So Many Different Pieces, One Beautiful Outcome

As I read my colleague's discussion posts in an online class I'm in, I am overwhelmingly reflective. What an amazing time and place we are at for learning. What a gift it is that we are able to learn and share ideas together, while not physically being in the same space, almost instantly.

All of that has been gifted to us with technology tools. From the device and interface, to the LMS, to video, to Zoom, etc. All of these digital tools, and the programming that make it all work, are put together in powerful ways that support a group of individuals reaching a learning goal: Our Master's Degree. Even for me, as I have had to miss quite a bit of work and classes due to illness, did not have to miss out on learning or hearing what my peers had to contribute. As I post this, I am still able to participate. Even illness and absence are not a roadblock standing in the way of learning.

That is what I want for EVERYONE. I want EVERYONE to be allowed the opportunity to learn and have some control over where and when they are learning. I want EVERYONE to be able to have access to tools that allow them to communicate, collaborate, and create. I want EVERYONE to experience the magic of when a digital tool helps you achieve a goal in a way that wouldn't have been possible without it. That is why I'm in this program. It's a lofty goal, to be sure, but one that I can start with one person at a time. As another presenter I heard said, "Take small steps to reach big goals".

If I am honest, I was born an optimistic realist who is continuously curious and open to learning. While thinking through how Digital Applied Learning and Growth Mindset intersect; I had to start with how I assess myself. I will say I tend to lean more toward the Growth Mindset, but I don't contribute that to myself alone. I definitely have some triggers, and fixed mindset points, as I have exceedingly high expectations of myself. I am not some superhuman who doesn't experience disappointment and negative thought patterns. What I do have is an environment and social support system that doesn't allow me to stay in that fixed place.

I come from a family and extended family that regards education as a precious gift, something that should never be considered "completed"; but always in the process of changing and refining. I found that foundation naturally led me to seek out others who held the same passion and curiosity for learning about the world around us. So, my environment helped continuously nurture what I hypothesize everyone is innately born with: a growth mindset. As I wrote in a previous post, I feel a fixed mindset is a thinking pattern that is learned at an early age due to societal or cultural norms we are exposed to in our environments. That is why EVERYONE is capable of a growth mindset because when you practice the steps to obtain and change your mindset, it's like a giant "factory reset" button. You're just going back to your original setting. That is why it's successful.

When you pair the power of that type of thinking -anything is possible, I am capable of learning new things- and apply a technology tool that makes an idea come to fruition; that is powerful. When I can communicate my thoughts into words and sentences that I can type and blog to share with others- that is powerful. Education

What does all of this have to do with universal design? You cannot standardize learning. Everyone's brain is unique and in addition to cognition, everyone is affected by so many other environmental and social factors when it comes to learning. Learning IS personal. Everyone deserves a personal learning experience that helps them be successful. To do this, you need to develop the right conditions that include everything from mindset to tools. The design HAS to be intentional, with a focus on the success of the individual. When the individual succeeds, it contributes to group success, which contributes to the success of us all.