Digital Learning in Local and Global Contexts

My original innovation plan is to bring blended learning into our kindergarten classrooms in order to differentiate learning. It includes a proposal to my principal, a literature review, an implementation plan, an annotated bibliography, and a video. As we move along the DLL program, we are having to stop and reassess our innovation plans and apply new things we have learned along the way. No innovation plan is perfect, but we can make changes that will make our chances for success increase. We created a video and updated our literature review to help with our innovation plan.

What worked?

Despite it being a not so average school year, our innovation plan has been moving along and helping us during this hectic school year. I am so lucky that I get to work with Darlene Cornier on this plan at our campus, because collaboration is a must. The success of bringing blended learning depends on people willing to collaborate, work as a team, make adjustments, and make key changes when needed. She has supported me, and vice versa. Our team can see us working, and they feel more motivated to join us.

During this school year, due to the pandemic, our district decided on implementing hybrid classrooms. I have taught virtual and face-to-face students simultaneously. It has been a daunting task, yet it comes with a perk because we now have 1-to-1 iPads for all students. Our face-to-face students bring their iPads to school daily, thus our plan to bring blended learning had been able to move along smoothly. Our school also has reliable high speed internet, so our students are engaged when using their iPads.

Students have been receptive to blended learning. They are very comfortable using the devices and asking for help. They have also been responsible. They bring their iPads daily, fully charged, and ready to learn. Students are very comfortable and able to use devices properly. Few in the whole grade level have damaged their device.

What could have been better?

Looking back and moving forward, our plan should include pre-k students. Our students this year are comfortable with devices because we started the beginning of the school year virtual and then transitioned to hybrid. This allowed students to be able to log on devices and use programs easily. Pre-k students should be getting comfortable with devices as well so that they can be confident when they reach kindergarten. This might not be an issue next year, but it is something to keep in mind for the future.

Based on readings, case studies, and implementation so far, teachers need more time for planning. It has been a tough year and our workload has increased so much. Adding another thing to our plates seems to be too much for our teachers. We must work together and set time aside during planning to make sure we meet the needs of our teachers too.

Also a clear vision for the program is necessary, as well as time to assess and make changes along the way. Too many times we are given technology and we have no idea how to use it. Moving forward, we must establish a clear vision for our plan and reassess as needed.

Lessons learned

After researching case studies and learning what worked and didn’t for others who implemented before, I can now see things that need to be changed or added. After reflecting on our new research, collaboration, planning, and clear vision will help our innovation plan move towards success. It is okay to stop and change things. Meeting with our team, communicating successes and frustrations will also help us.