What are you truly passionate about learning?
As a learner, I am truly passionate about having the opportunity to grow, and learn with something new, not only in the moment, but learning as a lifelong experience. The more I learn, the more I feel connected to others in my community and environment. It’s learning more about myself, and setting goals to get to where I want to be, by processing feedback, and overcoming obstacles that I face along the journey. I can become self-directed and find ways to stay motivated, engaged, and driven.
Identify what you think are emerging issues related to digital learning and leading at the state, regional, national, and/or global contexts:
Even though there are various styles of learning, and different ways to learn, some innovative ideas can present problems for a student, if not thought about ahead of time. For instance, digital learning has a great amount of benefits for learners, but including a digital platform in the classroom without guidance can increase distractions, lack of motivation, limited interaction, and isolation. This is more likely a concern in a local or regional area. But, as a state or nation, online standardized tests only assess students in one style of learning, and can be very limiting to what a student has truly learned or is capable of, therefore this method may not be accurate. Globally, a digital format is where the future is headed, and so it is basically trial and error on how to get there faster, and stay up to speed with the change in time across the world.
What is right/wrong with education and what should the world do to enhance/fix it?
Education can be improved with change from a typical, traditional classroom environment, where there is constant, direct teach from a teacher, and the teacher tells students exactly what to do, step-by-step, to a more blended learning community that allows a learner to have choice, ownership, voice, and authentic learning opportunities, basically following the COVA model and framework, which also ties in to the CSLE approach, otherwise known as, CSLE+COVA. Including a blending learning environment can be the improvement that we need in education because a student can ask the teacher for help, or support as they need it, and can also have flexibility in their learning with a variety of choices, and formats. This type of learning provides a face to face environment, and also uses a digital platform of activities, and tools to combine both ways of learning in one environment. Learning can be made to accommodate the student, and allow them to become self-directed, and engaged. This will also create a more personalized, and flexible learning journey for the learner. Overall, I believe that this will improve education, and the way we do things now.
“Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it.” — Albert Einstein
What are your core belief systems about digital learning and the impact you hope to make in your organization?
I believe that digital learning has a great amount of benefits to a student in the classroom, and can improve the way that they learn. If we include a digital platform, then learners can have a blended learning environment that promotes flexibility, collaboration, and personalization. All of these aspects will come together, and allow a student to be self-directed, and self driven. Learners and teachers can thrive with digital learning because it connects learning, improves digital literacy, allows for real time feedback, and helps track progress. Another plus is that it gives a customized approach to learning, provides ways to track progress, and keeps students engaged.
Reference prior accomplishments or innovative practices:
When I think of a blended learning community, the following things come to mind:
I have participated in Destination Imagination with my students several times now as a team manager, and I found that this is a great reference for innovation practices because it gives students the chance to imagine, create, and collaborate on unique ideas in many different areas of learning, such as STEAM, and promotes critical thinking with open ended questions, and challenges. It really does provide learners with skills that prepare them for their future, and gives them a personalized learning experience. Teachers are not allowed to help or do anything for the projects, they are only there to guide, and facilitate. Their role is to mentor, and coach, but not to do anything for them. This empowers self-directed learners to take initiative of their own learning and success.
Also, in the past, I have had the GT cluster of students several times. I really enjoy this cluster because I like to give them opportunities to learn in a more personalized way, and see where they take it. It is about allowing them to have freedom in their choices through playlists, choice boards, or project based opportunities, and guiding them with the means to show their research, and understanding. In hindsight, I’ve used CSLE+COVA with my GT students because they were able to pick their projects of interest that they wanted to work on, at their own pace, place, path, and time. Also, they were able to collaborate with their peers, and then ask me for help as needed. They also presented their projects to their classmates, and at the school wide, IDEAS showcase. This was an authentic learning environment that helped them develop skills, not only for the school year, but for their lifetime. Students built relationships with each other, and shared their learning, and knowledge, in and outside of the classroom, with face to face interactions, and through a digital learning environment.
Jackie Bittner M.Ed. 