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Operation Outreach Empowering Your Academic Journey from Application to Graduation WELCOME Operation Outreach's mission is to enhances the college experience for all students, whether it's their first time in college, returning back, or completely online. We encourage colleges to implement interactive digital outreach tools and online academic resources for a more effective process in a students' academic journey. Explore my creative portfolio to see how we can make a difference. Learn More Hi, I'm N'Kima! Before transitioning into advising, I worked as an Admissions Specialist, where I supported recruiting efforts and assisted prospective students with their applications. Through my experience in both departments and working closely with continuing students, I've seen firsthand how many of them become frustrated by the complexities of starting and navigating through college. "Operation Outreach" is an innovative plan to implement interactive outreach tools designed to support both incoming and continuing students. This initiative aims to simplify the process and provide personalized guidance, helping students feel more confident and connected as they progress through their academic journey. Learn more about N'Kima Blogs Don't miss out—check out our latest blog for fresh insights and updates! Reflection: My Growth within the Graduate Program Learning Networks Self-Differentiated Leadership Get in Touch Text : (903) 408-3945 Email : nbrowning1@lamar.edu LinkedIn : linkedin.com/nkimabrowning First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting!

New Culture of Learning January 23, 2025 | EDLD 5313 | Spring 2025 "The supreme art of the teacher is to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge." Introduction A shift toward creating a significant learning environment can dramatically enhance learning by fostering engagement, creativity, and adaptability in students. According to Thomas and Brown (2011), traditional educational models often focus on standardized, passive learning, which fails to prepare students for the rapidly changing world. They argue that learning should be a dynamic, social, and immersive process that encourages exploration and discovery. In a significant learning environment, students are not just recipients of information but active participants in their learning journeys. As an academic advisor in higher education, I plan to integrate fundamental ideas from A New Culture of Learning into my approach by focusing on fostering creativity, collaboration, and adaptability within my advising practices. Thomas and Brown emphasize the importance of creating environments where students are not just passive recipients but active participants in their learning process. I will encourage students to take ownership of their academic journeys by connecting them with resources, opportunities for exploration, and peer networks. I’ll also focus on creating a supportive space that values their imagination and unique learning styles, helping them navigate a rapidly changing academic and professional landscape. By fostering open communication and engaging students in problem-solving discussions, I aim to help them develop the critical thinking and adaptability skills essential for success. Fundamental Ideas from a New Culture of Learning The Challenges One of the main challenges I anticipate in implementing ideas from A New Culture of Learning is shifting students’ mindset from traditional, passive learning to more active, self-directed learning. Thomas and Brown (2011) stress that in a new learning culture, students need to take ownership of their learning, which can be difficult for those accustomed to structured, lecture-based environments. To address this, I will start by providing clear guidance on how to engage in self-directed learning and offer consistent feedback to help students build confidence in their abilities. Another challenge is creating a truly collaborative and networked learning environment, especially in a diverse classroom where students have varying levels of comfort with technology. To overcome this, I’ll provide a mix of in-person and online collaboration opportunities and encourage peer support, fostering an inclusive atmosphere where students feel comfortable sharing and learning from each other (Thomas & Brown, 2011). Lastly, fostering creativity in a high-stakes academic environment can be tough, but by integrating more open-ended assignments and emphasizing the value of innovative problem-solving, I hope to create a safe space for students to take risks without the fear of failure. Getting people to think more broadly or holistically requires creating an environment that encourages curiosity, open-mindedness, and connections across different disciplines. As Thomas and Brown (2011) suggest, learning should be dynamic and interactive, inviting individuals to explore diverse ideas and viewpoints.In practice, this could look like group projects that combine concepts from multiple subjects or discussions that highlight the real-world relevance of what students are learning. Additionally, fostering a growth mindset and encouraging experimentation without the fear of failure helps people embrace uncertainty and be more open to new ways of thinking. By continuously challenging assumptions and making room for diverse ideas, we can help people expand their thinking and see the bigger picture. I believe my perspective is broad enough to serve as a foundational influence on my learning philosophy and actions in higher education. By embracing the principles outlined by Thomas and Brown (2011), I recognize the importance of cultivating an environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and adaptability. This holistic approach not only enhances the learning experience for my students but also aligns with my belief that education should prepare individuals for a constantly changing world. I’m committed to integrating diverse viewpoints and interdisciplinary approaches into my teaching, which will allow me to model the kind of expansive thinking I hope to instill in my students. By continuously reflecting on my practices and remaining open to new ideas, I can ensure that my actions are guided by a philosophy that values exploration and meaningful connections, ultimately enriching both my own learning and that of my students. Thinking and Prospective Conclusion In conclusion, a shift toward a significant learning environment not only makes learning more engaging but also prepares students to thrive in an unpredictable world. By creating imagination, collaboration, and adaptability, such environments offer the opportunity for students to learn in ways that are deeply meaningful and applicable to the challenges of the 21st century. References: Thomas, D., & Brown J. S. (2011). A New Culture of Learning: Cultivating the imagination for a world of constant change. (Vol 219) Lexington, KY: CreateSpace.

Creating a Learning Philosophy January 23, 2025 | EDLD 5313 | Spring 2025 "The supreme art of the teacher is to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge." Introduction A shift toward creating a significant learning environment can dramatically enhance learning by fostering engagement, creativity, and adaptability in students. According to Thomas and Brown (2011), traditional educational models often focus on standardized, passive learning, which fails to prepare students for the rapidly changing world. They argue that learning should be a dynamic, social, and immersive process that encourages exploration and discovery. In a significant learning environment, students are not just recipients of information but active participants in their learning journeys. As an academic advisor in higher education, I plan to integrate fundamental ideas from A New Culture of Learning into my approach by focusing on fostering creativity, collaboration, and adaptability within my advising practices. Thomas and Brown emphasize the importance of creating environments where students are not just passive recipients but active participants in their learning process. I will encourage students to take ownership of their academic journeys by connecting them with resources, opportunities for exploration, and peer networks. I’ll also focus on creating a supportive space that values their imagination and unique learning styles, helping them navigate a rapidly changing academic and professional landscape. By fostering open communication and engaging students in problem-solving discussions, I aim to help them develop the critical thinking and adaptability skills essential for success. Fundamental Ideas from a New Culture of Learning The Challenges One of the main challenges I anticipate in implementing ideas from A New Culture of Learning is shifting students’ mindset from traditional, passive learning to more active, self-directed learning. Thomas and Brown (2011) stress that in a new learning culture, students need to take ownership of their learning, which can be difficult for those accustomed to structured, lecture-based environments. To address this, I will start by providing clear guidance on how to engage in self-directed learning and offer consistent feedback to help students build confidence in their abilities. Another challenge is creating a truly collaborative and networked learning environment, especially in a diverse classroom where students have varying levels of comfort with technology. To overcome this, I’ll provide a mix of in-person and online collaboration opportunities and encourage peer support, fostering an inclusive atmosphere where students feel comfortable sharing and learning from each other (Thomas & Brown, 2011). Lastly, fostering creativity in a high-stakes academic environment can be tough, but by integrating more open-ended assignments and emphasizing the value of innovative problem-solving, I hope to create a safe space for students to take risks without the fear of failure. Getting people to think more broadly or holistically requires creating an environment that encourages curiosity, open-mindedness, and connections across different disciplines. As Thomas and Brown (2011) suggest, learning should be dynamic and interactive, inviting individuals to explore diverse ideas and viewpoints.In practice, this could look like group projects that combine concepts from multiple subjects or discussions that highlight the real-world relevance of what students are learning. Additionally, fostering a growth mindset and encouraging experimentation without the fear of failure helps people embrace uncertainty and be more open to new ways of thinking. By continuously challenging assumptions and making room for diverse ideas, we can help people expand their thinking and see the bigger picture. I believe my perspective is broad enough to serve as a foundational influence on my learning philosophy and actions in higher education. By embracing the principles outlined by Thomas and Brown (2011), I recognize the importance of cultivating an environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and adaptability. This holistic approach not only enhances the learning experience for my students but also aligns with my belief that education should prepare individuals for a constantly changing world. I’m committed to integrating diverse viewpoints and interdisciplinary approaches into my teaching, which will allow me to model the kind of expansive thinking I hope to instill in my students. By continuously reflecting on my practices and remaining open to new ideas, I can ensure that my actions are guided by a philosophy that values exploration and meaningful connections, ultimately enriching both my own learning and that of my students. Thinking and Prospective Conclusion In conclusion, a shift toward a significant learning environment not only makes learning more engaging but also prepares students to thrive in an unpredictable world. By creating imagination, collaboration, and adaptability, such environments offer the opportunity for students to learn in ways that are deeply meaningful and applicable to the challenges of the 21st century. References: Thomas, D., & Brown J. S. (2011). A New Culture of Learning: Cultivating the imagination for a world of constant change. (Vol 219) Lexington, KY: CreateSpace.

