Siary
Rodriguez
Final Compilation
Throughout the design, implementation, and evaluation of my innovation proposal to enhance early language and math learning in preschool students, I have gained valuable insights that have influenced my teaching methods and reinforced my dedication to establishing an inclusive and accessible learning environment.
It is essential to recognize that this innovation proposal has been created to improve early language and math learning in preschool students. It is based on the COVA model (Choice, Ownership, Voice, Authenticity) and utilizes a blended learning approach in its rotation model. The proposal is designed to be inclusive and accessible, ensuring that it caters to the diverse needs of students in the Cleveland ISD.
I express my gratitude to all the educators, parents, and colleagues who have generously shared their time and expertise to make this proposal a valuable asset in the education of our young learners.
The Value of Educational Innovation: Developing a course based on the COVA (Choice, Ownership, Voice, Authenticity) model has not just changed my approach to teaching; it has transformed it. This model empowers students, fostering a greater connection and engagement with the content. By incorporating gamification and blended learning, I have made activities more engaging and relevant, promoting interest and intrinsic motivation among students. This transformation is a testament to the potential of our proposal.
Comprehensive Instructional Design: Instructional design has been crucial to this process. From the analysis phase, where I identified the needs and characteristics of my students in Cleveland ISD, to the evaluation phase, where I conducted usability testing and gathered feedback, each stage has been crucial to ensuring the course's effectiveness. Creating a three-column table and outline gave me a clear structure while designing the plan, facilitating an orderly and efficient implementation.
The instructional design involves carefully selecting resources and tools that encourage active and participatory learning. I have integrated various technological platforms, such as Canvas and gamified tools, to provide students with multiple ways to interact with the content. This variety caters to different learning styles and stimulates student interest and motivation. In addition, I considered accessibility at every stage of the process, ensuring that all students, regardless of their technological skills or background, can fully participate in the course activities. The creation of support materials, such as video tutorials and how-to guides, has been instrumental in empowering students and parents, facilitating their understanding and use of the tools. These elements have contributed to a comprehensive approach prioritizing user experience and meaningful learning.
Implementation and Usability
The implementation and usability phase was a turning point where I observed first-hand the ability of students and parents to interact with the Canvas platform. Through usability testing, I gained invaluable insights into the user experience. Although I managed to involve several colleagues and teachers, the feedback revealed the need for greater diversity in evaluators, especially among parents and teaching assistants. This discovery leads me to rethink my recruitment and training strategies for future testing.
The corrections made after receiving the survey feedback proved to be effective. Including video tutorials and clear guides has made it easier to navigate the course, significantly improving the overall user experience.
The usability phase has been instrumental in assessing the effectiveness of the course and its ability to meet the needs of my students and their families. It identified strengths and areas for improvement in the platform and user experience. Not only has this process allowed me to make informed adjustments, but it has also reinforced the importance of involving end users in the design and implementation.
In the video below, I will walk you through the critical components of the course and the corrections made based on the feedback received. Join me as we explore how usability has been improved to ensure a smooth and practical learning experience.
I want to ensure that my educational innovation proposal is effective and meets the needs of students and their families. To achieve this, I have created a series of implementation questions to evaluate different aspects of the course, such as navigation and the tools used. These questions will help me assess the implementation, identify challenges, and gather recommendations for future improvements. I have developed these questions based on thorough analysis and feedback from usability testing. It's important to continue refining the learning experience and achieving the course's objectives.
I will evaluate the navigation and tools and gather student and family feedback about the learning experience. Their input will help me identify areas for improvement and ensure that the course meets their needs and expectations. I want to create a more inclusive and responsive learning environment by engaging with the participants and considering their diverse perspectives and experiences. I also plan to establish a continuous feedback loop to encourage ongoing dialogue and community building. Prioritizing open communication and collaboration will help cultivate a culture of trust and support, enhancing the educational experience for everyone involved. These efforts will contribute to the long-term success of my educational innovation proposal, ensuring it remains aligned with the evolving needs of students and their families.
Reflecting on the challenges encountered while implementing my proposed educational innovation has been enlightening. While navigating this process, I realized that each obstacle presented an opportunity to grow and learn. The lack of participation from certain groups, such as parents and colleagues less familiar with technology, highlighted the need to create an inclusive environment inviting everyone to participate. Recognizing that I could not always bring together the right people led me to reconsider my recruitment strategies and think about how I could make technology more accessible and understandable to everyone involved. This learning has inspired me to implement pre-training sessions and extend invitations to a more diverse group to ensure their valuable perspectives are included.
Through usability testing, I understood that course design's simplicity is crucial to a positive user experience. Suggestions on improving navigation and access to external resources led me to rethink the course structure in Canvas. Not only did this optimize the experience for students and their families, but it also strengthened the alignment between activities, learning outcomes, and assessments. By addressing students’ psychological needs, I have learned that their emotional well-being and confidence in using technology are just as important as the academic content. This reflection has motivated me to continue refining the course, ensuring that each decision is based on a student-centered approach, resulting in a more effective and meaningful learning experience for all.
Lastly, addressing infrastructure issues and the lack of technological resources has allowed me to reflect on the importance of being proactive in finding solutions. Creating an alternative plan with downloadable activities and printed materials ensures no student is left behind due to technological barriers. Ultimately, these challenges have contributed to an enriching learning process and reaffirmed my commitment to creating an inclusive, accessible educational environment focused on all students and their families' well-being and success.