Journey With Me….

“Reflection is one of the most underused yet powerful tools for success.” Richard Carlson

 

EDLD 5302 Concepts of Educational Technology

This was my first course in the Digital Learning and Leading program.  I learned the importance of a growth mindset.  This course was the foundation of the program.  COVA (choice, ownership, voice, and authenticity) was introduced and I began to take ownership of my learning. During this course I also developed my learning manifesto and explored the concepts of educational technology.

EDLD 5303 Applying Educational Tech: Portfolio

During this course I learned how to create an ePortfolio and why it is important.  We began building a platform that can be used for years to come to display academic and professional work.  We also discussed the importance of professional learning networks (PLN).  They carry a vast array of knowledge that is easily accessible to anyone.

EDLD 5305 Disruptive Innovation in Education

This course challenged who I was as an educator.  For me this was my most difficult course. Disruption in the classroom through innovation is not only necessary but can yield very positive results. I developed my innovation proposal in order to create a significant learning environment.  I researched blended learning and its effectiveness in the classroom to increase student engagement and achievement. Lastly we created a media pitch that explains how blended learning can change the landscape of our teaching environment.

EDLD 5304 Leading Organizational Change

In order to evoke change you must know how to lead. As a leader one of the most important things you must do is discover your “why“.  We defined what it means to be a self-differentiated leader. After that we were introduced to the Influencer Model which allows us to focus on and measure our goal and then find vital behaviors which will help us achieve said goal.  A great leader has the ability to discern and safely navigate the emotional climate of the organization.

EDLD 5313 Creating Significant Learning Environments

This course provided a solid understanding of the importance in creating significant learning environments (CLSE).  We were given the task of creating our learning philosophy and how it relates to our teaching philosophy.  We expanded our growth mindset plan to include components of CLSE.  CLSE requires connections between COVA, innovation and mindset changes.

EDLD 5314 Digital Learning in Global & Local Contexts

We spent a lot of time in this course building on our previous literature review.  We reviewed case studies to examine what worked, what could have been done better and how to apply the lessons learned. One of our first assignments was a literature presentation that discussed the previous three topics.  Based on this information I was able to expand my literature review and innovation plan.

EDLD 5315 Assessing Digital Learning and Instruction

Saying that I hate doing research is an understatement but this course required me to change my mindset and hone my focus. I spent time researching the effects of blended learning in a special education resource classroom.  I was trying to see if student achievement would increase if the station rotation model of blended learning is implemented during independent practice.  The first step was to create an action research outline that clearly summarized the type of data that was to be collected.  From the outline I created a thorough review of the literature which was then used to create an action research plan. I now understand the importance of action research.

EDLD 5318 Instruction Design in Online Learning

Going into this course I was nervous about creating units for a learning management system (LMS).  What I soon came to realize is how easy it was create.  It was definitely time consuming but not difficult.  To best serve my students I decided to upload certain units instead of an entire course.

EDLD 5388 Developing Effective Professional Learning

We have all been a part of professional development that was not suited for our needs as a teacher or even as a campus.  In this course I created an call to action video which explained why professional development as we know it needs to be changed. Often times there is no follow through with professional learning.  A teacher is introduced to something new, told to take it back to their campus and implement it but there is not support during the implementation stage.  During this course we were also introduced to the 5 Principles of Effective Professional Development.

EDLD 5317 Resources for Digital Environments

This course took me completely out of my comfort zone and stretched me further that I knew was possible.  Choosing a topic to research, writing an article and then submitting it for publication is something I would have never previously considered.  We were given the task to create a media pitch to draw the audience and get them to want more. I am currently waiting to see if my article has been selected for publication.

EDLD 5316 Digital Citizenship

In the age we currently live in digital citizenship is absolutely necessary.  I am guilty of just assuming that people know what is and what is not appropriate when it comes to using technology. Children as basically born with devices in their hands but that doesn’t mean they know what it means to be good digital citizens who leave positive digital footprints.  Each week in the course we created a journal reflection about each aspect of digital citizenship.

EDLD 5320 Synthesis of Digital Learning and Leading

This course allowed for much needed reflection. Reflection is necessary for continued growth.  We first reflected on COVA and CLSE.  We were able take time and see how COVA has laid the framework for the DLL program. Next we looked at where we are in our innovation plan.  Some have gotten further than others much of which is due to circumstances beyond our control.  I am looking forward to the new school year and continuing on my blended learning journey.