Before the Applied Digital Learning (ADL) program, I had never been immersed in a learner-centered environment. I, along with many educators, have been told to create learner-centered classrooms, but have never experienced one ourselves. This course has changed that for me. The COVA approach has provided me the opportunity to have a choice in how I show my learning, take ownership of my work, have a voice, and has provided me with an authentic learning environment with the creation of my ePortfolio.
All parts of COVA work together to create a learner-centered environment. Experiencing this as a student has already proved to be extremely beneficial in what I do as an Instructional Technology Specialist. I want to grow the teachers I work with and inspire them to take on this approach with their students.
Nevertheless, the COVA approach definitely comes with its challenges. Because most education is provided as traditional models, I, like many of us, are conditioned to that type of learning environment: teach, test, repeat. It’s extremely uncomfortable when given a choice because it creates a sense of uneasiness. When not given a direction, we don’t know where to go. Given the option to choose, we have to trust what we know and what we have learned and have the confidence to show it through the choices we make. This is uncommon in education and forces us out of our comfort zone; however, with the right teacher, it can create a path to a growth and learner’s mindset. This is the exciting part for me as it relates to ADL. I am nowhere near a learner’s mindset, but day by day, I’m moving closer and closer.
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