Here's how you can infuse innovation into strategic decision-making in digital learning.

Absolutely! Before starting the innovation journey, I like to begin with identifying gaps and this is not possible without data. Which areas are the learners thriving more efficiently and which areas are they struggling? In a closer analysis, one can begin to identify pain points and barriers of a course (qualitative data). One can also monitor assessment performances to determine validity and reliability (qualitative data).

This concept is similar to the benefits of having a growth mindset. Bouncing back from failures and being able to take constructive feedback are skills that differentiate between those who are mediocre and the one who is more likely to acheive goals.

I find it helpful to practice active listening in meetings where innovation is taking place. Spending time in the beginning to receive and reflect is a strong investment. Once I’m over that hump, ideas are flowing and I’m nsync with the vision. This works for me because I am an extrovert, so the excitement of being in a room full of people interacting can be too exciting if I don’t ground myself first.

One thing I would like to add here is that training should be followed up with some type of check in to see whether the educators have implemented the technology and what questions they have. Sometimes one tiny barrier/ misunderstanding could be why a busy educator gives up on a valuable digital learning service.

As a Principal, I discuss about 90% of all the decisions that I have to make with my team of teachers before making the final decisions. We have weekly online meetings and when relevant I hear their perspective. Leadership requires decisiveness, but taking time to listen to the perspective of those who do a lot of the ground work will make you stronger in decision making as well as a more attractive leader to work for!

Infusing innovation into strategic decision-making in digital learning requires embracing new technologies and pedagogical approaches. Foster a culture of experimentation by encouraging teams to pilot new ideas and integrate emerging tech, such as AI and VR, to enhance learning experiences. Use data analytics to drive decisions, providing insights into learner engagement and outcomes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring diverse perspectives, ensuring that innovative solutions are aligned with educational objectives and learner needs.