Throughout my journey in the ADL program, the COVA approach has profoundly shaped my learning experience, offering a transformative shift in how I perceive public education and my role as both a learner and an educator in the elementary setting. The first moment I genuinely realized I had choice, ownership, and voice in my learning was during the initial stages of my innovation plan. The ability to select a topic that was interesting to me and aligned with my professional goals was both exciting and daunting at times. This autonomy encouraged me to take ownership of my learning process, as I wasn’t merely fulfilling an assignment—I was crafting something that could genuinely impact my real-life educational environment with my third-grade classroom (previously second-grade).
Initially, the freedom to make these choices was overwhelming. I questioned whether I was ready for such responsibility, if going into an M.Ed program was right for me, and if I could drive my learning experience. However, I soon realized that this was an opportunity to move beyond passive learning and truly engage with my work. I was going to take responsibility for my thoughts and life choices professionally. The shift required me to adjust my approach; instead of waiting for direction, I began to actively seek out resources online, engage with peers, and reflect on my learning goals. Looking back, I might have been more confident from the start, embracing the challenge rather than hesitating.
One of the more challenging aspects of this journey was taking control of my voice, especially when focusing on my organization (campus) as the audience. Initially, I felt uncertain about how my ideas would be received. Over time, however, I grew more comfortable in asserting my perspective, realizing that my unique insights were valuable in promoting change within my organization. My attitude toward leading change has evolved from tentative to proactive, understanding that meaningful change requires both courage and conviction (Harapnuik, 2015).
My innovation plan is a reflection of my genuine desire to influence my educational environment positively and for stakeholders to see my point of view on why digital literacy matters. It was not just a project to complete coursework but a real attempt to integrate new practices that could benefit my students. The COVA approach aligns closely with my learning philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of learner autonomy, active engagement, and relevance in education (Harapnuik, 2017; Harapnuik, 2018). My perspective on learning has shifted significantly—I now see learning as an active, dynamic process that thrives on choice and authenticity.
Moving forward, I plan to incorporate the COVA approach into creating significant learning environments in my organization by ensuring that my students are given the same opportunities for choice, ownership, and voice. I will design authentic assignments that connect with their real-world experiences and passions, helping them to see the value in their learning. Preparing my learners for this approach will involve guiding them through the initial uncertainty, much like I experienced, and fostering a supportive environment where they feel confident to take risks and explore their interests (Harapnuik, 2021).
Challenges are inevitable, especially in shifting traditional mindsets toward a more learner-centered approach. Resistance to change, both from students who are accustomed to more structured guidance and from colleagues who may be skeptical of this approach, will need to be addressed. However, by adopting a Learner's Mindset myself, I am better equipped to model the adaptability and openness required for this shift.
In conclusion, the COVA approach and CSLE have been instrumental in reshaping my educational philosophy and practice. As I continue to refine my innovation plan and implement these strategies in my organization, I am committed to fostering an environment where learners are empowered to take control of their education, finding meaning and relevance in their work.
References
Harapnuik, D. (2015, May 9). Creating significant learning environments (CSLE) [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/eZ-c7rz7eT4?si=rnHlCEqyCDOBHjLU
Harapnuik, D. (2017, October 31). CSLE+COVA explained [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/lby4-CQhIvI?si=Qny-eE80GoT9b6Gv
Harapnuik, D. (2018, July 14). COVA. It's About Learning: Creating Significant Learning Environments. https://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=6991
Harapnuik, D. (2021, January 8). What to expect from ADL [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/g2tkEhaICy4?si=oCOCASISaoMmWJYI
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