Learning Manifesto
What Ignites My Passion
I'm passionate about changing financial aid through the strategic use of digital tools. I enjoy solving complex problems and modify inefficiencies into opportunities for innovation. Digital learning can have the potential to break down barriers, enable collaboration, and create new experiences for students and staff. I envision a place where automation and intuitive systems relieve staff from tedious tasks, allowing them to focus on beneficial projects, service students, understand their challenges, and guide them through higher education pathways. When financial aid processes run with efficiency and clarity, we can truly unlock the potential of educational opportunity for all.
Emerging Issues in Digital Learning and Leadership
​
As digital solutions become the core of higher education, I see both promise and risks. I worry about the resistance to change that can suppress innovation. The feeling of uneasiness about data privacy breaches and the accessibility imperative begins to rise. Digital learning also challenges higher education to address the digital divide, ensuring access to technology and reliable resources for all students and staff, while fighting with the need for platforms to meet diverse learners' needs. Also, integrating digital tools requires significant shifts in instruction, faculty training, and institutional culture, often straining resources and highlighting gaps in preparedness. And yet, the biggest challenge may be the mindset that sees technology as an extension rather than an integral part of how we reimagine education. I'm focused on helping leaders and institutions understand that embracing digital learning is about more than adopting tools – it's about embracing a growth mindset, a willingness to learn, adapt, and evolve.
What is Right/Wrong with Education and How to Enhance/Fix it
​​
Education shines when it offers opportunities that include curiosity, allow creativity, and build meaningful connections. Sometimes traditional systems often stray away by focusing too much on standardized testing and strict methods instead on being flexible and innovative (Brisbin, 2020). We cannot allow outdated systems and isolated thinking to hold back the true potential of education. I picture a future where technology becomes a powerful equalizer, breaking down barriers and opening doors to new opportunities. A future where departments collaborate and share solutions and insights to benefit all staff and students. Where every digital solution is thoughtfully planned with the user at its core, focusing on fairness, adaptability, and understand that education is, at its heart, a deeply human endeavor. To fix this, we need to redefine education with a learner-first approach, a focus on collaboration, adaptability, and the thoughtful use of technology. In creating systems that encourage growth and innovation, we can unlock the full potential of education for everyone (Robinson, 2015).
​
The Core Beliefs That Fuel My Journey
​
At the core of everything I do is the belief that digital learning should empower individuals and give students and staff the choice, ownership, voice, and authenticity they deserve. It's about creating systems that meet their needs, not the other way around. I believe that with bold leadership, a growth mindset, and a commitment to our values, we can use technology as a powerful force for change. We can build organizations where efficiency and compassion go hand in hand, where every innovation fuels a ripple effect of positive change that touches every corner of our community.
The Milestones That Have Shaped My Path
In my current role as a software specialist, I have successfully been able to implement automated test workflows in Banner, which have reduced manual data entry errors and improved accuracy. These automated innovations have not only increased efficiency but will allow staff to dedicate more time to dedicate to other projects and support students directly. I’ve also led training workshops to help staff begin to learn how to adapt to new technology changes, which will allow me to emphasize on the importance of the growth mindset. These experiences have taught me the value of collaboration and user feedback to push for successful change strategies. On focusing on both technological solutions and the individuals that use them, I have been able to create meaningful improvements to our system. These accomplishments have inspired me to continue to research new ways to integrate automation and digital learning into my organization.
My Pledge for the Road Ahead
Looking ahead, I will be a lifelong learner, always seeking out the latest trends, best practices, and innovations that can help us push the boundaries of what's possible. I will listen carefully, assess feedback, and remember that every decision we make creates a ripple effect that affects both staff and students. When challenges come up, I will revert to my passion, conviction, and resolve in education’s ability to create positive change.
References
​Brisbin, M. (2020, February 29). Start a learning revolution. Throw out the gradebook.
Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kxsiSnRg94
​
Robinson, K. (2015, September 15). Bring on the Learning Revolution!
YouTube. https://youtu.be/kFMZrEABdw4