The COVA learning is already impacting my learning in Ed Tech/DLL program by allowing me to select how I wish to present my learning.  There is no set structure that we need to follow such as, produce it in essay style.  If I wish to present it in a PowerPoint, in a video, on a flowchart, I can do so.  This will allow me to develop my ePortfolio in the style that I can present it how I choose and be different than others.  In other words, I can follow the route in my mind that I feel others can understand and comprehend for their own use.  By using my own voice, I am able to structure my work and ideas as I see fit to allow me to succeed.  I always have liked to think that I am able to walk the talk, especially when it comes to teaching teachers/students about methods and strategies to acquire as many technology skills as possible. By using authentic learning experiences, this program will prepare me as a leader who can create significant learning environments, lead organizational change and drive innovation in a digitally-advanced century.

The COVA model appeals to me in a definite positive way.  I would not say that it will fix the issues with the traditional didactic models of teaching and learning.  But it can be of great assistance in this endeavor.  Everyone has to go through the traditional learning instruction in order to learn all concepts.  But the COVA model can allow students to meet the standards set by ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) by extending their knowledge and ideas.  Teachers can show their students the music video “7 Ways” so it can spark their interest in the skills presented in the video.  You can find the video on this website http://www.iste.org/standards/standards/7-ways.  By following the COVA model, it can empower the learner to set their own personal learning goals.  By using digital tools to connect with learners throughout the world, they can become global collaborators.

The freedom to choose (C) might challenge me the most.  The reason being that throughout the years, I tend to have trouble to sticking to deciding on what method I wish to structure and organize my experiences of learning.  During an assignment, I have change up to 3 different ways at the last minute.  I like to sit back and analyze the final product to assure that my audience can comprehend it with little or no trouble.  But at the same time, I can see the freedom to choose as the most beneficial.  The other parts of the COVA model are also very beneficial because it is the result of my best learning outcomes.

There are numerous websites that can assist with tips on developing our own voice for an ePortfolio.   Here are resources of guides and strategies to empower student voices.

http://openingpaths.org/blog/2016/02/ways-to-empower-student-voices-now/

https://eportfolio.iupui.edu/Resources/Student/Telling-Your-Story-Your-Way

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:ZQeyXolcWR4J:electronicportfolios.org/

portfolios/CRA.pdf+&cd=14&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

One of the ways of developing a sense of learner agency is having the power to act on our choices we make.  Corazza (2014) stresses that we have to think out of the box by crossing the borders within our minds from what we know and what we haven’t thought about yet.  I like to watch Vincent D’Onofrio on Law and Order because he is always thinking outside the box.

Corazza, G. (2014).  Creative Thinking-How to get out of the box and generate ideas.   https://youtu.be/bEusrD8g-dM