Tell me, and I forget; teach me, and I remember; involve me and I learn.
Blended Learning
Building Voices
Connecting to Communicating Your
Innovation Plan
Kindergarten is a grade where students constantly search and discover knowledge and the world around them. It is where they enter the world of letters and numbers for the first time. They have a lot to say but need help putting their ideas in order or writing them down meaningfully. After several months into the school year, we see how students still need to learn to think about an idea or write it down. Therefore, it isn't easy to achieve the stated objectives: opinion writing, informative and narrative writing.
This is a recurring problem that we have year after year in our classrooms, and it invites us to immerse ourselves in the search for new perspectives and alternatives, taking into account the characteristics of today's children. Look at my innovation proposal to see what I am proposing for Kaiser Elementary School's kindergarten bilingual classroom.
Implement new technologies (that are novel) that motivate them to delve into the writing process to achieve the goals set.
The implementation of blended education, proposed by Michael B. Horn, is a renewed and revolutionary proposal to meet these emerging needs. It allows us to combine in-person classroom instruction with virtual and online components to benefit from both. The result enhances in-person instruction with the ease, flexibility, and accessibility of technology, which allows us to celebrate the growth we can achieve with each child.
Given the emerging need to impact my student's learning, I developed an outline plan to help me begin and develop the Innovation proposal. Here, you will find dates, guiding questions, and action plans for the coming year. I plan to address the challenges I face in implementing this innovative practice. As I think about all the benefits it will provide, eclipsing any doubt that my fixed mindset (in the process of transformation) lets in.
At this point, you may have many questions to ask—a sea of successes and failures on the subject. If you would like to compare different approaches to the topic through authors at different stages of the process, we invite you to consult the literature review; there, you will find many answers to your questions. In this review, I analyze the effect of blended teaching on learning writing in the 21st-century child.
I will not stop here! I am not an expert in educational or mixed technology. I intend to continue enriching my search with new and innovative proposals on the subject. Here, I share some resources that I intend to explore.
27 items found for ""
- Why blended learning? My new vision for teaching writing in kindergarten.
Being a teacher in Texas, I imagine that, like in any primary school in the United States, starting the teaching and learning process with very young children with different academic needs represents a challenge. Trying to motivate them to achieve the miracle of good knowledge (learning) and appropriate values serving them for life is a significant challenge. As I begin the adventure in my classroom, I am ready to start the learning journey by implementing different techniques to attract their attention in any of the subjects I teach. By doing it the conventional way and following class plans, I realized the lack of motivation and apathy that I often face. Especially if we are in the middle of Hagerty's class, where there are no audiovisual resources other than the sounds of the letters. Children who have a lot to say but need help putting their ideas in order or writing them down meaningfully. Several months into the school year, we see how students still need to learn to think about an idea or write it down. Therefore, attainment of the targeted aims, such as opinion, informative, and narrative writing, is not that easy. It has over the years been a nagging problem that we have to battle in our classrooms year in and year out, one that we have to dip ourselves into in the quest for new look and alternatives, bearing in mind traits of children of this age. The vast majority more enjoy video games, YouTube videos, and digital whiteboards than traditional games or writing letters with pencil and paper. This article addresses why Blended Learning and how we could show the way in this scenario? It will reveal the benefits of the station rotation model in the kindergarten classroom by reflecting students' writing progress and motivation. Why blended Learning: Blended learning, by definition, is an approach that responds to a new social context in which the need for a renewed pedagogical model that relates the process of technological and social change to educational innovation is evident. The opportunity to integrate traditional teaching methods with digital tools can be an effective solution to address the lack of motivation in writing in kindergarten. According to Fleck (2012), many teachers have begun to move away from the traditional approach to teaching and are trying to find ways to increase learner engagement. Horn and Staker (2015) noted “Just a few steps can be taken in educational circles, and you hear about blended learning. It is at the top of the list of trending topics related to changing education. Blended learning is any formal education program in which some element of the learner controls time, place, path, and/or pace. In all blended learning programs, students do some of their learning via the Internet. This does not mean using any digital tools, like an online graphing calculator or Google Docs. Blended learning means a broader educational shift from an in-person teacher to web-based content and instruction, ( pp 31-34 ). Specifically, the station rotation model, by definition, will significantly improve students' writing skills. The focus on combined interactive, adaptive, and dynamic learning activities is part of its effectiveness. Students can easily access learning materials and engage in collaborative conversations with peers and teachers. It is one of the most popular blended learning approaches. The model is neither new nor exclusive to blended learning. Teachers have used learning activity "hubs" in their classrooms for decades, particularly at the primary level (White J, 2019). One of the most important benefits in kindergarten classrooms is its flexibility for teachers and students. Teachers can decide how they would like to teach the learning material, and depending on the type of model, children can access the course material from anywhere convenient for them. Innovating from the Beginning: How Technology Transforms Learning in Kindergarten? Before, when we talked about education, we immediately thought of the physical classroom. However, when discussing education today, it is inevitable to think about the Internet and digital media. Today, they exhibit transformative advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning, massive data processing, robotics, and biotechnology. In it, technology creates a world of profoundly personalized and instant experiences. This is where we must be ready to take advantage of those opportunities in the daily lives of our students. According to Don Tapscott, author of "Growing Up Digital," early exposure to technology helps children develop digital skills that will be essential in their later lives. Tapscott argues that children who use technology from an early age are more likely to adapt quickly to technological innovations in the future. In this way, we see how endless educational options may be of interest, providing, there is a world of possibilities. Among the contributions that ICT offers are: Stimulates creativity and ingenuity. Promotes the experience. Advances according to the learning rhythms of each student. Develop study and research strategies. Provokes curiosity. Stimulates independence. Wake up learning. It helps in the development of different eye-ear and especially eye-hand coordination. The digital age has radically changed development in the process of education. Technology advances at compromise levels about every aspect of human life. Therefore, it is necessary to be constantly updated to keep up with the great changes in the world and its development. My new vision for teaching writing in kindergarten. I am complicit in the power of using technology to foster motivation in students. Faced with the unexpected and sad news of the death of a kindergarten teacher in October 2022, and after having been without a teacher for more than two months, I arrived at a classroom where sadness, self-distrust, absence of routines, and lack of motivation were the norm. See how they could barely write their name to compete with each other to write a note to the teacher. Or Seeing Darío arrive every morning crying because he had his shoes untied, forgetting Wednesday's folder, or not being able to write his name to say: Dario: Teacher, have you seen what reading level I am reading at? Teacher: No: Dario: Level E (first-grade level). Alarm signals that were building the paths to implement some digital tools. Nothing was more genuine than seeing little eyes shining at the possibility of writing on a digital screen or using tablets or computers in digital writing activities with interactive applications (Seesaw, ABC Mouse) that teach the formation of letters, words, and phrases. Alternatively, a 3-minute YouTube video can help them understand new writing concepts. It keeps children's attention and explains ideas in a visual and attractive way that previously took them hours, sometimes days, to learn with the blackboard and chalk in hand. Showing them videos of people writing was essential to helping them understand the process and replicate it. The implementation of rewards and recognition for achievements in writing encourages children to try harder. Inspiration and the strength of passion, which in my class translates as "Superpower." Identify your superpowers, believe in them, and unleash them. Listen to your inner strength and show how valuable you are. These were some of the reflections I told them, and incredibly, those children transformed that place (the class) into a space we never wanted to leave. Despite seeing the first results in implementing this methodology, there is still a long way to go, a lot of work to do, many tools to apply, and finding, along the way, a complicity between traditional teaching methods and digital tools that best applies to our little Cowboys. Finding the right path is a meticulous and incessant task that occupies us daily in the beautiful mission of teaching and educating.
- Executing Change 4DX.
