Hello there and welcome to chapter 6, the place where I reflect on the final module of OMDE 610!
I like to think of this module as the application module because this module gave me the opportunity to apply theory to practice. Precisely, in this module, I learnt how theory informs practice and policies. For example, it is safe to conclude that UMGC’s academic integrity policy is informed by behaviorism. If students do not comply with this policy, then they are subject to facing disciplinary sanctions. As it pertains to principles of behaviorism specifically principles of reinforcement, disciplinary sanctions can be considered to be punishment.
Theory not only informs policies but it also guides practice. However, it is worth noting that practitioners and policy makers alike may or may not place emphasis on theoretical perspectives. As such, my major takeaway is that an organization’s leadership as well as practitioners have the most power. Indeed, they can be conceptualized as powerful middlemen. I created the illustration below to better understand the interaction and power play between theory, leadership, and policies.
Although one may be more powerful than the other, the interaction of all is crucial in the growth and transformation of a DE organization. In fact, Otte (2019) noted that “the one imperative is always forward mobility: inertia cannot triumph in the face of a need for a change management decision, but a decision cannot be so preemptory as to harden resistance or invite stonewalling” (p. 28). This suggests that interaction between policies, theories, and leadership is not only crucial in change-making or decision-making, but is also essential between the various levels in a DE organization. Precisely, I learnt that faculty must interact with administration and administrative mandates must get buy-in from faculty and other members of staff.
This multi-level interaction reminded me of the systemic vantage which places emphasis on correlations and interactions of various systems. I therefore find systemic thinking a recurring theme throughout module 5. From the readings to the discussion forum emphasis has been placed on interrelations and interactions of variables. This did not come to me as a surprise simply because I have the understanding that various parts interact with each other to form the whole. Generally, though, I did not have any surprises and misunderstandings this module. Instead, I found it to be pretty simple and understandable.
At this juncture in my learning journey, I must admit that I am still blossoming into that beautiful flower that I have been referring to in previous chapters. Essentially, the more I learn, the more I grow and blossom.
Check out the final chapter for more on my learning growth in the final phase of this course.
See you there!
Yours truly,
Kind Krista
References
Otte, G. (2019). Online learning: New models for leadership and organization in higher education. Online Learning, 10(2). doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.24059/olj.v10i2.1761
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