Every once in a while, a new technology, an old problem, and a big idea turn into an innovation. ~Dean Kamen
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, innovation is the introduction of something new: a new idea, method, or device. That’s why, when I was asked by EDLD 5305 to develop an innovation project, it was quite difficult for me to find a project that was truly innovative. Several of my colleagues’ projects were to develop Blended Learning or ePortfolios in their schools or school districts. I was wondering, “what’s innovative about that? Maybe it’s new in their schools or districts, but, according to the above definition, they are not innovating.” I think that innovation was as difficult for them as it was for me, and I understand them because being innovative is tough.
Innovation is taking two things that already exist and putting them together in a new way. ~Tom Freston
Even though bilingual programs are not something new in the US, I thought I could somehow innovate in this field. Since its colonial beginnings, bilingual education in the United States has subsisted in one form or another. It was not until 1968 that bilingual education was signed into law of the Bilingual Education Act. Also known as Title VII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, or ESEA (Goldenberg & Wagner, 2015). Since then, some bilingual programs have been developed that have had some success, but at the same time, these programs have not adequately integrated the new technologies and recent data to address the issues that bilingualism currently faces. When I was doing my literature review, I found that Hispanic students as a whole, including English-proficient children in the second generation and beyond, score significantly lower in reading than other students (Slavin & Cheung, 2005). Also, I found that decoding and linguistic comprehension, as well as the cross-product of the two, are the components of language and literacy in English and Spanish that most contribute to the later development of reading comprehension in English Language Learners ELL (Nakamoto, Lindsey, & Manis, 2012). Based on these findings, I decided to create a Bilingual Blended Learning program for ELL.
Many are the plans of a man’s hearth, but is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. ~Proverbs 19-21
There are times when Life seems to be enraged with certain people, or at least I thought so when I had a personal loss. Goals and projects diverge and seem unattainable and meaningless, but it is also these goals and projects that keep one afloat and striving for a purpose and meaning in one’s life. Everything indicates that my original project was doomed to failure because in a short time they moved me from 3rd grade to 2nd grade, I moved out of town and out of the school district. In my new school, they promised to help me implement my innovation plan, but apparently, they promised two teachers the same position. That’s why I teach subjects that have nothing to do with my project. Obviously, I have not achieved the expected results, but I’ve learned throughout my life that every outcome is not good or bad, it’s just an outcome of which one must learn something.
I believe in innovation and that the way you get innovation is you fund research and you learn the basic facts. ~Bill Gates
What did I learn this school year? In my previous school, I taught in a one-way bilingual program, and now I teach in a two-way bilingual program which enriches my knowledge of the bilingual programs. I was assigned only five Chromebooks, and I do not have access to the computer lab. I was able to resurrect three laptops and two desktops that other teachers considered obsolete. All this technology has a Windows 7 software. Despite all these limitations, I was able to implement a Blended Learning project in Schoology (Access Code 2C6K9-2Q59N). I am very proud of my 3rd-grade students because without them knowing they implement the COVA approach every day. They can research a topic in English online, translate it into Spanish, make a PowerPoint presentation with text and graphics, and create a video with that PowerPoint.
Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.… ~Isaiah 43:18-19
I can say that my future project is my original project. Thank you Professor Thibodeaux for encouraging me to continue with this project. Approximately one month ago I present my resignation, I do not have any complaint about the administration, faculty, or the students. But, I believe that there must be another place where I can successfully implement my innovation project.
References
Goldenberg, C. & Wagner, K. (2015). Bilingual education: Reviving an American tradition. American Federation of Teachers. Retrieved from https://www.aft.org/ae/fall2015/goldenberg_wagner
Merriam-Webster Dictionary. (n.d.). Innovation. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/innovation
Nakamoto, J., Lindsey, K., & Manis, F. (2012). Development of reading skills from K-3 in Spanish-speaking English Language Learners following three programs of instruction. Reading & Writing, 25(2), 537. doi:10.1007/s11145-010-9285-4
Slavin, R. E., & Cheung, A. (2005). A synthesis of research on language reading instruction for English Language Learners. Review of Educational Research, 75(2), 247-284. Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org/stable/3516050?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents
