5320 Contributions to Learning
For my final learning post, I would like to share my experience in the program at Lamar University. I have gained valuable skills and knowledge that are timely and relevant for my work as an educator in K-12 education. Some of the skills I have acquired include creating a website, podcasting, and publishing. However, the real value of this program has been the collaboration with my peers and professors and the learning process of COVA in the ADL Program. I have implemented several lessons I learned in my classes to create a more authentic learning environment that offers choice to my students. I have also introduced the Growth Mindset and the power of "yet" to my students by providing timely feedforward feedback.
​
Initially, I was still determining what to expect from the 5320 course with Dr. Harapnuik, but I found the class requirements, lessons, and assignments well thought-out and comprehensive. The e-portfolio was especially useful as it provided a journal of my learning progress and reflections. I want to incorporate this journaling aspect into my teaching.
​
One area I need to work on is being more proactive in sharing my learning experience with others, not just my colleagues on campus but also with a broader community. I have struggled with confidence and believing that I have something valuable to offer. This feeling comes primarily from education being my second career since my undergraduate degree is in Economics/Finance. Therefore, although I received some fundamental knowledge on education and learning styles, I still did not have the background knowledge to contribute to the more extensive discussion. Now, I have a base level of experience and knowledge to share more with others and the skills to research a topic and use research-based strategies in the classroom. To that point, I have grown in confidence due to this program. I plan to use these skills to contribute to the learning community by working with my colleagues to publish the article we created in the program on implementing e-portfolios in the classroom that I wrote with Tonya Logan and Ashleigh Carter Kegler. I also plan to publish articles focused on preparing new teachers with the skills and strategies to succeed in the classroom, along with possible topics of teachers using AI to differentiate in the classroom.
​
Finally, for the 5320 course, I attended the first live class, watched all recorded types, completed all the discussions, and commented on several classmates' discussions. I also joined the GroupMe ADL Cohort Collective, created by Dawn Short, which I found very helpful and insightful. My greatest challenge in this course was not operating with my core group since most students have graduated. However, I wish I could have shared more about what I had done in the past. Therefore, I rate myself as 89/100 for my contribution to learning because I need to take a leadership role in collaborative discussions.
Contributions to Learning 5315
Throughout the 5315 course, my contributions to the learning experience were multifaceted and played a pivotal role in enriching my understanding of the subject matter, specifically focused on e-portfolios. This paper aims to delve deeper into what worked well during the course, highlighting my active participation in group discussions and how these interactions led to fruitful exchanges with classmates. Additionally, it addresses aspects that could have been improved, such as more proactive outreach within the GroupMe group and the challenges posed by time zone differences and varying school holiday schedules. Overall, this reflection underscores the positive impact of collaborative learning experiences and the invaluable lessons learned.
One aspect that worked exceptionally well during the course was my consistent and active participation in group discussions. These discussions were a crucial part of our learning process, as they provided a platform for us to share insights, seek clarification, and offer feedback on each other's research topics. What made these interactions particularly enriching was the dynamic flow of conversations. I found that my classmates and I engaged in thoughtful exchanges, often resulting in multiple back-and-forth responses. These mini-conversations within the larger discussion threads allowed for a deeper exploration of ideas and fostered a sense of community within the course.
In addition to participating in these discussions, I consciously sought out classmates who were also working on e-portfolios. This proactive approach allowed me to connect with peers with a common research interest. We shared articles and resources and even discussed potential research questions. This not only expanded my knowledge base but also created a supportive network of fellow researchers. These interactions were instrumental in refining my research focus and aligning it with current developments in e-portfolios.
One specific aspect of the course that proved incredibly beneficial was the weekly discussions related to the sources that we were using. These discussions provided a structured platform for us to discover and share pertinent academic resources. Here, I learned about various databases, journals, and research repositories that I had yet to explore. The guidance the instructor and my peers provided helped me navigate the vast sea of information and identify high-quality sources for my literature review. As I shared my discoveries, I also received valuable feedback and suggestions, which greatly informed my research process.
Moreover, my contributions extended beyond the course discussion board. Through a dedicated GroupMe chat, I actively collaborated with a select group of peers, including Rachel Hull, Shannon Frazier, Stacey Powell, and Paola Rodriguez. In this more informal setting, we shared resources, discussed our research progress, and offered support and encouragement to one another. This micro-community within the course created a space for deeper collaboration and allowed us to build strong connections based on our shared research interests.
