Contribution to My Learning and the Learning Community
(5315 & 5320)

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In this reflection, I explain the reasoning behind my self-assessment by focusing on my commitment to self-driven learning and personal growth. Throughout this process, I have put much effort into improving my skills and contributing to the learning community. Whether through sharing ideas, participating in group discussions, or helping others, I have been dedicated to ensuring we all learn and grow together. This reflection captures how I’ve developed individually and as part of a supportive community.

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5315 Assessing Digital Learning and Instruction.

5320 Synthesis of Digital Learning and Leadership.

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Looking back on these classes, I truly value the experience. I now see how the courses are seamlessly interconnected, supporting and enhancing one another. As I move forward into uncharted territory, I make the most of the knowledge I’ve gained, doing my best with the resources available, always aiming for each day to improve in all aspects of my life.

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In course 5315, we helped overcome the common misperception that abstract concepts are immeasurable. Using practical measurement solutions, we learned how to quantify and assess student learning in digital learning environments. We focused on exploring how action research can be applied to measure teaching methods and innovative approaches in instructional design and will provide practical measurement solutions for professional educators to learn how to quantify and assess student learning in digital learning environments. We did an Action Research Design Outline investigating the impact of blended learning implementation on student motivation during the writing process. Using a mixed methods approach, the study combines qualitative insights from observations and interviews with quantitative data from assessments. Afterward, I had the opportunity to do a literature review where I could compare authors' different approaches to blended learning and how, over time, they have sought the same goal: Engaging students in the teaching and learning process. Lastly, we combined all the components of our Action Research Plan as a cohesive section in the portfolio, where we seek to promote active participation and deeper learning, providing insights into effective teaching practices and supporting successful lifelong learning. It was an actual discovery of a new me and approach to my profession, proving that teamwork is a key to innovation in our educational practices. For me, it was a journey of professional and personal development.

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During the 5320 course, our team discussed and reflected on synthesizing the knowledge, skills, and values ​​acquired during the program. From the beginning, we wanted to expand our ability to master new content and think critically, which helped us create a blended online course that could be used in our classrooms and at school. We will present a comprehensive plan for how we develop and impact ourselves as digital learners and leaders capable of identifying and promoting innovation, creating meaningful digital learning environments, and leading organizational change. As we move through the process, we dive into research topics, uncover challenges, and ask important questions, leading us to refine our approach.

Each project phase allowed us to put what we had learned into action. We carefully analyzed the core components of online learning design, ensuring our final project was practical and well thought-out. Along the way, we built a clear strategy for developing the course and kept checking its usability to ensure it was effective. Ultimately, we took the time to critically reflect on the entire process—how we taught, how students learned, and how our approach to development impacted the course design and its overall success.

 

Key Contributions:

Reflection on What Works and What Can Be Improved:

Across all the courses, I actively participated in critical reflection on my learning journey, consistently reviewing my progress and pinpointing areas for enhancement. Through regular evaluations of my work, I adjusted my approach to assignments and learning activities, optimizing my learning outcomes.

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Core Collaboration Group:

Acknowledging my involvement in the core collaborative group, which included Francys Machado, Neylly Guedez, and myself, Joyce T. Perez, was immensely valuable to everyone involved. Our group dynamic was enriched by each member's diverse perspectives and contributions, fostering a deeper understanding of the subjects we explored. The exchange of ideas and active discussions allowed us to analyze different viewpoints, challenge assumptions, and build upon each other's knowledge. This collaborative approach was particularly beneficial, as it encouraged us to integrate various perspectives into our work, ultimately enhancing the quality and depth of our outputs. The group’s synergy facilitated our learning and strengthened our ability to work effectively.

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Revisions and Reflections on Assignments:

Revisiting assignments and reflecting on the process of reviewing an assignment showed how committed I was to the sort of work I was doing and how much I was learning.

 

Completion of Course Requirements:

Completing every reading, video, and other supporting resource meant knowing all aspects of the content and providing evidence of my efficient time management and dedication to the class.

