My Learning Manifesto:
Digital Transformation in Education

I am deeply passionate about creating equitable access to digital tools that empower learners, especially those facing unique challenges, to develop self-regulation, creativity, and critical thinking. As an educator, I believe that every student deserves an environment that values their strengths and helps them overcome their individual challenges. Students who struggle with emotional regulation, such as those with autism, often face additional hurdles that can impede their learning, and I’m committed to addressing these needs.

My Passion

My passion for supporting students' emotional growth has led me to explore innovative tools like Mightier, an emotional regulation app that helps neurodivergent students identify, manage, and navigate their emotions, fostering the emotional intelligence and self-regulation skills necessary for academic and personal success.

Ultimately, my goal is to integrate technology that supports the whole learner—academically, socially, and emotionally. Tools like Mightier demonstrate the transformative potential of technology when it’s used thoughtfully to address students’ unique needs. By embracing digital tools that foster emotional growth and resilience, I am committed to helping every student reach their fullest potential, both in school and in life.

Emerging Issues in
Digital Learning and Leadership

In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, three key challenges stand out and equity and access, teacher preparedness, and balancing technology with humanity. Equity remains a pressing concern, as many students continue to face challenges due to limited access to reliable internet and digital tools, which significantly hinder learning and contribute to achievement gaps. Closing the digital divide, especially for underserved communities, demands comprehensive and systemic solution. I want to help bridge the digital divide and ensure underserved communities have the resources they need.. Equally important is teacher preparedness—educators need ongoing professional development to effectively integrate technology into their classrooms in ways that enhance learning rather than overwhelm or distract. Finally, as digital tools become more prevalent, there is a growing need to balance their use with maintaining the interpersonal connections that foster emotional and social growth. While technology like Mightier can support emotional regulation, it is vital that its implementation is complemented by human interaction, ensuring that education remains a deeply personal and relational experience.

What's Right and Wrong in Education

Education is advancing with practices like Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and personalized learning, which address diverse student needs and create more inclusive environments. Tools like the Mightier app enhance this progress by supporting emotional regulation and helping students develop the resilience needed for both academic and personal success. Sir Ken Robinson’s (2015) Bring on the Learning Revolution emphasizes the need to shift from a standardized, one-size-fits-all approach to one that values and cultivates individual strengths, aligning with these innovative practices.

However, the continued reliance on standardized testing limits creativity and overlooks individual needs. To improve, education must embrace Robinson’s call for a learning revolution, prioritizing holistic development by balancing academic goals with emotional well-being. Integrating tools like Mightier can help create meaningful, student-centered learning experiences that empower students to thrive academically and personally.

My Core Beliefs About Digital Learning

Learning Ownership: Taking responsibility for one’s learning journey fosters deeper engagement and meaningful growth, empowering both students and educators to reach their full potential.
Collaboration and Community: Digital tools should strengthen connections, creating a collaborative environment where students, teachers, and parents work together toward shared goals.
Empowerment through Technology: Technology has the power to remove barriers and amplify voices, ensuring all learners have the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

Innovation Practices and Prior Accomplishments

My work with the Mightier app for emotional regulation reflects my commitment to integrating technology that supports holistic development. This initiative is designed to empower autistic students to better understand and manage their emotions, leading to improvements in both their academic performance and personal well-being. By incorporating tools like Mightier, I strive to create opportunities for students to develop resilience, focus, and self-confidence, which are essential for success in and out of the classroom. As Seth Godin (2012) highlights in Stop Stealing Dreams, education should inspire creativity and independence, and tools like Mightier align with this vision by equipping students to take ownership of their emotional and learning journeys.

In addition to my educational initiatives, I have also led a large-scale corporate training program to streamline the process of handling eCommerce orders in the oil and gas industry. By designing and implementing comprehensive training for staff across my corporation, I helped the organization adapt to new digital tools, improving efficiency and accuracy in order management. This experience demonstrates my ability to bridge technology and learning in diverse settings, empowering individuals with the skills they need to thrive. Whether in education or business, my focus remains on leveraging technology to foster growth, adaptability, and success.

References

Godin, S. (2012). Stop stealing dreams. [Video file]. Retrieved

from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXpbONjV1Jc

Robinson, K. (2015, September 15). Bring on the Learning Revolution!: Ken

Robinson. YouTube. Retrieved February 27, 2022, from

https://youtu.be/kFMZrEABdw4