The Effects of Amygdala Hijacking in Online Learning

Dahl, L. (2008). Brain [Photograph]. Creative Commons license (CC BY-NC 2.0)

The first time I heard the term “Amygdala Hijacking” it was in reference to an episode my son had in middle school. He had punched another student in the face during the Pledge of Allegiance one morning, and had been sent to the Principal’s office where there was talk of suspension. I learned that the boy my son had punched had been tormenting my son; calling him names and poking him with a pencil… belittling him in front of his peers on a regular basis. That morning, he pushed my son to his limit, and my son reacted, the victim of “Amygdala Hijacking.”

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Digital Learning and Leading: Self-Assessment Of Past, Present, And Future Leadership

Part One – Option 2 – Digital Learning and Leading: Self-Assessment Of Your Past, Present, And Future Leadership

The Past

I am relatively new to the Digital Learning and Leading world. About five years ago, I had a major life-shift. My mother was in end-stage emphysema, and I needed to help with her care. I left my job with Communities In Schools of Northeast Texas, a program that works with kids in K-12 identified as at-risk of dropping out of school, helping them to overcome the obstacles that hindered their ability to stay in school. My role with that organisation

Using COVA+CSLE to Empower Learners to Make Connections

Rhondda. (2013). Learning [Photograph]. Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC 2.0).

As we move through the DLL program, we have been introduced to concepts such as COVA (Choice, Ownership, and Voice through Authentic learning), and CSLE (Creating Significant Learning Environments). (Harapnuik, Thibodeaux, & Cummings, 2018). These concepts build on the research and work of constructivist theorists, and focus on the importance of learners taking responsibility for their own learning (ownership). When learners are given opportunity to choose how they are going to learn, they have a greater tendency to feel a sense of ownership for their own learning, and make the needed connection. Learning becomes relevant and meaningful.