize our vision for innovative and student-centered education.
Influencer Strategy
When making a change, having a plan is always a good place to start. Finding people who will back up your innovation plan is key. Influencers are needed to create change in any organization. These key influencers can shape perceptions, motivate stakeholders, and provide ongoing support, making ePortfolios a powerful tool for showcasing student growth and fostering 21st-century skills in elementary education. As educators, we can be the key influencers to make positive change in our classrooms and schools. Using the Six Sources of Influence and the Vital Behaviors we can plan for any issues or people in our school who might be resistant to change.
Empowered Learners Podcast
Even though we didn't have any formal equipment or a recording studio, we made our first actual podcast. Even though we come from different professions now, Deena, Shaneigh, and I got together to share about what we love.
Learning, technology, and fun.
I was very apprehensive when we first began because I do not like to hear myself but I thought I ended up doing a pretty good job explaining AI in the classroom and how it can be used to the students' and teachers' benefit.
Online Learning Course
Creating online content for students is not a new thing for a lot of teachers. When Covid happened we had to become instant technology experts to continue teaching our students, even if it was in a way we had never done it before. Since then, technology has been integrated into all parts of our classroom and I am excited to see that. Students now will need to be more technologically advanced than ever before for the jobs they will be in as adults. I am excited to be a part of that learning experience for my students. While creating this unit, I kept in mind what apps my students have used but also wanted to introduce them to some new things they can learn about. Poetry is one of my favorite units and I was happy to be able to find meaningful and engaging ways we could learn about poetry through technology.
Alternative Professional Development
I developed an alternative professional development (PD) plan designed to equip teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively use ePortfolios in their classrooms. This plan includes hands-on workshops, collaborative sessions, and ongoing support, ensuring that teachers feel confident in integrating ePortfolios into their teaching practices. By providing practical training and fostering a supportive learning community, this PD plan aims to empower educators to enhance student learning through the innovative use of ePortfolios.
Action Research
I have developed a plan and compiled a literature review to support my upcoming action research on the benefits of ePortfolios for student writing. The literature review highlights existing research that demonstrates how ePortfolios can enhance writing skills by promoting reflection, providing personalized feedback, and encouraging student engagement. This groundwork sets the stage for my future research to validate these findings in my own classroom.
Blog Posts
Throughout the ADL program, I have created a series of blog posts documenting my journey and reflections on integrating digital learning into my classroom. These posts cover various topics, including innovative teaching strategies, the implementation of ePortfolios, and insights gained from my professional development experiences. By sharing my successes, challenges, and growth, I aim to inspire and support other educators in their pursuit of effective and engaging digital learning practices.