The Plus Delta tool can be used to quickly determine what is right and what should change with any implementation process (Stowell, 2013). In our class, we are using the Plus Delta tool to look at implementations of plans similar to our own proposed plans. We are looking to see what went right and what went wrong so we can repeat the good and try to avoid pitfalls of previous plans.
I still have plenty of research to do to find plans like mine to see what worked and what did not. Once I have established a base of best practices, I will make alterations to my own plan to make it better and more successful.
To provide an example of what this process could look like, I have read the article on the eSkwela project in the Philippines (Lee, 2009). The purpose of the eSkwela project was to address an increase in Filipinos not finishing their formal education. The program provided a free information and communication technology-enhanced alternative education to youth and adults who did not finish school (Lee, 2009).
Using the Plus Delta tool to analyze what went right and what went wrong, we can look at the positives first. The program had several positives, not the least of which is re-engaging former dropouts and allowing them to continue their education. Another positive was the way they engaged the learners. Computer-based learning was widely used and effective in engaging those who were not successful in traditional school. Students became self-directed and self-motivated life-long learners.
There were things they could have done better, of course. One negative, or delta, for something that could be changed for the better, I did not see addressed in the article was brining back people who just do not feel like they need an education. Part of the reason I believe many of these students were successful was not because they had it easy in their lives and did not need to work hard to get their education, but because they knew the importance of an education and were determined to complete theirs. Students who already know how important learning is become self-directed and self-motivated. They become lifelong learners.
I believe this is why so many adults go back to school. Many of us did not value what we had as children. We didn’t know life without school so we took it for granted. It was like a bad job to us, and we treated it as such. With time and experience comes the wisdom to know that you do not know everything, and that school helps you.
The students at eSkwela chose to be there. They were not legally mandated to be there. That set them up to succeed. I believe we need to address what we can do to help our learners choose to learn. How can we motivate them to be self-directed and motivated? What will make them want to learn and make sacrifices of their time and energy to do it? I believe many of us are addressing this with our innovation plans – ways to engage the students and make them want to learn so they make good educational choices.
References:
Lee, M. (2009). eSkwela: Community-based E-learning Centers for Out-of-School Youth and Adults, Philippines. In Search of Innovative ICT in Education Practices: Case Studies from the Asia-Pacific Region. https://eskwelanaga.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/the-eskwela-project-a-unesco-case-study.pdf.
Stowell, C. (2013). How To Get Quick Feedback With The Plus Delta Tool. (2013). YouTube. https://youtu.be/ADEd0IIswpQ.
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