Why Applied Digital Learning?

I am SO excited to be starting a Master's of Ed. program through Lamar University. Every time I share this news with someone, they just stare at me and blink. Maybe it's because I am a District Level Instructional Technology Coach, working in 11 schools. Maybe it's because I have 4 active kiddos. Maybe it's because of all my "side projects". Maybe it's because of my age... who knows? I just know I'm THRILLED!

My interest in digital learning started as a user of digital tools myself, and I found myself being able to easily learn and incorporate digital tools to enhance and support students' content learning experiences in my classroom, during professional learning opportunities I was asked to share with adults, or streamlining processes that were taking too long...

I also found I had the ability to easily share how to do that with others in a variety of situations to help whatever goals they were working on. In my current position, I've observed a trend of misalignment between digital applications, the usage of said digital applications, and content curriculum. Instead of being the great equalizer of access, personalization, and efficiency that results in growth for all learners and teachers, this misalignment often results in negative outcomes that affect classroom management as well as teaching and learning outcomes. I want to change that and help others make that shift!

I am excited to begin the process of digging deeper in learning specifically about digital applied learning, everything it entails, and how to turn theory into practical experiences that will assist me in my current position-supporting countless others in the 11 schools I support, as we all work together to achieve the best possible outcomes using variety of digital tools in purposeful ways for the students we serve in our community. I want all students to experience the joy in learning how to learn, growing in confidence and competence as they discover their strengths--and I believe digital tools are part of the process to making that a realistic possibility!