Learning at an early age is the very moment in which the foundation should be laid for further academic and personal development. In this context, I propose an innovation plan, with a focus on "Learning to write at an early age through Blended Learning," aimed at transforming the process of teaching writing in kindergarten. To ensure effectiveness and success, I will execute 4DX, proposed by Chris McChesney, Sean Covey, and Jim Huling. The 4 Disciplines of Execution principles will help an organization execute the most important goals. These disciplines are: Focus on what is crucially important (WIG): It means intrinsic motivation and the help of innovative technologies to make it more challenging and stimulating for children to learn writing within the given context. Predictors: Will identify indicators that will predict students' motivation and performance success, such as active participation in technological activities and progress toward writing skills. Keep a results board: This can be any visual, accessible system that enables us to track student progress and the impact of new strategies put in place. It will help in making continuous adjustments to realize improvements. Establish a cadence of accountability: Hold regular meetings with the faculty and staff to review progress, discuss challenges, and plan the next steps. Disciplines within the 5 Stages of Change recognizing the need for change, clarifying the change, launching the plan, adopting new practices, and optimizing and maintaining habits will enable us to apply this innovation plan in very orderly and sustainable ways. We will work towards a continuous learning/growth culture in kindergarten through systematic and collaborative improvement of student writing skills. The 4 Disciplines of Execution: How do the Influencer Model and 4DX complement/supplement each other? In the short time I have been a Kindergarten teacher, I have been able to visualize how students have a low motivation towards writing and how to apply this to opinion, narrative, and poetic writing. A problem that, in discussions with my team of more experienced teachers, reveals a recurring problem year after year. This implies the search for new ways to teach and have results. Implementing blended learning in kindergarten represents an innovative strategy to improve writing skills in children. This innovation plan promotes intrinsic motivation, integrating changes, innovations, and technologies that transform the writing process. To ensure the success of this plan, we have combined two powerful strategies that we consider crucial to change. The 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) with the Influencers Model allow effective and sustained execution of the desired changes. When I think about how these proposals (Influencer Model and The 4DX) complement each other, my graphic mind becomes concave and convex. From top to bottom, they have strong connections around their analysis and practical proposals. The 4DX encourages us to identify and focus on a crucial objective: Increase the intrinsic motivation of students towards writing, something that the Influences Model does very well since it allows teachers and students to be mobilized and motivated towards the objectives (WIG) using influences. . personal and social. The second discipline focuses on identifying and acting on measures that predict success, which the Influencer Model gives us a foundation to analyze the influences that affect these. Creating a scoreboard is a visual and motivating tool that keeps everyone focused on goals. The Influencer Model guides us to use structural and social influences that encourage and motivate students and teachers. Adaptation and adoption of new changes in a kindergarten class could not work without routines and monitoring. The fourth discipline encourages routine responsibility and monitoring. Here, the Influencer Model highlights the importance of personal and social influences in holding regular meetings to review progress and adjust strategies. So, integrating the 4 Disciplines of Delivery with the Influencer Model provides an effective strategy for implementing blended learning in kindergarten. Conclusión: Throughout my journey through The Four Disciplines of Execution, many passages left an imprint on me and a terrible desire to put them into practice. One of the messages the authors leave in the book is inspiring and motivating for me, which I make available to you as a conclusion to this work. “Consider spending the future in a relentless whirlwind where everything is always urgent and truly important priorities are forever postponed. The great management scientist Peter Drucker observed: “I have seen many people who are great at doing unimportant things. They have an impressive track record of achievements in trivial matters.” But you don't want to be magnificently trivial. You want to make a real difference. Want to make a high-value, high-impact contribution? The 4 Disciplines of Execution can take you there (McChesney et al, 2012)” References: Grenny, J., Patterson, K., Maxfield, D., McMillan, R., & Switzler, A. (2013). Influencer: The New Science of Leading Change. McChesney, C. (2016). Introduction to 4DX OS. YouTube. https://youtu.be/KOhF6T5D8X8?si=iUJ39RM_WvkVP1gp McChesney, C. (2017). The 4 Disciplines of Execution in a Nutshell. Youtube. https://youtu.be/mP7sq_tGZj8?si=UCbGUZRbQKWqTE60 McChesney, C. (2020). Move Your Middle Chris McChesney. Youtube. https://youtu.be/cbQfozH2KxM?si=wxk-jMSZlRS8H7XC McChesney, C., Covey, S., & Huling, J. (2012). The 4 Disciplines of Execution.
- Influencer Strategy.
Discuss how the model is divided into the two domains of motivation and how it is subdivided into personal, social, and structural sources. Joseph Grenny, Kerry Patterson, David Maxfield, Ron McMillan y Al Switzler, desarrollaron un modelo para producir sobre otros ciertos efectos (influir) con el libro "Influencer: The Power to Change Anything.”To be clear, Patterson, Grenny, Maxeld, McMillan, and Switzler didn’t discover a magic bullet. Rather, they uncovered a common set of tools that have been proven effective in different combinations, under different circumstances.The authors also came to understand that the world’s greatest influencers start by focusing on behaviors. They don’t seek to apply an influence strategy until they have clearly defined the underlying behavior they are targeting. The most important part of leading change is understanding what you are leading towards, when it will happen, and being able to track progress towards it. Use both quantitative and qualitative metrics. Don’t waste time on how to create change until you’ve carried what you want, why you want it, and when you want it. An effective result is: 1. Specific and measurable. It is quantitative not qualitative. 2. What you really want. It’s the outcome that matters. 3. Time bound. It comes with a completion date. This model divides influence into two main domains: motivation and ability. These domains are subdivided into three sources: personal, social, and structural. 1. MAKE THE UNDESIRABLE DESIRABLE. The first strategy involves creating new experiences by providing individuals with ample opportunities to actually try the behavior. Trying a new behavior enables people to stop predicting how it will feel, which historically, is often wrong. The authors suggest using modeling to create vicarious experiences. It is important for individuals to feel like it is almost a game, that is, use reasonably challenging goals and clear feedback in order to engage individuals. Take The focus o of the activity itself and attempt to reconnect the person’s behavior with the vital behavior, in order for successful inuence.The second strategy involves creating new motives for the vital behavior. Influencers must make the new behavior relevant to an individual. When people make their behavior morally significant, almost anything can be achieved. In daily life we are often not moral thinkers, so it's imperative that influencers get individuals to act on their morality instead of blurring the vision by acting on emotions. 2. SURPASS YOUR LIMITS. A person’s resistance to change is because of a lack of skill. People underestimate the need to learn and practice the skill they desire. In fact, all people who achieve extraordinary accomplishments do so because they have practiced the right actions in a controlled environment. People simply cannot change through sheer willpower alone. 3. HARNESS PEER PRESSURE The most powerful influence tool out there is the people who we respect. They can easily persuade any social network to either follow through with change or can grind change into a halt. In order to utilize this power, it is necessary to be the one respected person within the network who can model the new vital behavior. It is also necessary to spend a large amount of time with the respected people in the network in order to build trust, and enable them to spread the message of change. Sometimes it is necessary to invite everyone in the network to come together and talk openly in order for change to be widely accepted. It is important to seek a healthy dialogue, and strive to create a safe venue for discussing controversial topics. In some cases, change efforts require the help of all members of the organization. “People must be plucked from their support structure and placed in a new network, one where virtually everyone in their new social circle supports and rewards the right behaviors while punishing the wrong ones” (Patterson et al.2008, p. 164). 4. FIND STRENGTH IN NUMBERS. In the entertainment business, there are many examples of heroes who have defeated many enemies alone. In North America especially, the authors maintained that partially because of the entertainment industry, society has become unwilling to use cooperation in order to solve problems. Rarely does any one person have the ability to have success in every single problem they encounter. It is necessary to invest in building our own social capital in order to help us succeed in all complex situations. Expert influencers know the importance of building social capital. “They’re quick to consider what help, authority, consent, or cooperation individuals may need when facing risky or daunting new behaviors. Then they develop an influence strategy that offers the social capital required to help make change inevitable” (Patterson et al. 2008, p. 192). 5. DESIGN REWARDS AND DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY. The first four sources of influence deal primarily with changing individual behavior in order to have success in the vital behavior. Sometimes though, we need to utilize incentives to help create change. Patterson et al. (2008) noted that rewards must be linked to vital behaviors in order to be successful. They should be closely linked to specific actions you want repeated, and not just outcomes. In terms of rewards, it is also important to rely on personal and social motivators first. Small incentives that reward improvements, and that are heartfelt are the most appreciated.Before administering punishments of any kind, the authors advise leaders to provide a clear warning before handing out the punishment. People need to understand that negative things will happen if the negative behaviors continue.Punishments make an organization firmly understand their core values, and can be used to change behavior if correctly administered. 6. CHANGE THE ENVIRONMENT. The final strategy presented involves the changing of actual things within the building. People fail to realize the impact on change that changes a few things at work, which means that this strategy is often overlooked. It is also far easier to change things rather than people. Another reason that we do not always adopt this sixth strategy, is that even If we realize the impact our environment is having on us, it is often difficult to know what to do about it. Once the element for change has been identified, the next step is to provide cues to remind people of the behaviors you hope to influence. The small cues draw attention to the important details, change how people think, which in turn, changes behavior. Change also becomes easier and more manageable when changes to the physical environment can eradicate choice altogether. When structure is relied on, the vital behavior an expert influencer strives to change becomes inevitable. The behavior becomes more of a pattern, and failure does not become an option. Consider how many sources of influence need to be addressed to get children to make a change. Discuss why it is so important to explore the six sources of influence if you want to be successful in your change effort. You need to combine at least four preferably or more sources of influence. Your chances for success go up 10 times (Washed Up video). It is essential to address the six sources of influence to achieve significant changes in a child's behavior since each one acts directly on behavior and motivation. Especially when it comes to assuming a new model, such as learning to write from blended learning. I think it is important to explore each of them because without intrinsic motivation or without social support, it is very difficult to want to learn to write at an age where play and fun are a priority. Likewise, having a solid structure helps them develop skills they can use when frustration and demotivation take over their behavior. The help of friends and colleagues and constant interaction with others in writing and reading comprehension activities are decisive in reviewing and fixing the contents. The influencers came to the conclusion that if you understand the science behind behaviors, you can change remarkably resistant behaviors. “All of this is important to know because if you want to change the world, you eventually have to change how people behave. And if you want to change how they behave, you have to rest and change how they think”(p.20). This means that we as people, can learn how to influence others, it is not because of a character flaw or lack of motivation. We need to see it because of a character flaw or lack of motivation. We need to see ourselves as influencers, and study the masters in order to learn. References (2023). All Washed Up! https://youtu.be/cW0qZl6IrkI?si=v3MRSgisv7hw83w3 Influences. Book summary. (n.d.). www.transformleader.com. Petterson, K., & Grenny, J. (2013). Influencer: The new science of leading change, Second Edition. (McGraw-Hill Education. ed.). Youtube Video. (2022). Harnessing Social Pressure. https://youtu.be/wu7UBY5euBg?si=30gjT0uYrSNP2gVY
- Media that Engages.
