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My Professional Learning Manifesto: Empowering Nontraditional Students in the Digital Age

 

My Vision

As an employee dedicated to serving Del Mar College students, I recognize that education is not a one-size-fits-all journey. The landscape of higher education is evolving as nontraditional students increasingly become the new majority. These learners—who balance careers, families, and financial independence—represent not just a demographic shift but an opportunity to reimagine educational delivery for greater accessibility and impact. My manifesto is give ownership of learning to the student by creating easy accessibility to online learning modules.

I Believe

  • Every student deserves pathways to success regardless of their life circumstances or technological comfort

  • Technology should empower, not impede learning for students of all backgrounds and experiences

  • Educational innovation must respond to real student needs rather than institutional convenience

  • The convenience of online learning can transform lives when properly supported

  • Adult learners bring valuable life experience that enriches the educational community

 

I Embrace the COVA Approach

I am committed to implementing the COVA method (Choice, Ownership, Voice, and Authenticity) to transform the nontraditional student experience:

  • Choice: Students deserve meaningful options in how they learn Canvas skills, accessing resources when and where they need them through the VikingGo app

  • Ownership: I will empower learners to take responsibility for their technological proficiency, building confidence that extends beyond course navigation

  • Voice: My approach honors the unique perspectives of adult learners, allowing them to express their needs and contribute to ongoing improvements

  • Authenticity: The learning experiences I design will be directly relevant to real-world challenges students face in their educational journey

I Understand

The journey of nontraditional students is marked by unique challenges:

  • The anxiety of navigating unfamiliar technology

  • The feeling of being "lost in cyberspace" without proper orientation

  • The struggle to master essential online skills while balancing competing responsibilities

  • The need for learning experiences that respect adult autonomy and life experience

 

My Commitment to Action

Through my proposal for accessible microlearning modules on the VikingGo app, I will advocate for:

  1. Breaking down technological barriers by providing just-in-time Canvas navigation support

  2. Honoring adult learning principles through relevant, self-directed learning experiences

  3. Supporting emotional resilience by building confidence through mastery of essential online skills

  4. Meeting students where they are with mobile-accessible resources available on-demand

  5. Fostering authentic learning experiences that develop critical thinking and digital literacy

  6. Implementing COVA principles in both content design and delivery methods

The Path Forward

As John Lennon wisely observed, "There are no problems, only solutions." I embrace this solution-oriented mindset as I work to develop tools that transform potential obstacles into opportunities for growth.

By proposing COVA-based microlearning modules, I aim not merely to help students navigate a learning management system—but to contribute to equitable educational access, student-centered innovation, and the success of every learner who entrusts our institution with their educational journey.

The future of education is accessible, flexible, and responsive to diverse needs. In my role at Del Mar College, I commit to building that future, one microlearning module at a time—giving students the Choice, Ownership, Voice, and Authenticity they deserve in their educational experience.

 

 References

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El Mansour, B., & Mupinga, D. M. (2007). Students’ positive and negative experiences in hybrid

and online classes. College Student Journal, 41(1), 242–248.

 

James, S., Swan, K., & Daston, C. (2016). Retention, progression and the taking of online 

            courses. Online Learning, 20(2), 75–96.

 

Levy, D. (2017). Online, blended and technology-enhanced learning: Tools to facilitate

community college student success in the digitally-diven workplace. Contemporary Issues in Education Research, 10(4), 255–262.

 

Thibodeaux, T. N. (2023). Passport to learning turning today’s learners into tomorrows

leaders. Learner’s Mindset. https://tilisathibodeaux.com/wordpress/?page_id=1539

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