Capstone | COVA Reflection & Application

Below are the writing questions and answers in greater detail. (My answer are in bold)

• Where or when did you first realize that you genuinely had choice, ownership, and voice through authentic assignments?

I first realized I had a choice during the first class (5305) when we created our own innovation plan and video to show what we wanted to accomplish and how.

• What was your initial reaction when given the freedom and responsibility to choose to take ownership of your learning through an authentic project? Were you ready for this? If not or if so…what did you do?

My initial reaction was that this is a program that will allow me to tailor my learning, but I was hoping that this class would be one that employers are looking for.

• What did you do to adjust to this style of learning? Knowing what you know now, what would you do differently?

I talked more with classmates, reviewed examples for ideas, and referred to all requirements to ensure that what I was creating met the requirements.

• How difficult was it to take control of your own voice and focus on your organization as the audience for your work?

It wasn’t very difficult.  I liked that we were able to apply our “real-world” issues to what we were learning and studying about.

• Some students had mixed feelings toward promoting change in their organizations—how has your attitude toward leading change grown throughout the program?

I have always been able to see where change was needed, but this class has equipped me with the skills to promote change and make it accessible and appropriate for all learning styles, skill levels, and steps, ensuring all teachers in my school/district are successful in implementing changes.

• How authentic is your innovation plan; did you just create it to get through the course work or did you really hope to change your organization.

My innovation plan is very authentic.  I tried to think of specific things that need to be incorporated in my current role at a CTE Center. For example, focusing on a platform that can be used after graduation. 

• How does the COVA approach and Creating Significant Learning Environments (CSLE) align or not align with your learning philosophy?

The COVA and CSLE approaches are essential to the success and continuation of my innovation plan.  Incorporating an ePortfolio has many benefits in elementary and secondary education.  But personalization (COVA) is important for promoting use after high school.  Also, having an ePortfolio is becoming required at many colleges.

• How has your perspective on learning and your learning philosophy changed? If there haven’t been any changes explain why.

The only difference is in my learning philosophy and the importance of effective training and application coaching for educators. This ensures that incorporating an ePortfolio becomes something students will actually use, rather than just another task teachers do to meet bare minimum requirements.

Part B

Summarize how you will apply the COVA approach to creating significant learning environments that provide your learners with choice, ownership, voice, and authentic learning opportunities. Consider the following questions and you used in the discussion as starting points for your plans on using the COVA and CSLE in your organization:

• Knowing what you know now about the COVA approach how will you plan to use the COVA approach to create significant learning environments in your organization?

The COVA approach has to start with the teacher training.  Effective training, which explains the why, how, and application in their respective classrooms, is essential. By having the teacher create their own ePortfolio, they will better understand its applicability to their content area and how to implement it into their lesson plans.

• OR will you not use the COVA approach and why?

• How will you give your learners choice ownership and voice through authentic assignments?

As a graphic design teacher at a CTE center, I will create projects that equip students with the skills to design realistic projects, preparing them for a practicum course.  In the practicum course, they get internships with local businesses, utilizing those skills taught in the classroom.

• How will you prepare your learners and colleagues for the COVA approach and CSLE?

For colleagues, I propose having the teachers create their own ePortfolio (using the same platform they will utilize in their classes).  This will be beneficial for three reasons: 1 - Teachers can use COVA to create their own ePortfolios. 2 - Learn how to incorporate COVA with students to help them create their own ePortfolios. 3 - Having students personalize their ePortfolio utilizing COVA.

• What are some challenges that you will face in using the COVA approach and CSLE?

The challenges will center around the technical aspect of adding content to the ePortfolio platform. This is why it is vitally important that during Professional Development, teachers create their own ePortfolio to gain practical knowledge to help students.