Making Money Make Sense
EDLD 5320 Synthesis in Digital Learning Capstone
The purpose of this course is to allow me the opportunity to synthesize the knowledge, skills, and values gained from the program and field experiences to lead organizational change.
COVA Reflection & Application
Part A :
My first experience with a significant learning environment occurred about a year ago in my first class of the Advanced Digital Learning and Leading MEd. program at Lamar University. All of my learning experiences before had been conditioned by what I knew the teacher expected of me. In almost every class I ever took I understood the way to achieve success, “A” or “B” on my transcript. (Sometimes I didnt put in the effort to receive an A, but I knew what the expectations were to get it.) However, this program provided a different experience.
In my first class, I was introduced to what my professors call CSLE + COVA (Harapnuik, n.d). CSLE stands for “ Creating a Significant Learning Environment'' and COVA is a learning approach offering students “Choice, Ownership, and VOice through Authentic learning opportunities.” These ideas are drawn from the writings of John Dewey, Jean Piaget, Seymour Papert, and others ( Harapunik, Thibodeaux, & Cummings, 2018). This learning approach would change how I thought about learning and subsequently change how I thought about teaching and counseling as a whole.
In the first class of the ADL program, I was encouraged to think for myself about my learning. The assignments were different then anything I had ever experienced. The rubrics I was given were vague. It was very frustrating for a student 11 years removed from school. I wanted to do well in the program and my professors weren’t telling me how. I was given complete freedom of choice in how I completed assignments. I was not prepared for this kind of freedom. There were no specifics on what to write ( or whether I should write anything at all). This would not end with the first class. I have been encouraged to flex my creative muscles and try new ways of showing I understood the content and expectations. I was given the opportunity to create an Innovation Plan that is specific to my organization and support that plan with research.
It took time for me to understand that no one was tricking me and that this wasn't a game. I was invited into meaningful conversations with other members of my learning cohort. These discussions were important. They applied to the work we were doing on our assignments and allowed us the opportunity to discuss new ideas, what worked and didn't work, and how to lead meaningful change in our organizations. Looking back, I needed every opportunity to talk to my fellow ADL students and my professors about how I could change my campus and what that change could look like. As I began to implement these same principles at work. I saw the opportunity this presented at every level of education. There is a high demand for financial literacy amongst college students. It was theoretical. It was a real change. Seeing this come together in “real life” and not just in my mind or in my assignments opened the door to possibility to bring my Innovation Plan to life.
Part B:
My innovation plan started small and confined to a specific learning environment and has evolved into a specific larger initiative involving multiple collaborators and outcomes. The scope of my innovation plan has grown beyond my original vision. The work of developing, researching, and creating collaborators has been far ranging and challenging then I initially planned. I began my IP without a specific blueprint - I knew what I wanted the end result to be. I also knew why I wanted my students to accomplish this goal and learn the different dynamics of financial aid, and the importance of financial literacy. The amount of work I've put in for my project is far ranging in scope and sequence. I’m not sure how much detail to include - I’ve written about all of it throughout the course and do not want to be redundant, but I'm going to summarize the key components of what has happened so far and what are my plans for expanding in the near future.
My initial IP plan focuses on understanding the key concepts of financial aid and the importance of financial literacy for college students. As a financial aid counselor, it is my job to make sure my students understand the different types of financial aid and what they qualify for depending on their situation. I have worked my way up to this position. I came back to Lamar after receiving my bachelor’s degree in 2010. In August of 2021, I accepted the position of a financial aid specialist with an emphasis of working Texas grants for students. I learned quickly that there is a lack of understanding amongst our students. I discussed several ideas with my director and was advised to apply for a counselor position so that the information can be delivered in an impressionable yet unforgettable manner. I accepted the promotion for financial aid counselor in February 2022 and from there my ideas took off.