"What's Your Why?" December 10, 2024 | EDLD 5304 | Fall 2024 "If we want to feel an undying passion for our work, if we want to feel we are contributing to something bigger than ourselves, we all need to know our WHY." Why? My purpose is to support and guide students to fully understand how to navigate through higher education and provide them with the tools and resources to be successful. How? I invest in each student's success by understanding their goals, challenges, and aspirations. I create a supportive, open environment where students feel heard and empowered to take ownership of their education. My goal is to help them build confidence, make informed decisions, and reach their full potential. What? Students are able to make informed decisions about their education and career pathway. I believe my purpose in life is to be a source of support and guidance for those who need it most. Whether it's offering assistance to those facing challenges, mentoring individuals who seek direction, or simply being a dependable presence for those without a support system, my goal is to make a positive impact. I am driven by the desire to help others navigate through difficult times, to empower them to grow, and to be a steady hand they can rely on. By offering guidance, encouragement, and care, I strive to create meaningful change in the lives of those I encounter. I work in higher education because I am deeply passionate about supporting students as they strive to achieve goals they may have once thought were out of reach. There is nothing more fulfilling than helping them realize their potential and guiding them through challenges they face along the way. I also find great joy in being a listening ear for students, offering them a safe and welcoming environment where they feel heard and valued. Creating such spaces allows students to grow both academically and personally. The opportunity to make a positive impact in their lives and contribute to their success is incredibly rewarding for me. Why: The Purpose How: The Process As an academic advisor, I stand out by truly investing in the success and well-being of each student I work with. I take the time to understand their unique goals, challenges, and aspirations, and tailor my guidance to help them navigate their academic journey. I am approachable and dedicated to creating a supportive, open environment where students feel comfortable discussing their concerns. Every day, I prioritize active listening, empathy, and clear communication, ensuring that students not only receive the academic advice they need but also feel empowered to take ownership of their educational path. My goal is to help students build confidence, make informed decisions, and realize their full potential. An academic advisor at college plays a crucial role in guiding students through their academic journey, helping them make informed decisions about course selection, degree requirements, and career goals. Advisors provide personalized support by understanding each student's strengths, challenges, and interests, ensuring they stay on track toward graduation. Through regular meetings, advisors help students navigate academic policies, troubleshoot any obstacles, and connect them with resources on campus. This support enables students to set realistic goals, manage their time effectively, and make thoughtful choices about their education, ultimately empowering them to succeed both in the classroom and beyond. I know I've completed my job as an academic advisor when I see students confidently moving forward with their academic and career goals. This happens when they not only understand their degree requirements but also feel empowered to make decisions about their education and future. Successful outcomes, such as students staying on track to graduate, overcoming challenges, and utilizing resources effectively, indicate that I’ve made a positive impact. Additionally, when students express a sense of accomplishment, improved confidence, or gratitude for the guidance and support they received, I know I’ve fulfilled my role in helping them navigate their academic journey. What: The Result

