COVA

Initially, when I set out to get my master’s degree, I was strictly focused on how to teach teachers how to implement technology in their classrooms. Although once I began the courses for the ADL program, I quickly realized this degree was so much more than that. Dr. Harapnuik explains how this program has been “designed to develop both your digital knowledge and your leadership abilities and give you tools, skills, and knowledge to empower those in your educational community to step outside their comfort zone and into the digital future” (Harapnuik, 2022). This quote is so important to me because I naively thought this would be strictly about utilizing certain websites and apps in the classroom, but this program is much more intricate and elaborate than I anticipated.

COVA is the most important aspect of this program because instead of solely giving us information about it, we must engage in the COVA approach as well. Dr. H told us on our first day of class that he would never ask us to do anything that he has not done, and this program instills the same sentiment in us because we are utilizing these approaches before, we implement them in our educational community. The most challenging aspect I have encountered so far is finding my voice. I am still finding the balance between bringing my individualized ideas to the forefront and backing them with the needed research to support them. Although, the COVA approach has had a positive impact on my time in the ADL program; I have since found joy in having the choice of how we create our projects. Now that I have a general understanding of how to create and manage my website, I enjoy making infographics, videos, blog posts, and designing my website. I have also found that I am enjoying these courses more because I am not stressed about the structuring of the ePortfolio, combined with the initial shock of how difficult it was to create it. This has resulted in me being eager to complete assignments, better grades on these assignments, and made me become more excited about what knowledge we will gain throughout the program.

The COVA strategy is perfect for my innovation plan to implement blended learning in the classroom. I believe once we provide our students with choice, ownership, voice, and authentic learning opportunities, the students will have access to individualized opportunities that ensure their growth and success.

Harapnuik, D. (n.d.). Applied digital learning. It's about learning. Retrieved April 9, 2023, 2023. harapnuik.org/?page_id=8517