Discuss ways that the media can engage the audience to influence their thinking? We can reach more recipients with a single message thanks to the media. The media is a powerful tool that is extremely relevant for those who want to obtain a space to publicize their products or services. Therefore, understanding the types of media and their characteristics is essential when carrying out any marketing and advertising strategy. Since Johannes Gutenberg created the printing press in the 15th century, its immediate popularity was confirmed as press and pamphlets spread very quickly. Later, the arrival of radio allowed greater breadth and scope of information, and television, giving image and color to ideas with great ratings, quickly became the medium of choice for users. The Internet came to unify the population through websites and web pages. Since its creation in 1969, it has expanded more than other media, surpassing television as the majority medium of active users. Its relevance is not surprising since we obtain results in seconds thanks to search engines like Google. This added to social networks, joins the so-called "democratization of information," where users have gone from consumers to content creators. In this way, it is revealed how the media can involve the audience to influence their thoughts. They use all the sensory senses to influence people's thinking. From graphics, video games, surveys, and quizzes, In addition to personalized content, interaction is activated through platforms such as social networks, allowing users to interact with the content through comments, likes, and shares. We are not in a change of era but in an era of changes. Menéndez D, 2022). How do you incorporate these ideas into your media project? All the above ideas, for example, have been important to implement in my innovation project. The personalized content from my audience, for example, is seen where I write lessons based on the children's chosen topics of interest. With online platforms such as Classdojo, I implement active participation where they get to share their writing and get instant feedback. Use other online platforms like Padlet, where students share their work and give comments to their peers. I also use persuasive narrative devices to teach the children the skills of writing through interesting stories. I do this by using interactive stories where the student has to decide how it ends and they have to write different conclusions. Striking visuals would be my most significant draw for my little Giants. I would use animation videos to explain the rules of grammar and add game elements in writing by gamification to make the activities more attractive. I would definitely not leave out the use of Influencers. You could invite authors of children's books to a virtual session of reading and discussing the importance of writing. How will you motivate critics to read your publication? I believe that, first of all, to make critics take notice of me, I need to have a voice. That is, I need to feel and know the Why of my project and promote it with passion and persistence. Secondly, I would try to set up a plan of action to catch their eye and convince them to read me and look for me. To that, I would make a list of influential bloggers on education and technology and send them some of my posts that align with the themes of agitation and innovation. That would include the benefits and innovation I propose with data on how blended learning helps improve kindergarten students' engagement and performance in writing. I would also reach out to them through social media, where I would post meaningful quotes or key statistics on the tagged critics to engage them. Q and A chat and meetup spaces would be organized online,critics would always be invited to partake in discussions while providing testimonials of educators who have successfully implemented blended learning strategies.
- Audio and Visual Digital Tools
I would like to start by discarding or leaving aside the fact that I do not have enough experience in using or managing tools or applications to create materials in audiovisual format. It is a topic that I am introduced to for the first time thanks to the magnificent authors, analysts, and disseminators of the topic that I have been able to meet in this course, who have allowed me to open the paradigm that I had regarding the implementation of in our classrooms. Taking into account the above, perhaps I do not fully adhere to the analysis or discussion of issues, but I dare to raise my points of analysis from my modest experience. What audio and video applications can you use to help you create powerful presentations or demonstrate your learning? Looking for some of the applications that we can use to create audiovisuals, I found many. However, after an analysis of the intended audience and taking into account some specific characteristics of the place where I am going to learn, I found some of more interest that I show below: VideoScribe:This is a common tool used by educators, marketers, and presenters to create visually appealing and easy-to-understand material. It has automatically animated images and texts in hand-drawing style, making it an effective tool to capture the audience's attention. Powtoon: It is ideal for educational presentations and also explanatory videos. It is very easy to use; There are tutorials on how to use it in case one is a beginner. It has integration with other sites such as YouTube and Google Drive. Vyon: Advanced customization features. A huge library of resources. These animated video makers consist of VideoMojo and Go. Animaker: High character customization along with the number of animation modes. Renderforest: The template library is huge and very good value for the amount paid. What video or audio tool are you already working on and why? And what other tools can you consider? In my experience I had the opportunity to work with the VideoScribe tool, making some promotional and call-to-action videos. Among many, I chose this particular one because it automatically draws images and texts in hand-drawing style, a well-known trend hitherto seen in YouTube videos, which captivates viewers due to its unique production pattern. I also took some criteria from friends and family to decide which one I finally had to deal with, and VideScribe was the most popular style. Other apps I can consider could be Weebly and Invideo. As they are great tools for anyone looking for more meaningful video editing, and they are also more likely to integrate visual material within websites. If you haven't already, use that audio or screencasting tool to leave feedback for your peers and the learning community. I was looking for more screencasting tools: Camtasia, Screencast-0 Matic, OBS Studio and Loom. Much more than others, some offer advanced editing recordings great for tutorials and web courses. Additionally, others like Screencast-O-Matic and Loom are easier for core users with simple editing requirements. I decided to look at Loom because it supports a lot of quick recordings and allows for easy video sharing. Here I share a video that I found on YouTube, which describes how to produce this work from that platform. I found it to be an excellent option for tutorials, feedback, and differentiated processes. One thing that caught my attention is that it is very easy to access and master in order to create screencasting. Another essential element is the use of a large number of graphs and diagrams in real time with the work team to facilitate learning. One drawback is that it offers a 5-minute video recording on its free plan, which is very short. The other thing to note is that it lacks an Android app, which leaves this group in the air. Available only for iOS and Windows and as a browser extension. In any case, I will continue looking for more to expand my knowledge about this great tool of influence. I hope the experience has been valuable to you; In any case, you will see your own experience to continue learning about the subject.
- Change Behavior.
