In LRNT525, Leading Change in Digital Learning, we have explored leadership strategies required to effectively manage digital learning initiatives; examined change as it relates to people, context and financial resources in the design of digital learning environments; and we are finishing our individual assignment to create an implementation plan for a digital learning initiative that recognizes and responds to the complexity of change (LRNT525 course site homepage, para. 5, 2018). Though the course material has been interrelated, it has also been very broad, covering the finer and more practical details of project management, social and psychological aspects of motivation, and everything in between that is relevant to leadership and management roles. Throughout the course, the striking challenge I have observed is for leaders to think systematically while never forgetting the human factor.

In Unit 2 – Activity 1, I reflected on the challenge of encouraging diversity in a lean management system. Diversity – not being dependent on one crop or livelihood – is one of three factors impacting resilience in the change model offered by Weller & Anderson (2013). In Assignment 2, we discussed change initiatives with our colleagues and I learned that some of my colleagues felt that top-down initiatives left little room for a custom fit for the students they served. I learned in our reading that Biech (2007) recommends soliciting the perspectives of underrepresented groups in order to guide implementation. Early in our course, we reflected on our leadership style and I identified some personal strengths in my primarily transformational leadership style, as well as areas for improvement. Looking back after the continued inquiry in leading change throughout the rest of our course, I can reaffirm my commitment to strengthing my skills in listening and empathy, as this may help ensure that change is aligned with goals and values of diverse stakeholders.

 

References

Biech, E. (2007). Models for Change. In Thriving Through Change: A Leader’s Practical Guide to Change Mastery. Alexandria, VA: ASTD Press. [Books24x7 database

MALAT course site LRNT525 (Jan. 2018) Leading Change in Digital Learning. Retrieved from: https://malat-coursesite.royalroads.ca/lrnt525-jan2018/

Weller, M., & Anderson, T., (2013). Digital Resilience in Higher Education. European Journal of Open Distance and E-Learning, 16(1), 53-66.