4DX Plan December 11, 2024 | EDLD 5304 | Fall 2024 "Digital education tools have the potential to democratize and globalize education like never before." What is a 4DX Plan? A 4DX (Four Disciplines of Execution) plan for implementing digital outreach tools and resources into higher education focuses on ensuring clear, measurable outcomes through structured steps. Here’s how it can be applied: WIG : Increase student engagement and applications by implementing digital outreach tools and resources that enhance communication and personalize student experiences. This goal should be narrow, clear, and focused on measurable outcomes. The core objective is to improve student interaction and enrollment through technology while maintaining the institution's commitment to personalized support. One: Focus on the Wildly Important Goals (WIG) Two: Act on the Lead Measures Lead Measures: Implementation of Digital Tools: Launch interactive platforms (e.g., AI-driven chatbots, interactive checklists, and digital application trackers) within specific timelines. Training and Development: Provide training to staff on how to use these tools effectively, including best practices for maintaining a personal connection through digital means. Student Engagement Metrics: Monitor early indicators like click-through rates, response times, and engagement on digital platforms to assess initial adoption and effectiveness. These lead measures are controllable actions that directly impact the success of the WIG. For instance, ensuring staff are trained and that students are using the digital tools in their outreach process is critical for success. Scoreboard: Track and display engagement metrics (e.g., application submissions, interactions with digital tools, survey responses from students) in real-time for both internal teams and the broader community. Include clear indicators like the number of prospective students using digital resources, the reduction in application processing time, and improvements in feedback scores related to student outreach. The scoreboard keeps everyone accountable and motivated, showing progress in real-time toward achieving the WIG. It ensures that everyone knows how well they’re doing and can make adjustments accordingly. Three: Keep a Compelling Scoreboard Four: Create a Cadence of Accountability Cadence of Accountability: Weekly Team Meetings: Hold regular check-ins with teams involved in the outreach process to review progress on the lead measures and resolve any obstacles. Regular Reviews: Continuously assess digital tool performance by evaluating metrics, gathering student feedback through surveys, and identifying areas for improvement. Adjust Strategies: Based on feedback and results, adjust outreach strategies, tools, or methods to increase effectiveness, ensuring that both the technological aspect and the human touch are balanced. This creates a structured routine of accountability that keeps the initiative on track, helps identify and address issues promptly, and allows for continuous improvement. By following this 4DX strategy, higher education institutions can successfully integrate digital outreach tools, enhance student engagement, and create an ongoing cycle of improvement and accountability. The 4DX strategy and the Influencer Strategy are both focused on driving change, but they approach it in different ways. The 4DX strategy is a structured, results-driven framework designed to execute specific goals through clear accountability and measurable lead measures. It emphasizes focus, discipline, and continuous tracking of progress, ensuring that everyone in the organization is aligned and motivated towards achieving a single, wildly important goal. On the other hand, the Influencer Strategy is more centered around leveraging key individuals within an organization who have the power to inspire and drive change. These influencers are typically individuals with expertise, credibility, and the ability to motivate others to embrace new behaviors, such as adopting digital outreach tools. While 4DX emphasizes a systematic approach to execution, the Influencer Strategy focuses on creating social influence and harnessing the power of relationships to inspire transformation. Both strategies can be complementary: 4DX provides the framework and discipline for execution, while the Influencer Strategy helps drive enthusiasm, adoption, and engagement across the organization.

Implementation Outline October 2, 2024 | EDLD 5305 | Fall 2024 I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It’s easy. Just click “Edit Text” or double click me to add your own content and make changes to the font.