Being exposed to Jane's story was an experience because, through the feelings generated at that moment, I can explore how we touch people's hearts through lived stories and develop deep feelings of transformations and changes in people's behavior. People. It is an excellent tool to persuade and influence attitudes and behaviors. Once again, I echo Simon Sinek's theory. Finding the why means touching those emotions that release and drive people to make a change! The world is complex and diverse; we need to make use of our judgment, wisdom, or COMMON SENSE, for no ethical rules or principles tell us what is always correct. What we call common sense is what we all consider to be essential and evident knowledge. They are the conclusions that we reach almost automatically when we try to analyze what we perceive. But when push comes to shove, it's not easy to understand exactly what common sense is. If we spend a little time researching, we will find how Aristotle attributed it to our ability to perceive the same sensory stimuli almost identically when they appeal to our senses. But other thinkers make use of the concept of common sense to establish that beyond the senses, we all have a standard psychological matrix that enables us to analyze a thing and extract similar ideas critically. Jenic Across affirms that Our greatest adversary is not that change is difficult to make. The greatest adversary is common sense. Answering how common sense contributes to behavior change myths is challenging for the reason that common sense is what we do that feels right but only sometimes after the laws or rules. As an illustration, a thing that we often have to teach in our classrooms is a complicated topic and, in some way, we have to avoid the rules aiming to get better student benefits. We participate and see that societies and institutions take the path of creating rules, procedures, and incentive programs to push people in the right direction. More than unthinkingly following these regulations is needed to sow wisdom and awareness. Making the best decision, be it at work, in teaching, over a patient, etc., involves experience, trial and error, the learning that comes from those errors, and the chance to do it all over again. We often suppose that information or education about a topic will directly induce behavior change. However, common sense tells us that understanding the consequences of an action does not always change habits. We make the assumption that a person knows their motivation, and they will change their behavior if we can identify it and provide the motivators. The true value of common sense is to guide us when the reason, the norm, or the equations do not work. This tool will be very reliable for us, especially when we try to change a given behavior and attitude. Common sense leads to the solutions on how to escape these dilemmas and adventures. How can I use the six sources of influence in my change initiative? Implementing blended learning in kindergarten can be a transformative educational strategy, especially using the six sources of influence from Patterson and Grenny's "Influencer" model. I would recognize what intrinsically motivates kindergarteners, such as curiosity and the joy of learning through play. Integrate educational games and interactive activities that make learning enjoyable and stimulating. Use technology to create fun and engaging learning environments. Teach basic digital literacy skills to both students and teachers. This may include simple tasks for kindergarteners, like using a tablet or navigating a friendly educational app (personal skills). Encourage group activities and projects that require collaboration between students. Involve parents and caregivers in the learning process. Provide them with resources and information on how they can support their children's blended learning at home. (Social Motivation). Use tools such as educational applications that support teamwork and peer interactions. Establish a support network between teachers, parents, and administrators. This may include regular meetings, online forums, and workshops where experiences and best practices are shared (Social Motivation). Create a reward and recognition system for students who actively participate and excel in blended learning activities. This can include digital badges, certificates, or simply praise and encouragement. By strategically applying the six sources of influence, you can create a dynamic and supportive learning environment that enhances the educational experience of kindergarten children.
- Why? My New Vision.
Why: We believe that children's learning is most effective when motivated; integrating changes, innovation, and technologies can transform the writing process in kindergarten, making it more challenging and stimulating. How: We challenge the writing process by implementing the seasonal rotation blended learning model, an approach that allows education to be adapted to individual needs through technological activities, transforming the teacher into a facilitator and builder of dreams. What: Prepare generations that, from an early age, will develop the ability to accept the challenge of change in a world in constant transformation so that they thrive as collaborators, thinkers, and critical and independent writers. Kindergarten is an educational level in which children are first introduced to the field of letters and numbers. Although they have many ideas, they need help organizing and expressing them coherently. Several months after the start of the school year, we observed that students still needed to think and write ideas down. This makes achieving educational objectives, such as opinion, informative, and narrative writing challenging. This is a recurring problem that we face year after year in our classrooms, and that drives us to seek new perspectives, considering that today's children prefer to connect with video games and videos on YouTube rather than implement traditional games or write with pencil and paper. After studying some of John Kotter's ideas about communication as a vision of change and establishing a sense of urgency, the idea of finding the Why? Defended by Sinek, it has been a priority to implement them in my Innovation Plan. I believe that the Why makes much sense in all manifestations of life, not just in the educational aspect. In my opinion, it is that inner strength that springs from all sides when you do something you really like and are passionate about. It is the conviction that you will achieve your goals no matter what. That aptitude makes you move from A to B regardless of the risks and difficulties. It is when you get involved and identify with the process. It is when people feel like they are doing something worthwhile! Moreover, at that point, we realize we are doing something to change the world. We must inspire subsequent generations to create change based on their beliefs and feelings. Establish connections that last a lifetime. Children's learning is most effective when motivated. Integrating changes, innovation, and technologies can transform the writing process in kindergarten, making it more challenging and stimulating. In our quest to create an engaging and personalized learning experience for kindergarten students, my starting point will be to connect with the limbic system of all partners (teachers and students). Foster a passion for learning in children by creating discussion sections where students can share stories of themselves and their peers who have demonstrated a notable increase in their motivation and performance in writing, thanks to the incorporation of interactive technologies to the staff. The school will feature testimonials from parents and teachers who have seen positive changes in children, such as increased interest in writing and reading and a renewed enthusiasm for attending classes. I will implement Carol Dweck's theory by creating an inspiring vision where children meet educational objectives and develop critical skills for the 21st century, such as creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking based on trust in themselves and the systematicity of the work. I propose that the school management implement reflection sessions in the PLC schedules where the recognition of the urgent need to change traditional teaching methods is analyzed since they often have difficulties capturing our infants' attention and enthusiasm. It's crucial to highlight that the implementation of changes, innovation, and technology is not a whim, but a necessity to significantly enhance the educational experience, making it more relevant and attractive. The urgency lies in the fact that if we don't adopt a more dynamic and personalized approach now, we will continue to have year after year of students in our classrooms who, even in the upper fourth and fifth grades, still struggle to think about an idea and write it down. This leaves a generation ill-equipped to conquer the future they once dreamed of. Our vision, as described in the statement: “Prepare generations who, from an early age, develop the capacity to accept the challenge of change in a world in constant transformation so that they thrive as collaborators, thinkers, and critical and independent writers. It is a powerful inspiration and serves as a call to innovation, change, and transformation. By igniting passions for those who dream of a model where educational progress is measured by the acquisition of practical skills and competencies rather than time in the classroom or traditional exams, we are instilling a profound sense of hope and optimism for the future of education. We also aim to show the dangers of continuing with the status quo and highlight the opportunities our students would lose if we do not embrace this revolutionary change. At its core, our call to action is based on appealing to the heart, generating intense emotions and connections with the writing process. Embracing the urgency of the present, we are heading toward a future where our students will achieve academic success through a more personalized and practical approach to learning, and become empowered by developing a strong sense of self-efficacy and confidence in their abilities. They will also become collaborative and socially well-adjusted individuals, as the new model encourages teamwork and communication skills. References Start with why — how great leaders inspire action | Simon Sinek | TEDxPugetSound. (n.d.). Retrieved October 12, 2017 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4ZoJKF_VuA Kotter, J. (n.d.). John Kotter – The heart of change. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NKti9MyAAw Kotter, J. (n.d.). Leading change: Establish a sense of urgency. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Yfrj2Y9IlI
- Perusing and Sharing Publications.
Many authors and educational influencers have visualized and promoted the idea of a revolution in education, which others call reform or contextualization of the educational system. All are linked in a common denominator: emerging "CHANGES" that we need to make to form a generation adapted to the needs of a society that presents a global economy and a diverse and inclusive culture. As Kevin Robinson explains, the technological revolution has transformed the nature of work. Once safe professions are disappearing due to automation and artificial intelligence. For example, machines and algorithms are replacing repetitive and manual tasks. The modern economy increasingly values knowledge, creativity, and innovation. Soft skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration are essential in today's job market. Likewise, modern societies are increasingly diverse. There is greater awareness and demand for equity and inclusion in education, ensuring that all students have access to quality education regardless of their socioeconomic background, ethnicity, or ability. Therefore, the education system is responsible for addressing these challenges by focusing on developing these competencies since future jobs will develop skills that still need to be clearly defined. Job competition is now global, and students must be prepared to compete locally and internationally. This requires an educational approach that fosters a global perspective and intercultural competencies. Hence, the learning environment must constantly evolve due to the impact of these elements discussed above. Another element under consideration that has generated profound changes in the educational environment is the integration of technology since it is revolutionizing how we teach and learn. Digital tools such as online learning platforms, educational applications, and multimedia resources are making learning more interactive and accessible, personalizing the educational experience and adapting the content and teaching media to the individual needs of the learners. The combination of in-person instruction with online components (hybrid education) and the growing acceptance of distance learning have changed the dynamics of traditional classrooms by offering flexibility and accessibility to more students. Documenting and sharing these changes through blogs, academic articles, social media, and educational platforms can inspire other educators to implement similar improvements. Collaborating with other educational institutions to share innovative practices can amplify the impact of these changes. Two research topics that I find particularly intriguing and believe could significantly contribute to our understanding of education are the motivational impact of digital resources on the writing process in kindergarten students, and the influence of blended learning in primary education classrooms to generate authentic learning environments. These topics hold immense potential to shape the future of education, and I am excited to delve deeper into them. COVID-19 gave us one of the most significant developments in education: the adoption of video conferencing (Zoom and Microsoft Team). It provides educational access and continuity to millions of students worldwide. A crucial element that minimizes disruption to learning and ensures that students can continue their academic training from home. Today, it remains an excellent tool that provides the opportunity to collaborate with others, introducing a new dimension of flexibility in education, bridging distances, and reducing costs with the ability to record and playback classes that allow the group to review the material at their own pace, improving the understanding and retention of information. Despite progress, there are critical areas that require attention and improvement. One of the main concerns is the security, interoperability, and accessibility of digital tools. Many digital sites can make managing multiple applications difficult. Create an integrated system where tools are accessible for students with disabilities. Data security and privacy are another area that needs improvement. Privacy policies and security safeguards need to be strengthened to protect information. Students and teachers should receive more training on cybersecurity best practices to prevent attacks and measures to protect their data. Finally, continuously assessing and adapting educational technologies is vital. Gathering user feedback and analyzing the impact on student performance and engagement is crucial for ongoing improvement. Staying updated with the latest trends and emerging issues in educational technology is essential for educators, administrators, and tech developers to ensure these tools have the maximum positive impact on education Publication of Interest. 3 Ways to Evaluate Digital Resources Made for Preschoolers Blended Learning Learning Environments Reference. Robinson Ken, 2013. Changing Education Paradigms. URL: https://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_changing_education_paradigms Musallam R. 3 Rules to Spark Learning URL: http://www.ted.com/talks/ramsey_musallam_3_rules_to_spark_learning Interactive. Johnson Steven, 2011. Where Good Ideas Come From. URL: https://youtu.be/NugRZGDbPFU Top Educational Technology and Learning Tools: https://bise.edu.in/educational-technology-and-learning-tools/ (2022). Qatar : Kuwait's First Sustainable Fashion Conference Launches May 31. MENA Report.
