What Is My Manifesto?

My passion for education lies in inspiring the students of future generations. With passion comes drive, and in order for students to grow, they need the inspiration to keep moving forward. When I first decided to pursue my master's degree, I thought to myself, "I want to do something in education that will also benefit my students." One thing that has always resonated with me is the importance of continuous learning and staying up to date with technology. That’s when it finally clicked that I should pursue a master’s in educational technology.

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Technology is slowly transforming the classroom, replacing traditional paper and pencil. At a recent professional development session, my principal shared that, just in our school alone, we have used over 1,054,765 sheets of paper since the beginning of the school year. I was shocked by this number, especially knowing that more teachers are incorporating technology into their classrooms. One of my goals this year is to challenge myself to use more technology and less paper in my teaching. My innovation plan involves introducing e-Portfolios in my classroom, encouraging students to take ownership of their work and be accountable for their learning.

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When we consider the concept of COVA (Choice, Ownership, and Voice through Authentic Learning), my goal is to ensure students' voices are heard in the e-Portfolios they create. "Online student portfolios allows students to easily showcase their work across different subjects and reflect on their past work" (Berstein 2023).This approach will help students feel accountable and responsible for their learning as they progress from grade to grade. Not only will they develop greater responsibility, but they will also find inspiration to keep going and to see the light at the end of the tunnel, helping to pave the way for their future.

Emerging Issues Related to Digital Learning

Emerging issues with digital learning include outdated computers and software that don’t meet today’s technological demands. While our district is 1:1 with Chromebooks in the classroom, we often encounter issues such as pop-up messages about low storage, battery needs, and outdated software. These problems limit the digital resources available to both students and teachers. Furthermore, many of the essential software programs needed for success in the classroom now require subscriptions, adding extra costs. Connectivity is another challenge. My high school is large, and there are areas where WiFi access is weak or unavailable, making it difficult for teachers and students to effectively use touch panels or engage with digital tools. Improving WiFi coverage across the entire school would help ensure that both students and staff can fully take advantage of digital learning opportunities.

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While digital learning continues to grow in classrooms, some teachers are still hesitant to integrate technology. Though paper and pencil are useful for jotting down ideas, many teachers shy away from using technology because they’re either uncomfortable with it or afraid to try something new that takes them out of their comfort zone.

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As mentioned earlier, education funding must be equal across all districts to ensure that every student has access to the same tools and resources for success. Providing equitable opportunities will give all students the chance to succeed in their academic careers and beyond.

What Is Wrong With Education?

One major issue I see in education is the lack of sufficient funding for school districts. In my district, we are fortunate to have a 1:1 ratio of Chromebooks to students. However, in one of my 5304 group discussions, a member shared that her district faces financial constraints and cannot afford a 1:1 Chromebook ratio. To address this, education funding should be equal across the country to ensure that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed and build a strong future.

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Another issue affecting classrooms is outdated technology. Studies finds nearly two in three (63%) K-12 districts across the country lost teachers to other school systems in the past year because employees sought a more advanced technology experience (UKG 2021). For teachers and students to be successful, it is essential that the technology in schools is kept up to date. Technology is advancing rapidly, and many school districts are falling behind, which ultimately decline students' learning experiences. One potential solution is to create a small group of teachers who attend professional development sessions focused on new technologies. After receiving training, these teachers can return to their schools and train their colleagues on how to incorporate the latest technology into their classrooms.

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Finally, a widespread issue across the education system is the difficulty in retaining teachers. We are seeing an increase in non-certified teachers as more certified educators leave the profession due to a lack of support and inadequate compensation. As a result, classrooms are growing larger, and teachers are losing valuable planning time. To help retain teachers, increasing salaries and providing additional support for lesson planning could help prevent burnout and ensure a more sustainable workforce in education.

Core Belief System

My core belief about digital learning is that everyone is capable of using it. People are so accustomed to traditional tools like paper and pencil that they often prefer to stick with what they know. However, I believe the key is helping people move beyond their fixed mindset and embrace digital learning as a tool for growth and self-challenge. "To succeed in school and beyond, they need to develop intrinsic motivation and a growth mindset" (2025 Cambian Learning). Technology can be overwhelming, but with the right approach and growth mindset, anyone can become successful in the digital learning space.

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As technology continues to play a significant role in education, especially post-COVID, why not embrace it fully in digital learning? Digital learning can give students a powerful voice. In my innovation plan, I aim to help my students create their own e-portfolios, which will serve as both a learning tool and a platform for showcasing their progress. By developing these e-portfolios, students can not only learn essential topics for their future success but also gain valuable social skills and create professional resumes.