ePortfolio and my DLL journey so far

Learning about the COVA model has helped me to refine and articulate my knowledge and ideas about education. The use of the ePortfolio allows me to practice the COVA model myself as a student, and experience a more personalized learning environment. I am exercising my choice by using the tools of my choice to create my ePortfolio. I am also given the choice to investigate and follow my own learning paths, which means also have to assume ownership of the process. I am responsible for finding reliable and credible sources of information, and learning how to competently and creatively use the digital tools I choose to use. Having the opportunity to express my own ideas and beliefs through the coursework, and discuss topics with and receive feedback from other students, I can develop my own distinct professional voice. Having the above elements will allow me to have authentic learning opportunities, where I have depth of knowledge and experiences that I can build on for increased mastery in my field or career. I think that there are applications of the ePortfolio beyond the program of study that would contribute to its persistence. It would serve as a way for me express my authentic voice, which would allow me to showcase my work for future career opportunities and communicate with others in my field.
When I first entered the education field almost a decade ago, my “why” was that I wanted to work in a field where I could apply my knowledge, enjoy what I was doing, and feel like I was making a difference in the world. This is all still true and I now have refined and focused my “why” with the goals of wanting to improve teaching and learning for the 21st century with the integration of technology into education. This article discusses how the role of teacher is changing with the introduction of technology into the classroom and how educators will have to take on and specialize in additional roles; teachers will go from being the “sage on the stage” to one whose role is to “model and demonstrate.” Watching the TED Talk by Simon Sinek in this week's materials was quite eye-opening and inspiring, as well as being a great review of some of our concepts. I definitely will be more conscious of the “why” now instead of the “what” and “how” in my endeavors as a student and a professional in the field of education. I can now say I know for sure why I need to be "bigger picture" oriented if I want to not only achieve my professional goals, but also have others believe in and adopt my ideas and passions. I would say that this idea is the most valuable lesson I have learned so far in the DLL program, with the COVA model and identifying the fixed mindset as a close second and third. I will continue to apply the COVA model as my ePortfolio evolves as in my time as a DLL student and beyond, and I hope can encourage others to be conscious of it in their practice as educators. As described in the four step "Change Your Mindset" plan by Dweck, I will continue to identify the fixed mindset and replace it with the growth mindset. I can implement this on a personal level for my own professional growth and to effect organizational change.
References
Downes, S. (2010, December 6). The Role of the Educator. HuffPost. Retrieved 9 November 2017, from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/stephen-downes/the-role-of-the-educator_b_790937.html
Mindset | How can you change from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset? (2017). Mindsetonline.com. Retrieved from http://mindsetonline.com/changeyourmindset/firststeps/index.html
TEDx Talks (2009, September 28). Start with why -- how great leaders inspire action | Simon Sinek | TEDxPugetSound. Youtube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4ZoJKF_VuA
Thibodeaux, T., Cummings, C., & Harapnuik, S. (2017). Factors that Contribute to ePortfolio Persistence. International Journal of ePortfolio,7(1), 1-12. Retrieved from http://www.theijep.com/pdf/IJEP257.pdf

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