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Writer's pictureBoon Yih Mah

Mapping Research and Innovation Routes to Becoming an EdNovator

Updated: 2 days ago


"To be an EdNovator, spark your innovation with a creative mind and empower

your teaching with adaptive learning technology."—Boon Yih Mah, Ph.D., P.Tech., MCE


A. EdNovator


In the contemporary landscape of education, characterised by the requisite competencies of communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and values and ethics (4C1V), an EdNovator is dedicated to meticulously tailoring a learning environment that is uniquely suited to the individual needs of each learner. This is achieved through developing pedagogy-supported instructional tools meticulously designed to harness the power of adaptive learning technology. These tools are thoughtfully integrated into the fabric of lessons to ignite and guide learners as they navigate the intricate process of knowledge construction.


Educators should craft the learning trajectory to stimulate innovation by utilising a tailored instructional platform and integrating pertinent web resources into the curriculum. According to WeCWI and its science of instruction, technology enhances the instructor's pedagogical capabilities, with pedagogy acting as the technology's compass, bolstered by relevant theoretical rationale.


Personalised learning environments deviate from traditional standardised instructional methods by harnessing adaptive learning technology to tailor the educational journey to individual learners' needs and learning styles. This approach acknowledges the diverse manners in which students assimilate and demonstrate their comprehension of the material. It permits the customisation of learning experiences to align with each student's pace and preferences.


In addition to traditional teaching methods, implementing self-instructional materials, such as interactive modules, online resources, and personalised study guides, has significantly improved academic performance. These resources enable students to take ownership of their learning journey, engage with the study materials self-directedly, and receive timely feedback. As a result, students experience a more enriched and effective learning process, leading to enhanced academic outcomes.


B. 10 Mind Shift Solutions


To have a classroom makeover as an EdNovator, the mind shifts in 10 areas:

1. Technology: use → integration

2. Accessibility: print → web

3. Mobility: desktop → smartphone

4. Flexibility: LMS → WBI

5. Instructor: supplier → facilitator

6. Learner: absorber → constructor

7. Teaching: group → personalised

8. Learning: passive → active

9. Approach: constructivism → connectivism

10. Task: individual → collaborative


C. Mapping Research and Innovation Routes Solutions


In recent years, my dedication to EdNovator has been unwavering. It has been a central part of my teaching approach since the introduction of Web-based Cognitive Writing Instruction (WeCWI) in 2014, which later developed into WeCWI Integrated Solutions in 2016. My recognition through various avenues, such as publications, keynote addresses, speeches, seminars, workshops, and prestigious honours and awards, has been crucial in driving my ongoing pursuit of progress and exploration in the language development field through technology integration.


My research odyssey has transitioned from problem-centric explorations to solution-oriented consultations. This metamorphosis is palpable in the extensive WeCWI-related publications, keynote presentations, speeches, seminars, workshops, accolades, and honours that have graced my academic journey. The genesis of my work can be traced back to publications that delved into the integration of technology in ESL writing classrooms. Early investigations focused on using blogs in ESL writing, showcasing how undergraduate students perceived blogging as more beneficial and user-friendly. This thematic thread carried forward with studies employing the Technology Acceptance Model to elucidate students' acceptance of writing weblogs due to their perceived utility.


Throughout my research, I redirected my focus toward contrasting the efficacy of mobile curriculum vitae (m-CV) with conventional methods among university students. This shift prompted an exploration of the intricacies of L2 writing and the development of instructional tools, such as WeCWI, to enhance students' writing and critical thinking competencies. The publications during this phase underscored the pivotal role of educators and accentuated the necessity for structured guidance in effectively integrating weblogs in ESL classrooms.


Following this shift, my research trajectory focused on improving and refining WeCWI as an instructional design framework. This line of work was showcased through impactful keynote speeches at prestigious international conferences. These notable presentations delved into the in-depth explication of the theoretical and pedagogical foundations of WeCWI at gatherings held in Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Vietnam. During these keynote addresses, the focus was on elucidating the integration of language acquisition and composition studies to enhance literacy development effectively.


Furthermore, my presentations provided a platform for disseminating my research findings to a wider audience. I delivered lectures on the challenges of L2 writing at the Annual Asian Conference on Language Learning and the advent of web-based cognitive instruction at the Digital Education Show Asia. These presentations underscored the crucial role of innovative instructional tools and highlighted the transformative potential of WeCWI in empowering educators and enhancing student outcomes.


Throughout my professional engagements, I had the opportunity to deliver keynote addresses and speeches and facilitate numerous seminars and workshops to equip educators and researchers with the practical skills and knowledge needed to implement the research findings I had developed effectively. The workshops, such as "WeCWI Enterprise: Write It Right" and "EdTech Seminar on WeCWI," were meticulously designed to provide hands-on training in instructional design and technology integration in educational settings. These sessions were carefully structured to play a crucial role in encouraging and supporting the widespread adoption of WeCWI within academic institutions.


My academic pursuits have significantly influenced the field of educational technology, particularly within the realm of ESL writing instruction. Through an extensive body of published works, impactful presentations, interactive workshops, and noteworthy accolades, I have effectively demonstrated the value of solution-oriented consultations in enhancing academic performance. My ongoing endeavours play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape for educators and researchers, fostering a collaborative and pioneering approach to addressing the inherent challenges in language learning and pedagogy.


I have garnered numerous esteemed accolades for my pioneering projects throughout my professional tenure. My work with WeCWI notably led to the silver medal award at PIID 2014 and the gold medal at PECIPTA 2015. Furthermore, my "Self-Assessed Online Listening Tests" project received the prestigious gold medal at the International E-Content Development Competition 2021. These accolades testify to the excellence and originality of my research endeavours dedicated to advancing educational technology and instructional design.


My professional endeavours have been distinguished with numerous accolades. I had the honour of receiving the Education Leadership Award at the World Education Congress and obtaining a Tertiary Educator of the Year nomination at the EduTech Asia Awards. These commendations serve as a testament to the influence of my work on educational methodologies and the integration of technology.


D. To Sum Up...


I am at a critical point in my research journey, filled with deep gratitude and optimism for the future. The unwavering dedication to EdNovator and the groundbreaking work with WeCWI have highlighted a more comprehensive and innovative approach to language development through technology. Every accolade, publication, and keynote address has demonstrated our progress and mapped out a clear path for our future endeavours.


My overarching goal has always been to empower educators and ignite student inspiration. I believe that our combined endeavours will continue to push the boundaries of achievement. We will embrace innovation and foster collaboration to revolutionise the educational landscape. Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to this journey, underpinned by the conviction that every challenge presents an opportunity for growth, and every success serves as a milestone toward a more enlightened future for language learning and teaching.


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