While my contributions to the course were generally positive, there are areas where improvement could have occurred. One aspect I could have handled more effectively was reaching out to members within the GroupMe group to set up Zoom meetings for more in-depth idea-sharing and collaboration. While we discussed and exchanged messages in the group chat, scheduling synchronous meetings proved challenging due to time zone differences and varying school holiday schedules. This is an area where, in hindsight, better planning and communication could have led to more meaningful interactions and collaboration.
In reflection, I am genuinely optimistic about my contributions to the learning experience in the 5315 course. My active participation in discussions, collaborative efforts, and the sharing of resources enhanced my understanding and fostered a sense of community and mutual learning among my peers. This course has enriched my knowledge and honed my ability to effectively engage in scholarly discourse and collaborate within a diverse and remote learning environment. It reaffirms the value of active participation, continuous engagement, and the power of networking in pursuing knowledge and academic growth.
Contributions to Learning 5318 & 5389
This summer, I had the opportunity to enroll in two challenging courses, 5318 and 5389. Certain aspects of the courses posed considerable challenges, but overall, the learning experience was gratifying. One of the most challenging aspects was designing a professional development (PD) curriculum tailored for teachers while developing a course focused on financial literacy. With better planning, I could have optimized my efforts by creating a cohesive course that catered to the requirements of both classes, thus avoiding redundant work. In addition, I found myself revisiting previous assignments to ensure they aligned with my current direction and plan.
Throughout my courses, I encountered a significant obstacle that required me to have a solid team to work with on projects. While some students had already formed close-knit study groups, I needed help finding a consistent team to work with. However, I took the initiative and interacted with various classmates throughout the term. Even though I didn't have a fixed group, I actively participated in all group discussions, collaborating with different individuals each time. I also found the Groupme for the EDLD program with Dawn helpful. Moreover, I reached out to my former principal and instructional coach for feedback on the course designed for the 5318 course, and their input was valuable.
By regularly responding and replying to others in the discussions, I contributed my perspectives and got to know my peers better. This diverse interaction broadened my understanding of different viewpoints and teaching philosophies, enriching my learning experience. It also allowed me to offer meaningful feedback to my classmates' ideas and projects, which they found helpful in refining their work.
One of the most valuable skills I developed during the courses was taking feedback constructively. Both instructors provided detailed feedback on my previous assignments, highlighting areas for improvement. Rather than being discouraged by critiques, I used them as stepping stones for growth. I carefully analyzed the feedback, identifying areas where my work could be enhanced and ensuring I incorporated these insights into my subsequent assignments.
As the courses progressed, I applied the feedback I received from my instructors to fine-tune my professional development (PD) curriculum and financial literacy course. This revision process strengthened the content and structure of my assignments and allowed me to align them with my current direction and overall plan. I sought to avoid redundancy and ensured that the work I put in for one course complemented and contributed to the other, maximizing the value of my efforts.
While I would have preferred a consistent core group to collaborate with, the dynamic and diverse nature of my interactions with different classmates was a blessing in disguise. It broadened my perspectives, challenged me to adapt to various working styles, and pushed me to become more versatile in my approach to group work.
In conclusion, despite the challenges of not having a fixed core group, I made the most out of the opportunities for collaboration and feedback throughout the courses. Engaging in stimulating group discussions, offering valuable feedback to my peers, and incorporating feedback from my instructors all played pivotal roles in my growth as a learner. The experiences and lessons learned during these courses will undoubtedly shape my future endeavors, enabling me to approach collaboration, feedback, and personal development with greater confidence and enthusiasm.
Contributions to Learning 5317
The 5317 course on publications was enjoyable and informative, and I learned a lot from it. The course also provided practical exercises that helped me apply what I learned to publish our work eventually.
In the past, I have faced challenges while working in groups. Sometimes there were communication gaps, while it was challenging to coordinate schedules and deadlines at other times. However, this class provided an ideal environment for group work. The online platform made connecting with my group members and collaborating on assignments easy. We could share our ideas and feedback in real time through Google Docs, which helped us stay on track and produce high-quality work. Moreover, our group members had diverse backgrounds and perspectives, which brought a new dimension to our discussions and assignments. Overall, this class was a great learning experience, and it helped me overcome the challenges of working in a group.
