COVA to CSLE Reflection

Reflecting on my digital learning and leading journey, I realize my path would have been very difficult without the right mindset.  I clearly remember my first virtual class and thinking what the heck did I get myself into.  I had never heard of COVA and didn’t even know how to begin.  I was confused with the idea of having choice (C), ownership (O), voice (V), and authentic learning (A).  My entire educational life, I was given instructions and directions of what I needed to memorize and study and what exactly I should utilize to complete a project or presentation.   Every course I took up to completing my bachelor of science degree resulted in completing a comprehensive exam to demonstrate my knowledge and skills.  Fast forward to the beginning of my journey in the Lamar University Digital Learning and Leading Program (DLL),  I found myself wondering if I had what it took to be successful in the program.  Little did I know how much the COVA approach would prepare me for the success I’ve had so far.
In my first course of the DLL Program, EDLD 5302 Concepts of Educational Technology, with Dr. Reed, I found myself doubting my current skill-set and ability to successfully continue in the program.  I clearly remember the first virtual class meeting with Dr. Reed introducing herself   This was the first virtual class I had ever participated in and I felt completely out of my league with other students who seemed more technologically advanced than I was. I was actually very nervous about going to school online. I always thought of myself as tech-savvy until this first course.  I had a lot more to learn if I wanted to continue my lifelong goal of earning a master of education.  I prepared myself mentally for the challenge and began to embrace the COVA model.  My first thoughts on the COVA learning approach as I posted on October 26, 2019 was as follows:
The COVA learning approach is going to positively impact my ability to learn many new strategies and concepts in the DLL program. The thought of the COVA learning approach actually helps ease my stress level about being successful in the program.  The COVA learning approach offers flexibility (choice), the opportunity to share my personal beliefs & learning experiences (ownership), the opportunity to share what was learned from personal mistakes & failures (voice),  and the opportunity to make a positive difference to what matters the most (authentic).
As I read and listened to the clips, I realized how my entire public education experience up to this point has been traditional and industrialized.  As a student, I had nothing to compare the education style to and thought the approach was simply how it was meant to be – classroom setting with straight rows, students sitting still & quiet with textbook or workbook open following along as the teacher read aloud. We had numerous tests & quizzes that involved a lot of memorization, and so many standardized tests in Texas schools & higher education (CTBS, TAAS, TAKS, STAAR, ACT, SAT, etc.)  And how can I forget the test taking techniques we were required to learn, read the passage twice before answering, cross out the extra & irrelevant information, 2 finger check, completely fill in the scantron bubbles.  Year after year, teachers teaching to the test. I then asked myself are we effectively prepare our students to be successful and to survive in the real world outside of the classroom.
The most challenging part of the COVA approach will be selecting the audience for my work.  I work with administrators, parents and students in grades K-12, and this year I started a literacy program that included families who are non-English speaking.  Although the COVA approach would prepare me for the success I’ve had so far.