Learning Manifesto

Photo by (Fayerweather, 2018)

My Passion:

“Knowledge Makes Us Grow”—these words have been my guiding light throughout my teaching and learning journey. For me, they hold profound meaning. Plants, too, have played a vital role in my life. The love for plants runs through generations, from my great-grandmother to my grandmother and mother. My passion for plants intertwines with my insatiable quest for knowledge. I find solace in researching and reading about topics that pique my interest, as well as nurturing my garden. In my mind, both my students and I are like seeds, patiently waiting for the right conditions to blossom. Just as plants require the right balance of nutrients and environment, our educational system plays a pivotal role in nurturing or hindering growth. Have we, as educators, contributed to our students’ flourishing or their demise?

My Past:

What’s Wrong with Education? A Tale of Survival

I vividly remember being that student in class—the one with a half-raised hand, hoping the teacher would notice. I wanted the teacher’s attention, but not my peers’. Quietly, I’d question, “How should I proceed? Is this correct?” Doubt plagued me, and my confidence wavered. This pattern persisted from my early years in K-12 education through most of my undergrad journey.

Late nights were my companions, as I burned the midnight oil to catch up on missed lessons and complete homework. The pressure to excel—to blend in seamlessly with my peers—weighed heavily on me. Little did I know that an undiagnosed learning disability was silently affecting my progress. Despite the challenges, I pushed forward, driven by my parents’ unwavering belief that education held the key to unlocking opportunities. They did their best with the resources available.

As I matured, education introduced me to the concept of “survival of the fittest.” To progress to the next level, we must meet predefined criteria or achieve a magical number set by the state. Yet, beneath this uniform standard lies a diverse tapestry of individual learning processes and outcomes. We find ourselves comparing against peers, measuring our worth by external yardsticks. But does a flawless test score truly signify learning? I recall a classmate who aced the SAT, securing a full college scholarship, only to abandon their studies. Conversely, I know another—a struggler in standardized exams, with a poor SAT score, who persevered through remedial programs to attend college. This individual earned a bachelor’s degree and is now pursuing a master’s degree. That person was me. Education often judges books by their covers, neglecting the rich contents within. Let us champion a system that values growth, resilience, and the unique journey of each learner.

My Prior Accomplishments and Innovative Practices as a Teacher

During my 17 years of teaching middle school science, my primary goal was to meet my students where they were and empower them to take ownership of their education. One method I employed was integrating project-based learning into my lessons using technology. Here’s how we achieved this:

Securing iPads for the Classroom:
- Recognizing the potential of technology, my science team and I applied for a grant to acquire a classroom set of iPads for each science teacher per grade level.
- This was a significant step, especially since our school had only two computer labs at the time.
Interactive Class Presentations:
- With access to iPads, my students could actively engage in interactive class presentations.
- We explored scientific concepts through multimedia, simulations, and dynamic visual aids.
- This approach made learning more engaging and allowed students to grasp complex topics effectively.
Real-Life Simulations:
- iPads provided a unique opportunity for students to work with real-life simulations.
- Whether it was modeling chemical reactions, exploring ecosystems, or understanding physics principles, the iPads allowed for hands-on experiences.
- Students could experiment and observe phenomena that were otherwise impossible to replicate in a traditional classroom setting.
Personalized Learning Paths:
- The iPads enabled individualized learning paths.
- Students could explore topics at their own pace, revisit challenging concepts, and delve deeper into areas of interest.
- This flexibility catered to diverse learning styles and needs.

In summary, our initiative with iPads transformed the learning experience, bridging the gap between theory and practice. Students could now interact with academic content in ways that were previously unimaginable.

My Present:

What’s Right About Education? My Fundamental Beliefs About Digital Learning

Reflecting on my educational journey and grappling with concepts like COVA (Choice, Ownership, Voice, and Authenticity) and CSLE (Creating Significant Learning Environments) during this master’s program, I’ve repeatedly asked myself: Is this how education is meant to feel? The resounding answer is yes. Learning about COVA+CSLE and then experiencing it firsthand has been truly transformative. Initially, I resisted this shift—it was unlike anything I was accustomed to.

But true change begins from within. Carol Dweck’s book, Mindset, became my compass. Realizing that having a growth mindset isn’t enough—I needed to embody it—was a game changer. This program compelled me to walk the talk, immersing me in an educational environment focused on growth rather than mere numbers. In this digital age, education should empower learners to thrive, adapt, and evolve. It’s about nurturing curiosity, fostering resilience, and igniting a lifelong love for learning.

Emerging Issues in Digital Learning and Leadership

Availability: Is There Sufficient Infrastructure and Coverage to Deliver Reliable, High-Speed Wired or Wireless Broadband Service and Technology Tools for Learning?
Affordability: Can Learners and Families/Caregivers Pay for the Total Cost of Maintaining Reliable, High-Speed Broadband Service and Technology Tools for Learning?
Adoption: Do Learners and Families/Caregivers Have the Information, Support, and Skills to Obtain Regular, Adequate Access to Reliable, High-Speed Broadband Service and Technology Tools for Learning (US Department of Education, 2022)?

My Future:

What Impact Do I Hope to Make in My Organization?

As a change agent, my aspiration is to be the stone that creates ripples in the water—small actions that lead to significant effects. It all starts with one individual, and gradually, the impact spreads, touching many lives. Eventually, we all undergo transformation. Disruptive innovation is the catalyst in the realm of digital learning. Its purpose is to level the playing field, ensuring equitable access for all. However, beyond mere access, the quality of competition must remain our priority. It’s not just about participation; it’s about fostering excellence and growth. In my organization, I aim to champion this mindset, creating an environment where every learner thrives, every educator innovates, and every ripple contributes to a sea of positive change.

What Should the World Do to Enhance or Fix Education?

To enhance and fix education worldwide, we must embark on a collective journey. Here are some crucial steps:

Shift the Culture:
- Cultivate a culture that prioritizes learning over rigid standards.
- Encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity.
- Leverage law and media to promote this shift at state, national, and global levels.
Revamp Curricula:
- Develop curricula that foster growth mindsets from pre-kindergarten through higher education.
- Emphasize adaptability, resilience, and lifelong learning.
- Ensure that curricula reflect real-world challenges and opportunities.
Create Space for Reflection and Change:
- Regularly evaluate and adapt educational practices.
- Encourage educators, students, and communities to engage in introspection.
- Be open to transformative shifts that align with the evolving needs of learners.

By collectively embracing these principles, we can create an education system that empowers individuals, fuels progress, and prepares generations for a dynamic future.

Reference:

US Department of Education. (2022, November 7). Barriers & Strategies. Office of Educational Technology. https://tech.ed.gov/advancing-digital-equity-for-all/barriers-and-strategies/#adoption