- Digital Tools in Digital Environments.
There is a strong belief that the education system is broken. It is not broken. It is merely constructed. It is just that we no longer need it because it is outdated. (Sugata Mitra, 2013). The perception that the education system is broken is a recurring theme in education debates and arises from various factors and concerns. In many education systems, many students do not achieve basic proficiency levels in fundamental skills such as reading, mathematics, and science. Low results in international tests such as PISA are evident, revealing the perception that the educational system is not working correctly. These problems lead to the firm belief that teaching methodologies need to evolve more to adapt to technological advances and new ways of learning. Schools often need to adapt their curriculum to the changing needs of the economy and society, which can leave graduates with outdated skills. Patti Dobrowolski's stirring words are our call to action. She urges us to take charge of our lives and envision a future that we truly desire for ourselves and our children. With this vision in mind, let us not just dream but actively work towards building an updated and more effective educational system. Integrating current and future trends and tools in educational technology has significant potential to transform and improve education. This impact is seen in several key areas of the educational process, from the personalization of learning to accessibility and student motivation. Have knowledge at hand in record time. Shorten distances and establish connections worldwide by living educational experiences in inhospitable places in nature. Academies that allow students to access online courses and educational resources by offering various courses covering multiple disciplines and facilitating autonomous and flexible learning with the combination of face-to-face teaching and online components have been part of the impact it has generated in education in this digital age, which has become a reality for many dreams that are far from the world due to limitations of time, resources and language. Current and future trends and tools in educational technology make teachers and students better prepared and trained to develop skills of creativity, critical analysis, adaptability and continuous learning, flexibility, long-term vision, programming capacity, and data analysis. Awareness of the challenges to ensure that educational technologies are used ethically and equitably benefits all students and respects their rights and privacy. In my classroom, using digital resources has become my students' greatest motivation to learn. In the writing section, through an Apple Pen, iPad, and letter tracing and drawing programs, students are open to the imagination and creation of their inner world, leaving behind frustrations of not knowing how to use the pencil to write or not being able to keep writing sheet in the correct position to capture your thoughts. Programs such as Kahoot and quizzes have become moments of high motivation for knowledge in search of the final winner or winner. Additionally, I have used content and creation tools like Canvas, which offers an extensive library of visual content options to make presentations of some complex content to explain to kindergarten students. Zoom and Microsoft Team are also essential tools in my work environment, allowing distance education, hybrid learning, group interaction, and participation. As an educator, I recognize the importance of staying abreast of the latest trends and emerging issues in educational technology. This commitment to continuous learning is not only crucial for Adapting to student needs and improving educational effectiveness but also for preparing for the future. To this end, I actively engage with the edTeach Blog, attending webinars and online seminars. I also make it a point to read articles and magazines that delve into trends and emerging problems in the field of Educational Technology, such as Computer & Education and Educational Technology & Society. We are all chasing a dream. For those who dream of an ideal, inclusive, equitable, and effective educational system that prepares students to face the challenges of the modern world, it invites you to take action, start changing your world, and share it since sharing your ideas is just one way to become a thought leader in digital learning. GO! "A solitary Fantasy can transform a Million Realities" Maya Angelous. Resources: Mitra Sugata, 2013. Build a School in the Cloud. YouTube video: https://youtu.be/y3jYVe1RGaU?si=FUYjvhEI5W2eZ1QB. Dobrowolski, 2015. Draw your future - Take control of your life Youtube video: https://youtu.be/4vl6wCiUZYc?si=xmjRqTICPh6HGkbJ
- Eportfolio - Show me Yours and I will Show You Mine
Creating the ePortfolio has been a new topic for me in every sense (professional and personal). For the first time, I have started to create a website that reflects who I am and my true essence. It is a process of learning and construction that has at times been confusing, desperate, and even stormy but, at the same time, has been a unique and unforgettable experience. The possibility of seeing my colleagues' ePortfolios has given me a broader and more accurate vision of what path I should follow. They have offered me a route that, in moments of frustration, has given me the clarity to know what to do. They have inspired and stimulated my creativity with new ideas for design and content. I appreciate the diversity of ideas, organization, and structure that I have seen during the review process, as they have helped me understand the importance of the content of an ePortfolio with clear and coherent navigation. During this review process, I also identified areas I need to improve and those that could have been addressed more effectively. I have better understood how home pages are designed and organized and what purpose each of them should have. These discussion sessions are extraordinary as they allow us to analyze how to apply the best practices and strategies used in ePortfolios to improve our effectiveness. George Couros' (2012) vision played a pivotal role in my ePortfolio journey, illuminating the ePortfolio's potential as a powerful tool for inspiring others to embrace learning challenges. His emphasis on the importance of connecting our practice to the learning process was particularly impactful. I was particularly struck by his discussion on the process of creating a Blog and the potential to integrate content by linking to different pages or blog posts within his portfolio. Our journey on this topic is just beginning, but as we progress in building the ePortfolio, we are learning that we have a powerful tool in our hands that we can use to construct, learn, reflect on, and evaluate our learning environment. This is my first idea about my ePortfolio, but it is currently undergoing a transformation process. https://joycetorresperez40.wixsite.com/learning/s-projects-basic References Why use an ePortfolio http://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=6063 Harapnuik, D. & Thibodeaux, T. (2023). COVA: Inspire Learning Through Choice, Ownership, Voice, and Authentic Experiences. Learner's Mindset Publishing - Chapters 1 - 3 and Chapters 7-9
- Connecting the Dots: Collaborative Discussion
Educators know the importance of training students to connect the dots instead of collecting them. Connecting the dots involves going beyond memorizing data or procedures. It is about helping students understand how concepts relate to each other and how to apply them creatively in different contexts. Why do we spend so much time encouraging our students to connect the dots instead of connecting them? To explain this phenomenon, we must consider that we are heirs of a Traditional Education where achieving success means having a greater capacity to remember specific information and reproduce it in standardized exams. For decades, we have been echoing a theory of repetition and schematization deeply rooted in our culture and learning environment. Another significant element is that it is easier for a teacher to follow these repetition standards than to create lessons that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity skills essential for success in today's modern world. From my point of view, one of the problems that the education system creates is that we have yet to be able, through our class lessons, to interrelate one subject with another and inclusively with the world around us. We go to the classrooms to teach very academic concepts and theories. We do not teach our students because it is essential, for example, to study physical phenomena and how to put them into practice to solve real-life problems. On the other hand, school districts measure the success of a school year (teacher) by the numbers collected in databases. Something that forces the school management and the teacher to emphasize, for example, the importance of memorizing fifty frequently used words by the end of the school year in kindergarten. However, over time and not as quickly as we would like, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of teaching students to connect the dots. How to do it should be a red alert for every teacher. Today, on this learning journey, I find myself in the constant search for knowledge. I want to learn everything I can and improve myself more and more. I want to be nourished by the different points of view of authors and educational trends that emerge according to the needs of today's world. I want to update myself with technological innovations to offer tempered classes to the 21st-century student. All of this will undoubtedly lead to the students. The better prepared the teacher is, the further he will take his students. Improvement + Consistency + Passion = Student Success. The importance of creating effective learning outcomes is vital. How to do it? It would be a good question and an excellent start to promote changes in the educational system. There is a famous proverb from my town that says planes crash! Referring to the exciting thing about spontaneity. However, in the educational system, making plans for projections of activities, results, and evaluations is significant. Considering them will avoid a gap between what is taught and how it is taught. By considering them, students could feel more clarity about what is expected of them. Aligning outcomes, activities, and assessments helps students have meaningful opportunities to practice and demonstrate their understanding and feedback for their academic and personal development. References: Collins, J. C., & Porras, J. I. (1994). Built to last: Successful habits of visionary companies. HarperBusiness. Harapnuik, D. (2016). Mapping your learner's journey [Blog post]. http://www.harapnuik.org/?p=6420 Learners Mindset. (2021, September 15). Collecting Dots vs Connecting Dots [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/_7o3Jh1KZLw