I entered the Advanced Digital Learning program in March 2022 after visiting with my advisor / colleague Dawn Short. We discussed the different parameters of the program and asked me how I might proceed. I told her about my ideas and she encouraged me to pursue the development of my concepts into a more concrete endeavor. She explained to me that she would be on this journey as well and plans to implement different ideas for advising and how we could work together to accomplish these goals.
References:
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Harapnuik, D. (n.d.). CSLE + COVA. Retrieved from: http://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=6988
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Harapnuik, D., Thibodeaux, T., and Cummings, C. (2018). Choice, ownership, and voice through authentic learning. Creative Commons License BY-NC-ND.
Innovation Plan Update
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Where I Started:
As I began working on my project, I did not see the magnitude and all steps they were going to be required to implement something successful. Initially, I pursued a master’s degree because I thought it would provide better job security and a slight increase in pay. Little did I know, it would impact me in ways, both personally and professionally , that would significantly alter my thinking and the way I interact with my students. I struggled to find a graduate degree that would be a good fit for me- most programs catered to K-12 educators in pursuit of advancing administratively. I, on the other hand, come from a teaching background but was looking to expand my knowledge within my organization. I was in a unique position in that my teaching experience developed several years ago, coupled with the fact that the primary field of study is financial literacy. I researched programs for a while, and one day after speaking with Dawn Short, my academic advisor at the time, I was introduced to the ADL program.
The Plan:
When I began the process of starting an innovation plan in 5305; I was very excited to present change to my organization and the impact it will have on my school as a whole. My proposal was acknowledged by the director of financial aid at the time and assistant director. After preparing my innovation plan to start implementation for this school aid year and the beginning of changing a student’s perspective; I had to take a complete detour when I got a promotion to Financial Aid Counselor. I began to brainstorm a new direction for my innovation plan and even considered trying to recruit another counselor to pilot my project based learning model through blended learning.
After consideration of all angles and paths: I came to the realization that my plan only needed a shift in who my audience is and not a complete revamp. So I began to look at different parameters of the changes that needed to be made for a smooth implementation and began preparing to propose changes to my new supervisor. There have been several changes within my organization that are beyond my control. First, there have been several new colleagues added to our financial aid team, including a new director. This has caused several advantages and disadvantages within my innovation plan. My proposal was accepted by my supervisor and I had begun making plans to implement parts of my innovation plan in October 2022. And then in March of 2023, a new director Megan Butaud was introduced to our team. Our new director is open to change and recognizes that our students understanding the different aspects of financial aid and the importance of financial literacy is an issue amongst our students. However, due to her being newly introduced to financial aid and the lack of expertise. It was advised that certain changes needed to take a back seat for better analysis. The following outline displays the current process and will be updated as necessary. Please click the numbers on the timeline infographic to access the links.
The Future :
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During the initial decision of making process for my innovation plan; I recall reflecting quite often on what the final product will look like in my organization. This reflection of my progress and intended goals was very beneficial, but I also noticed that I need to make more of an effort to adjust my path more often after reflecting. In my new position, I have a great opportunity to provide a type of professional learning that I crave as a student and I know many others have a need for as well. Providing this new way of learning for counselors has become quite a passion of mine. As I continue to work toward the implementation of this innovation plan; I am already thinking about what my next endeavor will be and how this plan is just the beginning. Only time will tell as I continue to be an agent of change in the educational environment.
In spite of our big turnover in counselors and administration, I feel that I have a good chance to implement my project in the midst of new staff. As one of my professors pointed out, times like these can provide an opportunity for new ideas to be successfully introduced. I plan on moving forward with my financial literacy project, and furthering my career in the financial aid department in the process. I already have some other ideas in my head and I know the different things we have learned in this program is a game changer. Lifelong learners with a growth mindset are hard to keep down. This program has helped me to develop my self - confidence as well as my technology skills. I am on a learning journey that continues to become more exciting with each new bit of information learned… Yes, somewhat overwhelming at times, but so worth it!