Growth Mindset December 10, 2024 | EDLD 5302 | Fall 2024 "Starting each day with a positive mindset is the most important step of your journey to discovering opportunity." Growth Mindset: Why Is It Important? A growth mindset is crucial because it creates resilience, adaptability, and a love for learning. People with a growth mindset believe that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, practice, and perseverance. It is particularly important in higher education because it encourages students to embrace challenges, persevere through difficulties, and continuously improve. A growth mindset is essential for me to utilize in both daily life and while pursuing my Master’s degree because it fosters flexibility and a continuous desire to learn. Embracing this mindset means viewing challenges not as roadblocks but as opportunities for growth and improvement. In my daily life, a growth mindset helps me approach obstacles with optimism, knowing that effort and perseverance lead to progress and success. In the context of graduate school, it is particularly important as I navigate difficult assignments, research, and the demands of graduate-level expectations. A growth mindset encourages me to embrace setbacks as learning experiences, seek out feedback, and continuously fine tune my skills and knowledge. By maintaining this mindset, I can stay motivated, overcome difficulties, and ultimately achieve both personal and academic success. To communicate the power of "yet", it is essential to emphasize how this simple word can transform someone's mindset and academic journey. By adding "yet" to statements about what I can't do, I remind myself and others that abilities and skills can develop with time and effort. For example, instead of saying, "I can't understand this concept," I can say, "I can't understand this concept yet." This simple shift fosters resilience and openness to growth. In my daily life and throughout graduate school, I can use this mindset to approach challenges with patience and persistence, embracing the process of learning rather than focusing solely on immediate outcomes. When faced with academic difficulties or personal setbacks, the power of "yet" helps me maintain a positive outlook, stay motivated, and continue working toward my goals with the understanding that progress takes time and effort. The Message of "Yet" Carol Dweck's 4 Simple Steps To develop my growth mindset, I can apply Carol Dweck’s four simple steps on how to change my mindset. First, I can embrace challenges by stepping out of my comfort zone and taking on tasks that push my limits, viewing them as opportunities to learn rather than risks of failure. Second, I will focus on the effort I put into tasks, understanding that consistent hard work, rather than innate ability, leads to growth. When faced with setbacks, I can use the third step of learning from criticism and failure by seeing them as constructive feedback that helps me improve, rather than viewing them as discouragements. Lastly, I will celebrate progress and persistence, recognizing and appreciating the small wins and continuous improvement, rather than only focusing on the final outcome. By actively practicing these steps, I will cultivate a mindset that thrives on learning, resilience, and continuous self-improvement. To promote a growth mindset within higher education, I can start by creating an environment that emphasizes effort, determination, and learning from mistakes rather than focusing solely on outcomes. One effective approach is to provide constructive feedback that highlights progress and areas for improvement, using language that encourages students to view challenges as opportunities to grow. I can also share examples of how perseverance and a willingness to learn have led to success, both from my own experiences and from others. Promoting collaboration among students, where they can learn from one another and share strategies for overcoming obstacles, can also foster a growth mindset. Finally, regularly reminding students that intelligence and abilities are not static, but can evolve with effort, will help them embrace challenges with confidence, and encourage a deeper engagement with their academic work. The Influence Promoting a Growth Mindset Promoting a growth mindset in my daily routine should be a consistent practice, ideally integrated into every aspect of my day. By regularly reinforcing this mindset, I can ensure it becomes a natural way of thinking and responding to challenges. This means actively reminding myself to embrace challenges, learn from critiques, and view loses as opportunities for growth. It's important to incorporate this mindset throughout my daily life, from tackling work tasks to personal goals, so that I can develop resilience and stay motivated even when faced with minor or major problems. The more often I practice it, the more ingrained it will become, helping me remain adaptable and stay focused on continuous improvement. In both my personal life and academic pursuits, consistently promoting a growth mindset is crucial for maintaining long-term progress, boosting my confidence, and fostering a lifelong commitment to learning. (As someone who plans to pursue a Doctorates, it's definitely needed!) Growth Mindset Resources Below are materials that go into depth regarding Growth Mindset and how it can be promoted to students, how staff/faculty can utilize it within higher education, and ways to improve your own growth mindset in your daily life Can you go through this paper | Mindset change activity Play Video Developing a Growth Mindset with Carol Dweck Play Video Growth Mindset for College Students Play Video Growth Mindset: Micheal Jordan