Together, the following assignment and research is my final compilation of the ADL Master’s Program course, 5313 – Creating Significant Learning Environment, that promotes, and supports the key principles to a strong, meaningful, and dynamic learning environment. Most importantly, all of these different components are connected to demonstrate the pieces that fit into a bigger, overall learning approach to help a learner succeed and flourish on their personalized learning journey. In essence, these are the key ideas, or the main things that I have learned from my learning journey in the Applied Digital Learning Master’s Program with Lamar University.
New Culture of Learning (assignment 1)
The new culture of learning is driven by collaboration, curiosity, and creativity. Therefore, in a blended learning environment that supports a flex model approach, students can take ownership of their learning. The takeaway with this assignment is that students are encouraged to relate their real world experiences to their learning process by exploring, and experimenting within their learning environments.
Learning Philosophy (assignment 2)
My learning philosophy supports student centered learning, and inquiry. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills that they take with them for life. The takeaway for this assignment is that my philosophy supports a meaningful and engaging learning approach that links project based work and guided instruction.
Learning Environment/Situational Factors Outline + 3 Column Table (assignment 3)
Aligning learning goals, assessments, and activities ensures that what students are expected to learn will drive the activities that they collaborate on to guide their learning, and closely connect to what they are assessed in. The takeaway from this assignment is that in order to build an effective, and cohesive learning environment, the learning goals, assessments, and activities need to connect.
UbD Design Template (assignment 4)
This is a framework for planning that is based on a backward design. This approach starts with the end in mind, like the desired outcomes, then plans for assessments and activities to reach those outcomes. The takeaway from this assignment is that this template is a powerful tool to use to create more meaningful learning and deeper understanding for students.
Growth Mindset Plan – Reflection (assignment 5)
Here I encourage a growth mindset that fosters new thoughts on effort, and perseverance. This is a necessity in a blended learning environment where students face challenges along their learning journey. It is about learning to work through your setbacks. I have also linked the growth mindset plan from 5302, so that you can see the differences between the two. The takeaway with this assignment is that not only is a growth mindset needed for long term success, but so is grit. It is encouraged to learn from our failures and mistakes, and to focus on the learning process, rather than a letter grade.
How will Creating A Significant Learning Environment Impact My Innovation Plan
Creating a significant learning environment that focuses on personalized learning will have a significant impact on my innovation plan. “Students need to experience making personal decisions about the direction of their learning and choosing from multiple options to learn the required concepts” (Horn and Staker, 2015). Since my innovation plan involves the implementation of a blended learning environment in the classroom with a flex model approach using Schoology, project based activities, and guided instruction, my students can feel supported and engaged in their learning journey.
The flex model approach will allow students the freedom to work at their own pace, as explained using COVA, with a learning management system, like Schoology. “Students should make progress as quickly or slowly as they are able to demonstrate their preparedness to move on, and that each students’ pace should be individualized, not collective” (Horn and Staker, 2015). Learning becomes more personalized because some learners need more time on what they are learning, and others can move on a lot faster. I can give them a balance of guided instruction, and independent learning time, based on their personal needs.
Project based activities encourage student engagement, and connect content to the real world. “Having opportunities for students to engage in productive group work is vital, so students can master teamwork skills, but also to help students have fun with friends” (Horn and Staker, 2015). Activities become more significant and important because they can apply what they have learned. This helps students understand that what they are learning matters in everyday life.
As a teacher, I have learned that students need both guided instruction, and independent work time. With my innovation plan, in a flexible, blended learning environment, I use guided instruction time to check in with my students and help them on a personal needs basis. This gives them one on one attention, and answers questions to what they personally feel that they still don’t understand.
Encouraging a growth mindset community of learners, where it is ok to not understand everything the first time around is an important piece to my significant learning community because students need to feel safe, and comfortable on their learning journey. Learners need to understand that making mistakes is a part of the process, and that they do not need to stress over the grades, but rather embrace the learning process. “It is important to find the right balance between assessment of learning (test preparation), assessment for learning (group and collaborative learning), and assessment as learning (self assessment and self directed learning) when creating a significant learning environment” (Harapnuik and Thibodeaux, 2023). I believe that this mentality fits perfectly with my innovation plan because the flexible, blended model approach focuses on an individualized learning progress.
Overall, my innovation plan is supported using this significant learning environment where blended learning with a flex model approach is used for more than just a set of tools, but rather a safe, comfortable space for learners to gain personalized learning journeys that are customized, specifically to their learning needs. “Encouraging learners to exceed their expectations, feedback from a trusted mentor, active learning, and focus on authentic learning are the most effective for helping an individual learn how to learn and become self-directed learners” (Harapnuik and Thibodeaux, 2023). This helps learners take ownership of their education, and makes it meaningful, in a deeper way that can last for a lifetime, versus a small moment.
References
Harapnuik, D. & Thibodeaux, T. (2023). COVA: Inspire Learning through Choice, Ownership, Voice, and Authentic Experiences.
Amazon.com Services.Horn, M. B. & Staker, H. (2015). Blended, Using Disruptive Innovation to Improve Schools. Jossey-Bass. San Francisco, CA.
Jackie Bittner M.Ed. 