Reflecting on global and local examples of technological projects can reveal similar patterns and problems plus  it can identify fundamental lessons learned which would provide my district the opportunity to grow. The global and local contexts in digital learning have been the concentration in my most recent online course. In the previous courses, I went through several phases of strategic planning for my innovation. I created an outline for my innovation and planned to articulate an idea that is understood and shared across the district using the Influencer Model to leverage my vision to transform education. The purpose behind the Influencer approach is to focus on the results we need, identify the vital behaviors we need to change and to have a better understanding of the sources of influence that shape our behavior and how we can use those sources of influence to bring about change. Next, I created a 4Dx execution plan after studying the disciplines required, in  The 4 Disciplines of Execution , for translating strategy into action at all levels of an organization. What sets this course apart from the others is reviewing the literature and examining other technological initiatives, I can determine what worked, what could have been done better and apply the lessons learned, and this empowered me to update my innovation for blended learning.

Additionally, we created a presentation after we explored the role of Information Communication Technologies (ICT) used in educational environments and the several approaches in which innovative ICT practices are used for education in local and global contexts.

I learned there are several new proven trends which are having an impact on learning, rethinking how schools work and shifting to deeper learning approaches, such as project-based learning. The redesigning of physical learning spaces and online learning is also noteworthy for supporting 21-century learning. The trends are enabling creativity with ever-present access to digital tools, rich media and discussion forms which encourage students to take ownership of their education. My innovation will be updated to include the redesigning of physical learning spaces.

Preparing teachers for blending learning incorporation with ICT has been a challenge for most schools. Different teachers have adopted ICT skills at different rates and yet some still were not using them in lessons. It is important to recognize teacher pedagogical skills for using ICT effectively. My goals have been updated with improving teacher integration. We will ensure all teachers are well prepared with the skills to use ICT and plan to demonstrate how to incorporate it into instruction effectively. Teachers should carefully balance and integrate their objectives, pedagogical and technological knowledge when developing and teaching blended or online courses, we will begin gradually with a small group of teachers.

Updates to my innovation will also include informing educators of any achievement gaps, as a result of ICT. Adoptions of ICT have both narrowed and widened gaps benefiting particular groups of students with advantages over others and at the same time facilitating differentiated learning, allowing students to work to their ability, and motivating disheartened students.

It is import to explore and identify fundamental lessons learned from poorly defined project planning or educational goals. I learned certain essentials are prerequisites for the appropriate use of ICT and adoption. Some of these include following procedures for deployment, access to adequate equipment, reliable connectivity, and technical support. Teachers aligning ICT skills with pedagogical practices are also necessary prerequisites.  Applying lessons learned from ICT in Education projects can set the foundation for schools to implement a policy which should include facilitating ICT-pedagogy integration. To ensure growth for my innovation, I will continue to explore the best approaches in which innovative ICT practices are used for education in local and global contexts and apply the lessons learned. 

References

Adams Becker, S., Freeman, A., Giesinger Hall, C., Cummins, M., and Yuhnke, B. (2016).
NMC/CoSN Horizon Report: 2016 K-12 Edition. Austin, Texas: The New Media
Consortium.

Johnson, L., Adams Becker, S., Estrada, V., and Freeman, A. (2015). NMC Horizon Report:
2015 K-12 Edition. Austin, Texas: The New Media Consortium.

Venezky, R. (2014). ICT in Innovative Schools: Case Studies of Change and Impacts.
Schooling for Tomorrow Knowledge Base.