In the course, I worked with two other group members, Tonya and Ashleigh, who I met on Zoom. We used Google Docs to collaborate on all the assignments. We used our skills to work together and ensure we produced high-quality work. Collaborating with my group members was a great experience; we all learned a lot from each other.
However, the group within the discussion group was more challenging. Since the group did not organically come together, coordinating and collaborating took more work. In addition, people posted at different times, making the discussions more complex than the core group. Despite the challenges, I still learned a lot from the discussions, which helped me better understand the course material. The discussion groups also worked to help me learn about more resources to use for the assignments and in the classroom.
Looking back, I could have done a few things better in the discussion group. For example, I could have created a GroupMe group with the other members to connect quickly during the first week of the course. Creating a separate place for conversation allowed us to get to know each other better and establish a rapport before beginning the discussions. Additionally, I could have done a better job posting sooner and more frequently. Sometimes, I would wait until the last minute to post my thoughts, which made it difficult for others to provide feedback or engage in a conversation. Finally, I could have asked more questions for feedback to ensure that I understood the course material and contributed to the discussions meaningfully. By reflecting on these areas for improvement, I can approach future group work with a better understanding of what it takes to be an effective and engaged team member.
I am pleased to say that I earned a grade of 90 in the 5317 courses on publications. This grade reflects the effort and hard work I put into the course, especially in my collaboration with others in my core group. Working with my group members was a great experience, and we produced high-quality work through effective collaboration. However, I could have done better in the weekly discussion group. I could have contributed more proactively and asked more questions to engage with my group members. Nonetheless, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from others and improve my collaborative skills through this course.
Learning in 5313
EDLD 5313 is the only course I took this semester. As a new graduate student, I wanted to ensure that I could find a balance between family, work, and my continuing education. Essentially, I did that. While there was some uneasiness initially, I was able to find my stride, work with my peers, and develop ideas that made me proud.
The 5313 course was by far my favorite course in the ADL program. The coursework was very relevant and practical based on the current needs of teachers in the classroom. Several things worked well for me in this course, such as attending the live classes, which allowed me to interact with the instructor and my peers in breakout sessions. In addition, the weekly discussions were more engaging and natural in how students collaborated and asked questions in the weekly conversation. However, I can improve by replying to more posts and offering resources to my classmates while working with a smaller group of 2 or 3 students. I am a part of a larger group on "group me," but I still struggle to work with a smaller core group.
During the course, I was able to complete all of the assigned readings and videos without any issues. The lessons were delightful since I am interested in the growth mindset and how it can help students learn and help me perform better as an educator. In addition, the assignments were both engaging and reflective of my working life experience. This was particularly true when I completed the growth mindset because it shared a new perspective of the growth mindset that challenged my understanding of the course and the role of the growth mindset in the classroom.
The feedback from Dr. G. was clear and concise, which allowed me to improve on some assignments. For example, I made several revisions to the growth mindset plan from the 5302 courses. Still, I also changed my innovation proposal based on the three-column assignment, where I changed the focus to financial literacy. I also revised the growth mindset plan to focus more on specific students and not a weekly warm-up, as I initially proposed in the growth mindset plan.
During my time in the course, I completed all readings, videos, and supporting resources while using APA to cite all sources in the weekly discussions.
Contributions to learning 5304
​
My fourth course in the ADL Program is going well. When I started this program, I had concerns about the rigor of the assignments, the pacing of the curriculum, and working with my peers as I juggled work and school. At the program's start, my most significant challenges were time management and collaboration with my peers. The collaboration piece was particularly challenging because we were online and living in different cities. My concerns ended due to familiarity with some of my classmates and the creation of the GroupMe groups. The group allowed us to share thoughts and questions with the larger group while offering encouragement and reminders of upcoming due dates. Our group also served as a sounding board to share ideas or to answer clarifying questions. I participated in the group discussions and the posting in the class often to offer encouragement and feedback to others. The area where I can grow the most is by providing more constructive feedback to my peers on their projects and discussion on a more consistent basis. I will share more of my work by giving feedback more often, opening me up to feedforward feedback. The other area I can still improve is working in a small group as we develop our project to receive more input before submitting our assignments. With these changes and a focus on giving meaningful feedback, I can be a greater service to my learning community and myself by simply engaging more in conversations with my peers.
