Digital Learning & Leadership
​COVA Reflection & Application
From COVA: Inspire learning through choice, ownership, voice, and authentic experiences (cover page), by D. Harapnuik and T. Thibodeaux, 2023, Learner's Mindset Publishing. Copyright 2023 by Learner's Mindset Publishing.
Embracing the COVA (Choice, Ownership, Voice, and Authentic learning) model has profoundly reshaped how I understand learning, teaching, and leadership. From the beginning of this program, I recognized that my education would be driven by authentic assignments that encouraged creativity, risk-taking, and independence. Early in my coursework, I discovered that learning was no longer about following a predetermined path but about designing projects that reflected my personal interests and professional goals. This shift allowed me to take meaningful ownership of my learning, transforming assignments into opportunities for self-expression and authentic growth.
Innovation Project Update
I am currently at the final stage of my innovation project. I have developed a comprehensive implementation plan for integrating AI as a writing resource in a 9th-grade English classroom. This includes research through a literature review, the creation of an actionable plan, and a clear proposal for presenting it to my leadership team. The core materials are compiled and ready for review, and the next major step is to formally present the plan to my supervisors and, ultimately, to the executive director for consideration within the next school year.
Applied Digital Learning Synthesis
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The ADL program’s emphasis on reflective, purposeful leadership questions urges regular evaluation of how my time, networks, and comfort zones align with the vision for change. This ongoing self-inquiry and synthesis of my experiences will help sustain momentum and adapt my leadership practices effectively.
Contribution to Your Learning and the Learning Community
My performance in EDLD 5320 was defined by a profound commitment to foundational mastery and proactive engagement, reflected in a self-assessed score of 93/100. This confidence stems from meticulous engagement with the course material, including comprehensive completion of all readings and videos, which established a robust understanding of digital learning and leadership concepts. Furthermore, my consistent presence and substantive input in live sessions enriched both my personal intellectual growth and the collective understanding of the class. This commitment to move beyond minimum requirements, coupled with a keen awareness of continued growth, allowed me to develop a deep, applicable understanding of how to translate theoretical leadership principles into a practical digital context.
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A cornerstone of this successful learning experience was the highly effective collaboration within our five-member community—Faith, Sonia, Rebecca, Tasha, and me. We fostered a spirit of mutual support and cohesion, utilizing platforms like GroupMe for immediate and efficient coordination. My contribution focused on sustaining this unity and ensuring timely, substantive input in discussions and collaborative tasks. Crucially, I consistently provided sincere, constructive feedback on peer work, offering actionable advice that enhanced my colleagues' assignments. This practice of providing peer support reinforced my own critical analysis skills, demonstrating that true growth happens when we are willing to learn and lead collaboratively, lifting others while remaining open to personal development.
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The journey through EDLD 5320 not only honed my skills in critical analysis and proactive academic contribution but also served as a valuable reflective practice on my broader ADL program experience. By synthesizing the work from previous courses, I was able to intentionally shape and improve my Innovation Plan, confirming the significant impact these courses will have on my professional life. This learning community reminded me that true growth is a collaborative endeavor, strengthening through continuous feedback and the willingness to lead and learn at the same time. I will carry this proven principle—that a cohesive learning community is key to digital leadership success—forward in my practice as a reflective, collaborative, and intentional leader who creates lasting change.