- Contribution to Your Learning and the Learning Community
EVERYTHING started to change! When I started the Master's of Education in Applied Digital Learning (ADL), my schedules were compressed, my free time was extinguished, and my world began to spin quickly, needing more than 24 hours in the day. However, at the same time, advancing through these courses has been a UNIQUE experience. It has allowed me to interpret the vision of the natural world differently and adopt innovative and contextualized tools to create efficient and contemporary learning environments. It has helped me grow professionally and spiritually. The relevance of working together and supporting each other on my Distance Learning team has been extraordinary. This message recognizes everyone's contribution and the collaborative environment crucial to my achievements. I cannot overlook the IMPACT that EDLD 5313 and EDLD 5303 have had with the continued development of Carol Dweck's theory, which analogically defines it as a profound awakening, a spectrum of knowledge designed to empower people. This methodology has helped me understand that failure is not a permanent state but a process of evolution and transformation, giving me self-confidence, perseverance, and adaptability. To take it on, I designed a Growth Mindset Plan to create learning environments where the power of the word NO YET means for my students: A second chance to become intelligent. Another significant element I have had during this EDLD 5313 course is the deep analysis in which I have immersed myself to develop class plans through the 3-Column Table and UbD Template. This analysis gave him a complete view of designing and evaluating compelling learning experiences. I identified strengths and areas for improvement in my lesson plans. Integrating elements of both will be my goal, to create a personalized approach that best suits the needs and individualities of my students. The EDLD 5313 course constitutes a detoxification of a vision rooted in traditional teaching with decontextualized behavior patterns. By analyzing the book A New Learning Culture by (Douglas et al. Brown, 2011), we show ourselves the need to adapt to technological and digital changes. I am offering an optimistic vision about the potential of technology to improve education and prepare people to face the challenges of the 21st century. Previously, it was believed that creating an ePortfolio was only for Computer Engineers. Insertion into the EDLD 5303 course allowed me to assume a growth mindset in completing it. Successful people are not necessarily the smartest, but those who work and are consistent. Through this journey, I have also had the opportunity to immerse myself in a deep analysis of Why I use an e-portfolio. Dr. Harapnuik expressed real, authentic, and genuine. It is helpful to convey who you are as a professional, individual, or person with a certain belief. The continuous rethinking of educational approaches such as COVA has allowed me to see that other innovative methods open a path to students' empowerment, motivation, responsibility, commitment, and creativity by allowing them to choose how they want to learn. One of the most transformative aspects of my journey through EDLD 5303 and EDLD 5313 has been the formation of a vibrant learning community. Observing and learning from my more experienced teammates has been a game-changer. Their work not only inspires me but also provides me with tangible guidance. This peer learning dynamic has not just deepened my understanding of complex topics, but has also broadened my horizons by exposing me to diverse perspectives and methodologies. Contributing to my learning community has allowed me to apply this knowledge in real-world scenarios, allowing us to see the "power" of teamwork. We have had excellent reflective discussions and effective brainstorming, improving our group problem-solving skills daily and gaining confidence in the discussion sections. Working as a team, I have improved my ability to self-manage knowledge and manage my time well to meet the deadlines for the different activities scheduled in the calendar. We have actively participated in the learning groups, meeting every need of any team member by reviewing the tasks and reflecting on the revisions and contributions. We have completed the supporting readings and videos for EDLD 5303 and EDLD 5313 courses. This collaboration has gone beyond simple academic assistance. We shared resources, networked, and exchanged ideas, creating a dynamic environment where innovative ideas flourished. This spirit of collaboration helped hone our skills and expand our knowledge base, making us more skilled and versatile learners. Considering these elements, he did an incredible job with my work team, leaving room for continuous learning.
- Helping Each Other
I have previously expressed that creating the ePortfolio has been a unique experience. I have faced many challenges, but at the same time, it has been meaningful learning and discovery in my training as a professional. The opportunity to share with other professionals and see the different perspectives and ideas related to the creation of the ePortfolio has been enriching in developing my own. The diversity of colors, graphic designs, and organization of each reviewed portfolio has inspired and challenged me to continue working on mine and find more and more of my essence in what I transmit. Here I leave you my ePortfolio. I hope you find something that inspires and motivates you, and if not, please let me know with your comments so that I can continue learning and contribute to creating a better world from my little piece.
- Embracing Change:
When you become a role model, Inspire others. This does not mean that you are that almost perfect glass object, but that you demonstrate behavior worthy of emulation in each of your actions and thoughts. Be honest, creative, persistent, and optimistic in your actions and decisions. I believe that the vocation of a teacher is one of the professions where INSPIRATION is a key factor for success in the teaching and learning process. It challenges students to set high goals and ambitious learning and emotional development aspirations. How can I inspire my students in digital learning? The best way to inspire is to do. First, they should use technology in class lessons and show them how to learn in an attractive, varied, and, above all, didactic way. Wide eyes and surprised faces reflected in phrases like THAT WAS MAGIC! When I use Good Note, I show them photos of their work at that moment, or when I write on the iPad with the Apple Pen, they see it on the digital whiteboard. Secondly, be constantly updated about the benefits of each new technology and its implementation in the classroom. Third, be authentic. Share with students your experiences, failures, and challenges with using technology, showing them that mastery and implementation will help them become innovative, creative, and independent students. Ken Robinson is known for his focus on creativity and innovation in education. In his famous TED Talk "How School Kills Creativity," Robinson argues that the traditional 20th-century education system does not adequately foster the skills needed for the 21st century and advocates for a more student-centered approach to talent development. . individuals a big difference between the education of the 20th century and that of the 21st century. Thomas Friedman, in his book "The World Is Flat," Friedman examines how globalization and technology have transformed the economy and education. In an increasingly interconnected world, he highlights the importance of 21st-century skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Many authors have focused on expanding the need to stop copying learning models and implement those that respond to all 21st-century students. The learning of the 20th century has been characterized by dogmatic teaching where the teacher played the leading role, placing him in a position of power and leaving the students relegated to a secondary level. The classes were monologues and long lectures with few bibliographies. The learning method was mainly based on repetition and factual memorization of long texts. Evaluation systems governed without creativity and rehearsal playing leading roles. The technology was a pipe dream. The 21st century brings a threshold of science, art, sports, and education opportunities. Teaching and learning models undergo a true transformation, which technology provides with numerous tools. Active learning and student participation in their learning process are encouraged by promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration among students. Access to bibliography and information is unlimited, helping to research and explore a wide range of topics quickly and efficiently. Today, with 21st-century education, technology is NOT a chimera; it is fire, change, transformation, and evolution. Lessons learned in 60 schools visited: Stop talking and start doing. Schools have to be open to take on the challenges of change and begin to implement it. The possibility of being interconnected represents a potential for innovation since others have already solved the problems that affect some institutions and can be replicated. Although change can be difficult, it is necessary to face challenges and overcome them. References: 21stEducator. (2009, April 2). 21st Century Education vs. 20th Century Education [Video]. YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiD1UqLPrOg Macfound. (2010, December 1). Rethinking Learning: The 21st Century Learner | MacArthur Foundation [Video].YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0xa98cy-Rw TEDx Talks. (2013, March 21). What 60 Schools Can Tell us About Teaching 21st-century skills: Grant Lichtman at TEDxDenverTeachers [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZEZTyxSl3g Edited by Joyce Torres Perez on Apr 24, 2024, 8:46:30 PM
- Changes, challenges and growth in my ePortfolio.