Play Video Growth Mindset Watch Now Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Close Below are links to articles by institutions that explain Growth Mindset and checklist they have their staff/faculty utilize to promote growth mindset within their classrooms: University of North Texas Standford University Below is a link to a program called "Growth Mindset for College Students" developed by Perts. This evidence-based program is utilize to help increase college students' success by laying the foundation for growth mindset. Click Here References Dweck, C. (2014). Developing a Growth Mindset. YouTube. https://youtu.be/hiiEeMN7vbQ?si=gDAcpHG5l3V88gsp Briceno, E. (2012). The power of belief–mindset and success. TEDx Talks: YouTube. https://youtu.be/pN34FNbOKXc?si=v76SkEm6KNlWzL-Lm6KNlWzL-L Harapnuik, D. (2013, April 5). Fixed Vs Growth Mindset = Print Vs Digital Information Age. It's About Learning Creating Significant Learning Environments. Retrieved October 17, 2024, from https://www.harapnuik.org/?p=3627

Influencer Strategy December 11, 2024 | EDLD 5304 | Fall 2024 "Educators are the architects of the future, shaping minds and igniting the flame of knowledge." Results The goal is to leverage more digital resources, such as interactive checklists and artificial intelligence, to enhance outreach and engagement with both prospective and continuing college students. By integrating these tools, we can provide personalized, efficient communication and offer a more responsive experience. However, it’s crucial to maintain the personable touch that colleges value, ensuring that students feel heard, supported, and connected to the institution. The balance between innovative technology and human interaction will foster a more dynamic and effective approach to student engagement, making it easier for students to navigate their college journey while still feeling like they are part of a community. The effectiveness of digitalized outreach tools can be measured by comparing the number of college applicants from previous years to the current year, as an increase in applications could indicate that the tools are resonating with prospective students. Also, gathering student feedback through surveys provides valuable insights into how well these digital tools are engaging students and meeting their needs. This feedback allows for a deeper understanding of students' experiences and can highlight areas for improvement. By combining these quantitative and qualitative measures, we can assess the impact of digital outreach efforts and make informed adjustments to enhance future engagement. Changing Vital Behaviors The vital behaviors I aim to change in higher education focus on embracing a more dynamic and tech-savvy approach to student engagement, while still prioritizing personal connection and support. I want to encourage a shift towards utilizing more digital tools, such as interactive platforms, prospective student portals, and data-driven outreach, to enhance the student experience. At the same time, it's essential to ensure that these technological advancements do not replace human interaction, but rather complement it, so that students still feel valued and personally connected to the institution. Organizational Influencers More creative, tech-savvy, and out-the-box thinkers would be my key organizational influencers because they possess a deeper understanding of how to effectively leverage technology and digital tools to engage with students. Their familiarity with current technological trends and platforms makes them better equipped to connect with the younger generation, who are often more accustomed to interacting through digital means. These staff members can help drive innovation within the institution by designing engaging, user-friendly digital experiences that resonate with today’s students. Their insights and adaptability are crucial for shaping outreach strategies that align with the expectations and preferences of the modern student body, ensuring that the institution stays relevant and effective in its engagement efforts. Senior staff members may not be the best choice as organizational influencers for the adoption of digital outreach tools because many of them (not all!) hold the belief that technology could undermine the personal experience that is central to the institution's culture. Their long-established focus on traditional, face-to-face interactions with students may make them hesitant to embrace digital solutions fully, viewing them as a potential replacement rather than a complement to human connection. This mindset could limit their effectiveness in driving the adoption of new technologies, as they may prioritize preserving the status quo over exploring innovative ways to enhance the student experience through digital tools. Six Sources of Influence

Innovation Proposal: Operation Outreach January 23, 2025 | EDLD 5305 | Spring 2025 “Innovation in education is not about the latest gadget; it’s about using technology to enhance learning outcomes.” What is Operation Outreach? "Operation Outreach" is an initiative designed to enhance both recruitment and academic success for students through the implementation of digitalized tools. For prospective students, the initiative will introduce a user-friendly, AI-driven platform that helps them explore programs, connect with admissions teams, and track their application progress in a more personalized way. For continuing students, the initiative will provide an online portal that recommends courses based on their academic history and interests, while also offering projections for their anticipated graduation dates. The benefits of "Operation Outreach" include improved recruitment