Contributions to learning 5303
EDLD 5303 is the only course I took this semester. As a new graduate student, I wanted to ensure that I could find a balance between family, work, and my continuing education. Essentially, I did that. While there was some uneasiness initially, I was able to find my stride, work with my peers, and develop ideas that made me proud. In the 5303 courses, I have seen things come together. Initially, I found collaboration and finding your voice to be hurdles for me in previous classes. I found it challenging to collaborate with others while also building my e-portfolio. However, in the 5303 courses, things have started to come together. In collaborating with my peers and sharing our e-portfolios, I have learned many things to help improve my portfolio. The feedback from my classmates has been most valuable and insightful in how the input often validated things I usually was questioning myself.
I worked in a core group in group me that consisted of StacyPowell, Adrianna Noelle, James Rawls, Jr, Kelly Skillingberg, Tonya Logan, Valary Wingo, and LaTammie Rawls. We consistently collaborated and offered feedback in the chat and zoom meetings to discuss concerns. Towards the end of the class, Stacy created a shared document where we shared our e-portfolios to offer feedback and comments on our blog postings.
Based on the feedback, one significant change I made in my e-portfolio in this course was changing how the user could view the documents. When I first added some of the work from the previous sessions, I embedded the google link into the website. This process forced the user to click on a specific link to access the document. This process created too many steps and created the possibility of errors in downloading the documents. Instead, I decided to test the access change by adding one paper on the welcome page, improving the user experience. I will make the other changes to the documents in the coming weeks.
Overall, I rate myself 93/100 for the 5303 course. While I completed all key contributions, I did not take on a leadership role in the Groupme discussion. One thing that I want to improve on is attending more live classes. Of course, I was able to participate in the discussion activities. But watching the recorded class sessions often, I wanted to ask questions or join in the live chats. I would also like to do a better job of offering help and seeking assistance from others in my core group.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Contributions to learning 5302
​
EDLD 5302 is the only course I took this semester. As a new graduate student, I wanted to ensure that I could find a balance between family, work, and my continuing education. Essentially, I did that. While there was some uneasiness initially, I was able to find my stride, work with my peers, and develop ideas that make me proud.
When I started this course, I found discussions and Groupme to be challenging formats when connecting with other students that I have never met before. It didn’t feel like we were having conversations. Everyone was simply responding to the post without any responses to one another limiting our shared ideas. This did change towards the end of the course. More classmates began to reply to my postings and I also felt more comfortable replying to theirs. Once I joined the Groupme “ADL 2021-2023” with Dawn, Stacey, and several other classmates things began to roll and I started working ahead on the discussion questions. Around the third week, our collaborative efforts peaked. Since I completed the 5305 course in the spring semester, I shared a copy of my implementation outline and offered to assist any one in need.
During the course, I was able to complete all of the assigned readings and videos without any issues. The readings were particularly enjoyable since I have an interest in the growth mindset and how it can help students learn and me perform better as an educator. I found the assignments to be both engaging and reflective of my working life experience. This was particularly true when I completed the learning manifesto because it mirrored my education experience and highlighted the impact I want to have on my students.
With help from my peers, I was able to make quality revisions to my e-portfloio and my blog postings. Thanks to our collaborative working style, I was able to review examples posted by my peers in Groupme and in our discussions on Blackboard. When I had specific questions about the number of required posts to create in the blog, Dawn Short and Stacey Powell promptly responded. Their immediate attention made me feel like we were part of a team. With the team’s help, I was able to make revisions to my implementation outline to allocate time for the introduction of the growth/fixed mindsets.
Overall, I rate myself 90/100 for the 5302 course. While I completed all of the key contributions, I did not take on a leadership role in the Groupme discussion. I need to have more conversations with my peers in the discussions and in the larger group. Groupme was efficient in the beginning, however, I work best when I’m connected in a smaller group. The larger group did work well for sharing documents and getting feedback. Because of my needs, I made several attempts to create a smaller group by contacting students directly without any success. In smaller groups there tends to be more collaboration and accountability as it relates to sharing of resources and ideas in a timely manner. Posting ahead of time in the discussions is also something I need to continue to do while also reserving a day to respond and reply to other students.
Below are screenshots of my communication with my peers.