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Accelerated ADL Option Reflection:

Integrating insights from the “Assessing Digital Learning and Instruction” course 5315 and the “Synthesis of Digital Learning and Leadership.” course 5320 into the Accelerated ADL option revealed the strong connections between these areas and the significant impact their combination can have on personal and professional growth. The integration of these courses demonstrated how the principles and strategies from each complement and enhance one another, providing a more comprehensive understanding of both instructional design and leadership in professional settings. Additionally, I must recognize that my knowledge of certain concepts may shift or expand as I progress through future courses. This evolution is a natural part of the learning process, where initial ideas are refined or replaced with more nuanced perspectives gained through continuous study and application. This dynamic process ensures that my approach remains adaptable and responsive to new information and evolving best practices.

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Supporting Contributions:

Leadership in Base Group and Course:
While I did not serve in a formal leadership role within my base group or throughout the course, I led by example through active participation, thoughtful contributions, and offering constructive feedback to my peers. I shared ideas, posed questions, and encouraged deeper discussions, all of which were valuable to the group's progress and learning experience. I see leadership as an ongoing area for growth, and my focus on enhancing these skills is driven by a desire to make meaningful relational contributions that lead to more effective and collaborative efforts in future group settings.

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Active Participation in Activities and Forums:
My active participation across various activities and forums reflected my commitment to the course. By submitting work that exceeded the essential requirements and engaging deeply in discussions, I fostered a dynamic learning environment where critical debates and diverse perspectives could flourish. This level of engagement was motivated not only by the annual and mandatory continuing education requirements but also by a genuine passion for the subject matter, which drove me to seek a deeper understanding and encourage others to do the same.

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Quality of Postings:
The quality of my contributions in the discussion forums was evident through the depth and rigor of my posts. I consciously tried to incorporate references, draw upon empirical literature, and adhere to APA citation guidelines to ensure my arguments were well-founded and credible. Even when extensive research was not required, I strived to provide thoughtful insights that enriched the collective learning experience. These efforts helped to create a collaborative environment where knowledge was shared freely, and everyone felt encouraged to contribute, enhancing the overall quality and value of the course discussions.

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Additional Reflections: 

Impact on Deepening Discussions and Clarifying Concepts:
Using phone calls, Zoom meetings, and maintaining active communication through WhatsApp facilitated more in-depth discussions and helped clarify complex ideas. These platforms enabled us to connect effectively, even sharing contact information to ensure clear communication in case of emergencies, which was crucial for successful distance learning.

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Personal Evolution Throughout the Course:
Completing this journey demanded a great deal of focus and dedication. Each activity was significant and guided us toward meaningful life changes. As the two courses complemented each other and were integral to my innovative plan, I combined them for this self-assessment to reflect on my growth.

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Overcoming Personal and Cultural Barriers:
Stepping outside my comfort zone, particularly as I navigated unfamiliar technology, was both a challenging and exciting experience. It helped me recognize my resilience and ability to handle obstacles effectively. This journey required a critical evaluation of my surroundings, assessing whether they nurtured or hindered my success, which is an essential reflection given the current circumstances. I achieved this substantial personal growth thanks to the support of two outstanding teachers whose professional attitudes and challenging management styles motivated me. Also, every session provided me with new resources that significantly enhanced my learning experience.

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 Self-Assessment for Course EDLD 5315 and 5320:

My courses 5315 and 5320 were designed to complement each other, creating positive cross-effects in my learning experience. While each class had its readings, theories, and assignments, they all aligned seamlessly. This integrated approach proved highly effective, allowing me to apply and execute what I learned more thoroughly. I consistently reviewed and refined my work based on my feedback. Consequently, this interconnected structure contributed to my overall learning assessment.

Based on the assessment and the predefined criteria, I evaluated my performance as follows: When presented as two interlinked units in a comprehensive study plan, the courses felt like eight weeks of unified purpose rather than two separate experiences. Therefore, I have rated each aspect equally, as indicated below.

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5315 Assessing Digital Learning and Instruction 98/100

5320 Synthesis of Digital Learning and Leadership 98/100