This was the first time I considered creating a website or ePortfolio. The insertion of the ADL program allowed me to get started! I felt proud of my evolution and saw in my practice the validation of Carol Dweck's theory: Successful people are not necessarily the most intelligent, but those who work hard and are consistent. If you want to know how I plan to model the growth mindset and the "yet" message in my classroom, see my Growth Mindset Plan section. In The New Psychology of Success, Carol Dweck presents some evidence of how her theory has impacted and transformed students' learning styles. Here, I leave you an example of some of her notes. I got an e-mail from one of my undergraduate students shortly after I had taught her the growth mindset. Here’s how she used to study before: “When faced with really tough material I tend[ed] to read the material over and over.” After learning the growth mindset, she started using better strategies—that worked: Professor Dweck: When Heidi [the teaching assistant] told me my exam results today I didn’t know whether to cry or just sit down. Heidi will tell you, I looked like I won the lottery (and I feel that way, too)! I can’t believe I did SO WELL. I expected to “scrape” by. The encouragement you have given me will serve me well in life. . . . I feel that I’ve earned a noble grade, but I didn’t earn it alone. Prof. Dweck, you not only teach [your] theory, you SHOW it. Thank you for the lesson. It is a valuable one, perhaps the most valuable I’ve learned at Columbia. And yeah, I’ll be doing THAT [using these strategies] before EVERY exam! Thank you very, very much (and you TOO Heidi)! No longer helpless, June For me, good training is one that not only makes you participate and learn actively but also gives you something more: new knowledge (knowing), new tools (knowing how to do), and inspiration (wanting to do). On this occasion, I will focus on the ePortfolio tool because it is a determining element in achieving an authentic learning environment where knowledge and inspiration are its fundamental bases. Dr. Dwayne Haranuik, an instructor at Lamar University, says. If we simply build upon the minimalist definition of an ePortfolios as a learner’s digital evidence of meaningful connections, then the answer to why one would want to create an ePortfolios is to show those meaningful connections. This notion of showing what one has created, developed, built, written or assembled is an extremely important aspect of an effective learning environment that is often overlooked beyond the show & tell sessions that we fondly remember from primary school. I learned about “The ePortfolio” for the first time in EDLD 5302 Concepts of Educational Technology; from that moment on, a door towards creation, innovation, and authenticity opened, capturing all my attention. At first, I was reluctant to accept the challenge. It was something that I previously believed was only for specialists on the subject. I spent long hours and countless days researching how to do what was impossible in my eyes. Then, due to urgent needs, I began to create my first home page. At that moment, I felt a deep emotion. Although moments of despair and anguish due to the impotence of ignorance constantly invaded the space, I HAD ALREADY PREPARED my first page on a website! Then, I began to design the page about me and other random ones connected through links to other subpages loaded with information, videos, and images that gave an authentic color to my page on the Wix site. Later, in EDLD 5303, he had the opportunity to reconnect with me through updates and organization of my work. If I were to compare my old ePortfolio with the new one, the EDLD 5302 allowed me to start. A starting point is essential because it overcomes inertia, generates momentum, and teaches us by doing. Moreover, EDLD 5303 has given me awareness and reason for my ePortfolio. The quality of the included elements, the structured analysis, and the visual style have gradually improved. The reflections made in the blog are now more profound, linking the content of everything learned so far. I have been changing the style of my ePortfolio, so when updating and publishing, everything is erased. I do not have a presentation of my old ePortfolio. However, I have some excellent recommendations from Dr. Harapnuik about improving my blog page in my old ePortafolio, which you can see below. Some observations about my old ePortfolio. Now I have much more control over the buttons, strips, decorations, columns and all the variety it gives us. I created a new page, 5313, where he could explain and share what he thinks about the latest topics in education. I have had the opportunity to create my blog for the first time and update and define the colors representing my voice. When someone listens and understands us, we feel valued and respected. We feel more connected to the people around us, which helps us feel internal satisfaction. People need to be heard. It is a call of our times! Inspired students are intrinsically motivated to learn when they perceive that they have a high degree of autonomy and voluntary participation in an activity rather than because they are being externally controlled (Deci & Ryan, 2000). The following links provide examples and support for choice, ownership, voice and authenticity: Who Owns the ePortfolio? Do I Own My Domain If You Grade It? Beneath the Cobblestones… A Domain of One’s Own Domain of One’s Own. Who Owns the e-Porfolio? References Dweck, C. (2006). The New Psychology of Success. Copyright. Harapnuik, D. (2021). Learner’s Mindset Explained. Harapnuik, D. (2023). Why Use an ePortfolio. https://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=6063 Harapnuik, D. (2023). Why Use an ePortfolio. https://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=6063
- No Yet Means
Not yet" means, to me, a starting point when things go wrong. It is an attitude towards life (work-study). It is a window to the future, a possibility to create and believe in new tools and skills to achieve achievements with better fulfillment. "Not yet" means a second opportunity to empower someone with their capabilities, confidence, vision, and leadership to drive positive changes in the situations in which they live. Not yet" is what we all hope and want to hear… "Not yet" means a second opportunity to empower someone with their capabilities, confidence, vision, and leadership to drive positive changes in the situations in which they live. Not yet" is what we all hope and want to hear.
- Learning Manifesto:
“Education is not about things; it is about living beings. It is about creating conditions for growth.” Ken Robinso. Six years ago, I was a professor at the University of my country of birth. At that time, primary education was something I didn't even stop to think about. That possibility became an appropriate option upon my arrival in the United States. I was able to accompany my children's learning actively. I became a Volunteer, then a Teacher's Assistant, and finally a teacher. Each one of them gave me the possibility of entering an unknown world. My only memory from elementary school was that TEACHER I had!! Then I discovered that: That is my PASSION! When I enter my classroom, no matter how much worry I have, everything is forgotten before the arrival of a battalion of little giants who almost helplessly carry a backpack full of emotions: I love you, Mrs. Pérez! I missed you a lot! I love coming to your class! I do not want to go! I feel happy with you; you are like my mom; thank you for teaching me, for making me a giant! It is impossible to get them out of my mind, to talk about them without a tear, without feeling an intense emotion from the bottom of my heart. The possibility of transforming my environment, of helping to overcome fears and needs in students and families. See the joy reflected in the eyes of many parents with a THANK YOU TEACHER: “Now my child is different.” Helping each of these families fills me with happiness and well-being; it makes me feel good about myself. Finding my purpose in life for a common and social good has been the key to my happiness. Reference. Dweck Carol, 2006. The New Psichology of Success. https://youtu.be/_X0mgOOSpLU?si=JaAxep130uPsadeZ
- Growth Mindset Plan
Rewarding a good answer in the classroom is not entirely erratic thinking. Starting from the principle that people are moved by that energy that drives them to achieve their goals in the most efficient way possible, which we call motivation, that hurricane that passes through you and feels the need to move somewhere that resonates with you or interests to motivate. If we review history, in Ancient Greece, we find that Socrates and his disciple Aristotle began to make sense of the answer to the question: Why do human beings do what they do? These are questions that we have been asking in the search for efficiency and effectiveness in the training of students. I am a Kindergarten teacher in the state of Texas. Every day, we face the difficult task of educating children with different learning and motivation needs. We are constantly searching for tools to achieve the miracle of learning for these children in this first school stage. We wear ourselves out looking for methods and techniques to get their attention and ensure that they take ownership of the academic content and values that will serve them throughout their live.
- Choice, Ownership and Voice Trough Authentic Learning
COVA is an opportunity for continuous growth and self-management of the student's learning process, where students find meaning and logic when they learn something meaningfully. Learning becomes authentic since it has a why and for what purpose. This model appeals to me because it is an excellent opportunity to change our perspective on teaching and learning effectively, where the first step could be through a process of internal unschooling. For me, the biggest challenge is managing knowledge independently outside of an academic environment. I could miss the face-to-face class we have predetermined in our teaching culture. I must also use and master new technologies to support this learning model. As a benefit, this proposal induces us to be the object and subject of the process from the first day—developing opinion and how-to skills in all case studies and taking sides from your place of work or study. It is a novel model with a unique feature that allows us to develop skills and obtain new knowledge from interconnectivity with the academic universe and the new. It also allows us to develop the interactive capacity with other institutions and authors who give us the most innovative criteria related to the topic. Dr. Dwayne Harapnuik. (n.d.). CSLE. It’s About Learning. https://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=849 Dwayne Harapnuik. (2018, February 14). COVA Approach [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ft__0LE3qQ Dwayne Harapnuik, Tilisa Thibodeaux, & Cynthia Cummings. (2018). Choice, Ownership, and Voice through Authentic Learning COVA. Creative Commons License. https://doi.org/https://gallery.mailchimp.com/1bdbac4d4fbdff334a642eb11/files/8b18ae2a-8696-4d58-9b80-192f4cc6624c/COVA_eBook_Jan_2018.02.pdf Harapnuik, D. (2017, July 19). Cova. It’s About Learning. Retrieved June 23, 2021, from http://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=6991
- Disruptive INNOVATION.
