1

Exploring My Educational Philosophy on Innovation and Global Learning

Students are not passive recipients of information; they are active agents who want to

feel valued for the solutions they can create to real-world challenges. This belief is at the core

of my philosophy behind curricular decisions that are both innovative and globally oriented.

Traditional education often presents abstract concepts that students struggle to connect with

their lives. To address this, I advocate for bringing real-life problems from the local

community and integrating global challenges into the curriculum. By doing so, students are

motivated to find practical solutions, making their learning experience more meaningful and

impactful.

My philosophy challenges educators to move beyond the traditional model of

information dumping and embrace transformative learning experiences. While these ideas

may seem daunting to implement, technological advancements offer promising solutions.

Virtual reality (VR) and simulations can immerse students in realistic scenarios, sparking

their creativity and problem-solving skills. Incorporating such tools into mainstream

education has the potential to revolutionize how students learn and apply knowledge.

In my own practice, I leverage technology tools such as educational apps like Kahoot

and Khan Academy, multimedia presentations, and online collaboration platforms to create

interactive and engaging learning experiences. Currently, I am exploring the integration of

virtual simulations, particularly focusing on GeoGebra for math, to enhance my students'

creative thinking and real-world application of concepts.

Research supports the effectiveness of technology-enhanced learning experiences,

with studies by Haas et al. (2021) and Holly et al. (2021) highlighting the benefits of virtual

simulations in fostering engagement and deeper understanding. Ioannou and Ioannou (2020)
 2

also emphasize the role of technologies like VR in providing immersive and embodied

learning experiences for students.

By embracing innovation in education, we shift the focus from rote learning to active

participation, collaboration, and real-world application. This not only answers the age-old

question of "Why am I learning this?" but also empowers students to become critical

thinkers, problem solvers, and responsible global citizens. Embracing innovation is not just a

choice; it's a necessity in preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the

modern world.
 3

References

Haas, B., Kreis, Y., & Lavicza, Z. (2021). Integrated STEAM Approach in Outdoor Trails

with Elementary School Pre-service Teachers. Educational Technology & Society,

24(4), 205–219. https://www.jstor.org/stable/48629256

Holly, M., Pirker, J., Resch, S., Brettschuh, S., & Gütl, C. (2021). Designing VR Experiences

– Expectations for Teaching and Learning in VR. Educational Technology & Society,

24(2), 107–119. https://www.jstor.org/stable/27004935

Ioannou, M., & Ioannou, A. (2020). Technology-enhanced Embodied Learning: Designing

and Evaluating a New Classroom Experience. Educational Technology & Society,

23(3), 81–94. https://www.jstor.org/stable/26926428