LEARNING MANIFESTO
“Those people who develop the ability to continuously acquire new and better forms of knowledge that they can apply to their work and to their lives will be the movers and shakers in our society for the indefinite future.”
Brian Tracy
Too fast? you can pause me!
Since childhood, I have always been an explorer. As a student, my curiosity and creativity led me to find different ways of learning. I used to create my models/graphs to understand the concepts. Learning has been a motto in my life. Whenever I had the opportunity, I developed a new skill. This hunger for knowledge helped me pursue different fields over the years and allowed me to be self-sufficient. Although I had the opportunity to search other areas, I feel like a "Jack of all trades, master of none."
My first teaching experience after I finished my bachelor's degree was as a computer instructor. Since then, I have learned the positive impact that technology can do on everyone's life. Twenty years later, I became involved in education again. I started working as an elementary substitute teacher and going from one school to another allowed me to interact with different students. Learning something new every day gave me joy, but sharing that knowledge was even better. My curiosity, creativity, and love for learning could make a difference in education. Finally found my niche, my passion for teaching.
I am truly passionate about...
During the last few years, I observed two big problems in education, disengagement among students and teacher frustration. Students don't have a purpose in their learning, and teachers try to cover standardized content in a classroom with different levels.
Before COVID-19, most of the elementary schools in my district only had five desktop computers per classroom. Teachers used them as a reward to motivate students to finish their work on time. It was not fair for the remaining students. At that time, I used to think that one computer per student was a solution to keep them engaged. Since the pandemic, my school district has provided one electronic device per student.
Nevertheless, the problem still exists, lack of motivation is even worse. The education system needs to be reformed at a national level. It must be more flexible, allowing more autonomy in the classroom, and supporting different teaching models, not just preparing students to pass the standardized tests.
Issues with traditional education
ADL program made me realize that fixing disengagement among students requires innovative ways of learning. My innovation plan was a response to fixing this problem. We must restructure the traditional teaching framework by combining head, heart, and hand to engage our students in their education. We need to help students find purpose in their learning (Why), help them grow their mindsets, give learning opportunities connected with the real- world (making meaningful connections), create significant learning environments by using technology meaningfully to allow more personalized learning and give students choice, ownership, and voice through authentic learning opportunities, COVA. To be successful in today's world, students need more than to recall information. They need to use their knowledge to conceive, create and find solutions to real-world problems.
Fixing the problem
Our government and school districts made possible the 1:1 initiative, hoping that
technology in the classroom could help teachers and students achieve better results. The reality in my district is we have yet to see a remarkable improvement in students' achievement or engagement. Most of this technology in the classrooms has been used just to replace paper. A different method to deliver content. There is no chance that technology alone can transform the classroom of teachers unwilling to renounce conventional traditions and beliefs. Our education system needs to be reformed to support innovators and promote programs to train educators to use technology meaningfully.
Issues related with digital learning
I share Dr. Harapnuik's belief that the education system can be transformed by changing one educator at a time. If every educator that has completed a program like ADL starts leading and innovating in their organizations, they can inspire others. I truly believe that I can engage my students if I make their learning joyful and personalized through my innovation plan. With the implementation of ePortfolios, learning comes first, and technology is incorporated meaningfully in the classroom. I intend to give my students the foundation for creative and critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.
Today, with the privilege of the internet, we can access tons of information with just one click or voice command. This is the best time to be a learner. Navigating the world better depends on our self-confidence to do so. And when we trust our ability to think through anything, we show higher self-agency and confidence.
My beliefs in education
REFERENCES
Harapnuik, D. (n.d.). COVA. It's about learning. Retrieved April 10, 2023. harapnuik.org/?page_id=6991
Harapnuik, D. (n.d.). ADL Why & Principles. It's about learning. Retrieved April 10, 2023. https://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=8521