Contributions to Your Learning
During this Fall session, I completed EDLD 5318 and EDLD 5320. As part of our final course requirements, we were asked to reflect on our experiences and evaluate our own contributions. I rated myself a 95. I chose this score because I consistently completed all assignments and discussion board posts in a timely manner, always submitting my work before the due dates. These two classes are the final courses in my program, and reaching this point has required tremendous dedication and sacrifice. The past twelve months have gone by so quickly that it is hard to believe this chapter is already coming to an end. I would also like to express my gratitude to all of the professors who have supported and guided me throughout this journey. Their encouragement and commitment have played an important role in helping me reach this milestone in my academic career.
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Personal Reflection:
Things that worked well for me included completing my assignments ahead of time rather than waiting until the last minute. I made a consistent effort to complete all readings, participate thoughtfully in discussions, and provide constructive feedback to multiple classmates. I am also part of a GroupMe for each course, where we ask questions, seek clarification, and offer guidance on assignments whenever needed. This group has truly served as our backbone, helping us support one another and successfully navigate each course.
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In our first assignment, Instructional Design, we were asked to describe in detail which LMS I would incorporate into the classroom. For this, I created a Google Classroom and added the assignments and materials students will need to be successful. Completing the assignment helped me clarify my vision for what I want to accomplish in the class.
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For our second assignment, the Implementation Outline, I built a Google Classroom containing the first five units of the semester. Students will be required to add their work from these units to their e‑Portfolios using Google Sites. Creating this outline helped me visualize how I want the course to be organized and run. It also allowed me to anticipate pacing and scaffold assessments throughout the semester. Moving forward, I plan to gather student feedback after the first unit to refine activities and ensure the e‑Portfolio process is clear.
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For our third assignment, Usability Testing & Reflection, we asked stakeholders to test our modules through Google Classroom. Their feedback allowed me to identify strengths and areas for improvement, and I used it to make targeted adjustments to the course. This process helped me envision additional steps I need to take to improve the class in the future. I also documented the feedback and revisions to create a clear improvement plan. These insights will guide iterative refinements and help ensure a better learning experience for students.
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Core Collaboration Group:
In my collaboration group, I worked with Kelsie Adams, Ann Zystryny, Veronica Mata, Ayla Rightenour, and Angela Speck. Throughout this 8-week course, we collaborated on five discussion posts. In those posts, we built upon each other’s ideas and continued to grow together as the weeks went on. Along with the discussions, we also provided feedback to help improve each other’s publication final drafts. Most of our group has been together since the beginning of the program, and honestly, we’ve grown so much by learning together and building on one another’s thoughts and ideas. Our strong communication and mutual respect made it easy to share honest feedback and stay on track. I truly feel that working with this group enhanced the quality of my work and made the experience more enjoyable.​​​
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Conclusion:
In conclusion to EDLD 5318, I have learned so much about myself and discovered new ways to lead, adapt, and grow in order to be successful with my innovation plan. The videos and discussion posts greatly supported my understanding of the material and helped me apply the information needed to succeed in my assignments. I will continue to use the knowledge and skills I gained in this course to guide me in my future classes. Dr. B, thank you for your guidance and for the reflection assignments that encouraged me to focus on what I did well and what I still need to improve. This course has strengthened my confidence as an educator and helped me see the impact thoughtful leadership can have on student learning. I feel more prepared to implement innovative ideas and to continue growing both personally and professionally.