by providing prospective students with immediate access to relevant information, increasing their engagement and likelihood of applying. For current students, the digital platform offers a clear academic roadmap, helping them stay on track for timely graduation and make informed decisions about their course selection. Ultimately, this initiative will foster a more streamlined, efficient, and supportive experience for all students. Recruiting Technology: Implement an AI-driven platform that personalizes communication with prospective students, automates application tracking, and offers virtual resources like campus tours. This platform should provide an easy-to-navigate portal that allows prospective students to engage with our institution through live chats and video calls with their admissions recruiter and FAQs for questions that need immediate answers. Digital Advising Resources: Develop and integrate digitalized advising tools for continuing students, which will offer specific course recommendations based on academic performance, interests, and career goals. This tool can also display anticipated graduation dates and suggest adjustments to students' academic plans if necessary. Student Portal Enhancements: Update the student portal to include real-time academic tracking features, which will allow students to view their progress towards degree completion and anticipate their graduation date based on their current course load. For prospective students, real-time tracking would include tracking of their applications, transcripts, and necessary documentation such as shot records and test scores. Specific Actions Benefits Enhanced Recruitment: With AI-driven technology, we can offer a more personalized and engaging experience for our students, making it easier for them to access relevant information and feel connected with our institution. This can lead to increased application rates and higher student satisfaction. Improved Academic Planning for Continuing Students: The digital advising tools will provide students with the ability to better understand their academic trajectory, facilitating timely graduation and reducing confusion or delays in course selection. Additionally, students will have the flexibility to adjust their schedules based on data-driven insights. This is very beneficial for those students who are unsure or in-between majors. Operational Efficiency: By automating certain aspects of recruitment and advising, our institution can significantly reduce administrative burdens, allowing staff to focus on more strategic initiatives and one-on-one interactions with students, giving them a more personable experience. Financial Investment : Funding for the development and implementation of the technology-powered recruiting platform and digital resources, including software development costs, licensing, and technical support. Staffing : A team of IT professionals, data analysts, and student success advisors and recruiters who will work together to design and maintain the digital portal and advising systems. Training: Professional development for faculty and staff to ensure they are well-equipped to utilize and promote these new tools to students. Resources Request Want to read more? Click the button below to read the full Innovation Proposal Letter sent to the Vice President of Operations at Tyler Junior College. Innovation Proposal Letter

Learning Manifesto December 10, 2024 | EDLD 5302 | Fall 2024 "True teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross; then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create their own." Want to read more? Please visit my blog page to read the extended version of my Learning Manifesto. Read More

About Me: N'Kima Browning "Technology will never replace great teachers, but technology in the hands of great teachers is transformational." About Hi everyone! I'm N'Kima. I was born and raised in Tyler, TX. I graduated from Chapel Hill High School, where I participated the Early College Program, enabling me to earn my Associate's degree from TJC before I even received my high school diploma. I continued my education at the University of North Texas, where I received my Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies, EC-6. After graduating, I worked for an amazing organization, Communities in Schools of North Texas, where I served as a Site Coordinator for an after school program at an elementary school. Although I love working with little ones, I had a desire to try something new. After a year, I decided to move back to Tyler and work in higher education. I received a position at Tyler Junior College as an Admissions Specialist, where I assisted with recruitment and the admissions process for our institution. I have currently been promoted and now work as an Academic Advisor, where I assist students with scheduling their courses. These experiences have made me who I am today, fueling my love learning and creativity. On the more fun side of things, my hobbies include reading, playing tennis, and tattooing. I have two fur babies named Drake (Terrier Mix) and Rawlo (Standard Poodle). Education Harvard University Tyler Junior College May 2017-August 2017 HUMA - Masterpiece of World Literature Jan. 2016 - May 2019 General Studies, AA Lamar University University of North Texas August 2019 - May 2022 Interdisciplinary Studies, BS August 2024 - December 2025 Applied Digital Learning, MA

