Where is the Innovation Plan Now?
Innovation Plan Update
Blended Learning is such a broad topic. When I started to prepare my innovation project, I had no idea how broad blended learning can be as a topic. Focusing in on the change that I so desired was essential. COVID guided me in my desires as we were forced to go virtual for a spell. Unprepared I transitioned as good as I could. Through the trials and challenges faced I felt that permanent good could grow. Turning the once obstacles into future opportunities became my goal focus. I continue to tweak the plan. Minor adjustments to aid in successful deployment of the plan. My shift began to focus on a critical issue in my building. That issue is one of attendance and seat time. We have 7 different schools sending us students. All schools arrive and depart at different times. How can I make the most of the time with my students? Using a flex blended learning model filled the deficit.
The journey that I embarked on last August began with developing this innovation plan. I created a letter of intent that was delivered to my principal and instructional facilitator. I then developed an implementation outline. At the same time, studies in a simultaneous class drew upon the importance of having and using a growth mindset and understanding the power of “yet”. I analyzed what learning has brought me to my current position. This work was put on display in my Learning Manifesto. One of the most helpful and engaging classes helped me to develop an online e-portfolio where I would collect and display all works along the way using a website and a Blog. Paralleled to this class was one that focused on Creating a Significant Learning environment. Here we explored outcome-based instruction as well as competency based. I then modified my growth mindset plan using my own experiences to guide the way.
My plan was evolving as I approached the halfway mark of my current classes. I would develop a publication that highlighted innovative ideas and findings. Along with my peers, I would create a podcast that discussed the importance of blended learning and how it could move learning to a new level in the classroom. Perhaps the most impactful class to date was one where I would analyze my why. We would look at influencer and 4dx for help. Managing the whirlwind was an idea that really opened my eyes. Crucial conversations was another fantastic read as we moved through this class. It was now time to develop the plan into action. The project-based work that was outlined previously was now displayed in a 9-week implementation. Prior to implementation and evaluating came the design phase. This was a class that I spent a ton of time developing. It felt so relevant putting together modules that my students would navigate this fall!
It was now time to learn how to take this innovation to the next level. This included a call to action that would perk the interests of peers in education. How could I share my plan with fellow educators in my building? A professional learning plan was developed and then a focus was put on one specific training session. It was now time to complete an action research plan which would setup a literature review to aid in the effectiveness measure of the plan. The finale would include the most important step which is reflection. So much growth comes from analyzing concepts and modifying the implementation and design.
As it stands, my innovation plan is a go for launch in the fall. I must continue to design my lessons through the learning management system. I have students who previewed the launch and have made suggestions which has led to modifications to the model. I have taken their suggestions to heart and will continue to work the planning for the full launch in September. I must have the first 9 weeks ready prior to the end of August. This 9-week session will focus on the start here section along with all the safety components that must be the precursor to the hands-on exercises. The modifications and additions will be ongoing throughout.
The trials that I went through during this process will forever be valuable to me as a learner and a tour guide for my future students. They will go through similar frustrations as I have. I must use my experiences to be a better patient mentor for them as they learn to take control of their own learning. My highlights included the actual builds. The e-portfolio development and the instructional design course carried the most water. Focus is difficult for me. My mind frequently goes off topic as I work through the process. Procrastination and managing my whirlwind have both overcome me in the past, even at times during this past year. Going on a much-needed vacation with my family has forced me to focus my efforts on this class. The output has been much greater than most so far. I have learned through the process how to be a better writer. I am still not a great writer, but I feel as though improvements can be seen. I feel a bit more comfortable.
Moving forward, I plan to continue to meet with the principal and the instructional facilitator in my building to help with the launch and sustainability of the plan. I will not ask students or peers to do something that I have not already done, so as I navigate the implementation, I will take notes and be prepared to share when the time comes to aid in the educating of my peers so that their classes will reap the same rewards as mine. Having the administrative personnel in my building as a part of the process will aid in the implementation throughout the building in the future. Continuing on in my learning journey, I will make sure that my future plans will be more focused at the start. Most of the steps taken through this journey have been intentional but some were too big. Baby steps are the key to a well thought out plan.