"If you do not change, you become extinct." The sooner you get rid of the old cheese, the sooner you will find new cheese." It is an excellent start to discuss the need for change in Education. From my point of view, change is accompanied by a set of experiences and experiences previously lived that give rise to new paths and new conclusions, which is why it almost always brings better solutions. I do not believe that technology is a disruptive force in Education. More than a virtue, I consider it an opportunity, a GREAT OPPORTUNITY! To build the new child, the new man. Reference. Cristensen Calyton, Disruptin Class. https://www.amazon.com/Disrupting-Class-Disruptive-Innovation-Change/dp/0071592067
- Why use an eportfolio
This was the first time I considered creating a website or ePortfolio. I believed that this was only possible for specialists in the subject. Successful people are not necessarily the most intelligent, but those who work hard and are consistent. Dr. Harapnuik masterfully defined why it is important to have an ePortfolio: Real, authentic, and genuine. It is a helpful aspect to convey who you are as a professional, individual, or person with a certain beliefs. Read more. References. Harapnuik, D. & Thibodeaux, T. (2023). COVA: Inspire Learning Through Choice, Ownership, Voice, and Authentic Experiences. Learner's Mindset Publishing - Chapters 1 - 3 Why use an ePortfolio http://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=6063 Reflection4Learning - https://sites.google.com/site/reflection4learning/why-reflect 41 Benefits of an ePortfolio https://kbarnstable.wordpress.com/2010/01/08/41-benefits-of-an-eportfolio/
- Communicating a Vision for Change.
This reflection has allowed me to stop from everyday life, which consumes us with the myopia of the present, to self-reflect on my role as a teacher. I had never asked myself if I was an innovative educator with so many things to learn in my first year of teaching, and to my surprise, I discovered that I have a little bit of a genius inside. I am a Kindergarten teacher with a particular degree in training children, where play, creativity, and authenticity play a determining role. Hence, I am constantly seeking to improve my learning environment based on the changing needs of students and advances in the educational field. I explore innovative evaluation methods such as projects, contests, and competitions where creativity would be the most awarded element. Despite their young age, I encourage them to take risks and set high goals. Communication is one of the elements that make us Rational Beings. Helps build relationships, teamwork, and trust. Develops a knowledge base, which helps in making better decisions in life. Empathetic communication contributes to an emotional and favorable climate. However, the lack of clarity or insufficiency in the transmission of information constitutes a significant error. When information is not transmitted clearly and completely, people can interpret it differently, generating confusion and misinterpretations due to erroneous or incomplete decisions. This makes it an essential error since it negatively affects understanding, decision-making, interpersonal relationships, efficiency, effectiveness, and achieving objectives in various contexts, whether in the professional, personal, or academic field. Conversely, consistency in communication would be a determining factor since it ensures that the information is updated, reduces misunderstandings by continuously providing information, and avoids knowledge gaps. In summary, constant communication is essential for effective operation in various contexts since it leads to the overall success of relationships and objectives. "Feeling heard and understood is one of people's greatest needs." Virginia Satir.
- Who Owns the ePortfolio
Nothing is more genuine than seeing a child's satisfaction when they say: I did it! In some way, we all feel reflected in the stories of Dr. Harapnuik's children. I remember when my daughter was six years old; she asked me if she could help her draw a dog. At that moment, I could not help her, and she decided to manage the knowledge of her. She looked for my phone, went to YouTube, and saw how to draw a dog. When she returned, she told me: Mom, I did it! I already know how to draw a do. I will never forget it! Read more References: http://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=6050 https://www.edsurge.com/news/2015-08-10-do-i-own-my-domain-if-you-grade-it https://medium.com/bright/the-web-we-need-to-give-students-311d97713713.
- Be the change you want to see in the world.
Margaret Hefferman's words deeply inspired me. What motivates people is the bonds, loyalty, and trust they develop with each other. Reflections that make me think about my interaction environment. Powerful words (loyalty-trust) that, more than words, I like to call values. Loyalty and trust are fundamental pillars in building solid bonds that imply a resilient commitment even in difficult times, which would be an emerging alert in our actions. They are essential qualities that build strong, lasting, meaningful bonds in any area of life. The most significant contribution of this reflection for me is that it invites us to learn that we all have a value that leads to individual and collective responsibilities to promote change. Bringing out the best in others and bringing out the best in ourselves would be the most significant challenge as a social entity. Recognizing and celebrating each individual's diversity and intrinsic value is a priority in building a more just, inclusive, and compassionate world. Not yet" means, to me, a starting point when things go wrong. It is an attitude towards life (work-study). It is a window to the future, a possibility to create and believe in new tools and skills to achieve achievements with better fulfillment. "Not yet" means a second opportunity to empower someone with their capabilities, confidence, vision, and leadership to drive positive changes in the situations in which they live. Not yet" is what we all hope and want to hear. It would help to start thinking differently to change how we learn and adopt the growth mindset. Develop skills, accept mistakes as part of the learning process, and take challenges as an opportunity to discover tools and new potential. Have a different perspective on intelligence, assuming it is critical and built with perseverance and hard work. In the educational framework, create activities where students link academic knowledge with real life. Teach them why learning math, reading, or writing is essential and how to use all that knowledge daily. For students with an open, critical mind and capable of leaving the Learning Pit every time they enter. It is about teaching them to think and develop logical thinking, and not one that translates into memorizing the contents. "It is preparing it for the future" is a simple and widely used phrase, but it almost always remains as a noun, not a verb. It helps them discover their Superpowers and shows them how valuable they are even when they have not been able to complete a task. So, a good starting point would be, as Eduardo Briceño points out, every time we hear: "I cannot do it," add, YET. A growth mindset helps limit the professor, and students worry about grades. It is indisputable that creating educational environments where people gain confidence in their reasoning ability and where there are spaces for analysis and processing of information helps to see the educational process as something natural and not a goal. Nevertheless, it is something that educational organizations should work on together. A teacher is still evaluated and compensated for the student's grades (something that is necessary). However, at the same time, it helps the teacher see the grades as necessary in their students instead of promoting the desire to learn. Bringing with it that it is reflected the same way in the students. It is a topic on which I would like to continue seeing some views and starting points from the different authors who study it. I would like to end by saying that this learning session ignited a calling within me. It has made me continue reflecting on how to start thinking differently. Be aware of the benefits of having a Growth Mind as a life practice and not a fixed Mind.
- Learning Revolution
When I was six years old, I had a dream. Learn to ride bicycles. I immediately had many experts on the subject at my side. My dad, cousin, sister, and even my neighbors. All with a theory and way of riding bicycles. However, despite many instructions, I could not get very far. One morning, I looked out the window of my house and started looking at everyone riding bikes passing by. Notice how people held the rudder, braked, and moved their feet to achieve balance. In a hurry, I went outside and began to imitate what I had seen, and to my surprise, I got further than I had ever achieved before. At that moment, I did not understand what happened. How had I yet to achieve it before? With so many instructions around. Today, I had the opportunity to discover knowledge, draw conclusions, and develop my solution using external support. After that day, riding bicycles was already a known topic. The same happens with the teaching process. When the students can discover, create, imagine, and have fun, they will develop authentic, reflective, and innovative learning. Today, we face significant challenges in Education. The need to be Revolutionary and not Reformative is already an emerging cry. It must be a verb and NOT a noun. You must step out of the box and take action. It should help find and cultivate individual passions for learning and personal success. We, as educators, have the responsibility to develop our voice. We need to be part of the change and promote it in our daily lives. Our mission is to explore innovative practices, prepare students for their present and future, and commit to development. These videos are more than just a collection of knowledge and talks. They are a legacy, a guide that extends beyond the screen. They inspire and mobilize my actions as an educator, helping me define my objectives, approaches, and perspectives toward acquiring knowledge and skills. They are a compass, showing me what works best to achieve my goals, both in the short and long term.
List of Books
List of books that I would like to read to improve my overall growth and that of my organization.