Organizational Change Implementation December 12, 2024 | EDLD 5304 | Fall 2024 "Change is the end result of all true learning." What is the Change? I aim to shift the focus towards a more dynamic and tech-forward approach to student engagement, while still prioritizing personal connection and support. I want to promote the use of digital tools, such as interactive platforms, artificial intelligence, and data-driven outreach, to streamline communication and elevate the student experience. At the same time, it's vital to ensure that these technological advancements enhance, rather than replace, human interaction, so students continue to feel valued and connected to the institution. Additionally, creating a culture of ongoing feedback and responsiveness to student needs is crucial for improving engagement and ensuring that higher education remains both relevant and accessible to everyone. I believe my purpose in life is to be a source of support and guidance for those who need it most. Whether it's offering help to those facing challenges, mentoring individuals seeking direction, or simply being a reliable presence for those without a support system, my goal is to make a positive difference. I am motivated by the desire to help others navigate difficult times, empower them to grow, and be a steady, supportive presence they can count on. Through providing guidance, encouragement, and care, I aim to create meaningful change in the lives of those I encounter. I work in higher education because I am passionate about supporting students as they pursue goals they may have once thought impossible. There is nothing more rewarding than helping them recognize their potential and guiding them through the challenges they face along the way. I also take great joy in being a compassionate listener, offering students a safe, welcoming space where they feel heard and valued. By creating such an environment, I help foster both their academic and personal growth. The opportunity to positively impact their lives and contribute to their success is incredibly fulfilling for me. Foundation of the Change: The "Why" How Can this Change Be Made More creative and tech-savvy staff would be my key organizational influencers because they possess a deeper understanding of how to effectively leverage technology and digital tools to engage with students. Their familiarity with current technological trends and platforms makes them better equipped to connect with the younger generation, who are often more accustomed to interacting through digital means. These staff members can help drive innovation within the institution by designing engaging, user-friendly digital experiences that resonate with today’s students. The implementation of digital tools is a key focus, involving the launch of interactive platforms such as AI-driven chatbots, interactive checklists, and digital application trackers, all within specific timelines. These tools are designed to streamline communication, enhance student engagement, and provide a more efficient way for students to interact with the institution. By integrating these technologies, we aim to improve the overall student experience and ensure that all interactions are both seamless and accessible. Training and development will be essential for ensuring the success of these digital tools. Staff will receive comprehensive training on how to effectively use the platforms, with an emphasis on best practices for maintaining a personal connection with students through digital means. This training will not only ensure that the tools are used efficiently but also help staff navigate how to balance technological interactions with the essential human touch that is critical for student support. To gauge the success of these efforts, student engagement metrics will be closely monitored. Early indicators such as click-through rates, response times, and engagement on digital platforms will be tracked to assess the initial adoption and effectiveness of the digital tools. These metrics will provide valuable insights into how well students are engaging with the new systems and where improvements may be needed to further enhance their experience. The goal is to harness digital resources, such as interactive checklists and artificial intelligence, to improve outreach and engagement with both prospective and current college students. By incorporating these tools, we can deliver personalized, efficient communication, streamline administrative processes, and create a more responsive experience. However, it's essential to preserve the personal touch that colleges are known for, ensuring that students continue to feel heard, supported, and connected to the institution. Striking the right balance between innovative technology and human interaction will foster a more dynamic and effective approach to student engagement, helping students navigate their college journey while still feeling part of a welcoming community. The effectiveness of these digital outreach tools can be measured by comparing the number of college applicants from previous years with the current year. An increase in applications would suggest that the tools are resonating with prospective students. Additionally, collecting student feedback through surveys provides valuable insights into how well these digital tools are engaging students and addressing their needs. This feedback offers a deeper understanding of student experiences and can identify areas for improvement. By combining both quantitative and qualitative data, we can evaluate the impact of our digital outreach efforts and make informed adjustments to improve future engagement. The Result of the Change Additional Information and Resources Take a look at more in-depth information regarding my organizational change implementation: "What's Your Why?" Influencer Strategy 4DX Plan Take a look at the blog pages related to my organizational change implementation: Self-Differentiated Leadership My Learning Manifesto: The Extended Version