Inspirations and Insights
Over the past eight weeks in 5315 and 5320, I’ve deepened my understanding of digital assessment, instructional design, and student-centered learning through the development of my LIM ePortfolio innovation plan. Consistent collaboration with peers allowed me to meaningfully connect concepts across both courses, enhancing the quality of my work and reflections. While I met all deadlines and actively contributed to the learning community, I also identified areas for growth, including expanding my research sources and integrating more continuous student feedback. This experience has fueled my passion for educational innovation and reinforced my commitment to empowering learners and leading purposeful change in my professional practice.
My ADL Journey: Growing through Choice, Voice, and Innovation
As I look back at my journey through the ADL program—where I started and what I learned, I’ve grown along the way. It has come with its shares of ups and downs, the people who supported me, and how my mindset shifted from just trying new tools to truly empowering students. One of my favorite accomplishments was creating the LIM ePortfolio innovation proposal, which gives students a space to share their voice and growth. I hope some day soon expand the ePortfolio project and support others on their own learning journeys.
Participating in collaborative discussions with my peers has significantly enhanced my through valuable constructive feedback. As I look to the future, I aim to implement this feedback, engage more proactively in group projects, and set concrete goals to further deepen my knowledge and skills. My dedication to continuous improvement and resilience will be instrumental in driving my academic and professional advancement within the program.
Collaborative discussions with classmates enhanced my learning through constructive feedback. Looking ahead, I plan to apply this feedback, engage more actively in group projects, and set specific goals to deepen my knowledge and skills. My focus on continuous improvement and resilience will drive my academic and professional growth in the program.
Crafting an article for publication seemed like a daunting challenge, or at least that was my initial impression. However, collaborating with my group to critique each other's work turned out to be a rewarding and enriching experience.
The course Applying Educational Technology on creating ePortfolios, was a rollercoaster ride of an experience. There were ups, downs, and certainly times when I felt I was racing through while upside down. However, this course also exceeded my expectations, enriching my emotional and intellectual experience.
Collaborative discussions with classmates enhanced my learning through constructive feedback. Looking ahead, I plan to apply this feedback, engage more actively in group projects, and set specific goals to deepen my knowledge and skills. My focus on continuous improvement and resilience will drive my academic and professional growth in the program.
Establishing clear and effective learning outcomes is fundamental to guiding our teaching and ensuring coherence between learning activities and assessments. This alignment not only clarifies expectations but also facilitates meaningful measurement of student progress.
By integrating these insights into our educational practices, we can better equip our learners for the challenges ahead, nurturing their curiosity, independence, and ability to connect knowledge in meaningful ways. Ultimately, our commitment to these principles will help create a vibrant, dynamic learning community that prepares students for a lifetime of growth and learning.
In an ever-evolving world, our approach to education and learning is undergoing significant changes. A remarkable resource that embodies this transformation is "A New Culture of Learning" by Douglas Thomas and John Seely Brown. This book critiques conventional educational models and presents a framework that resonates more with the technological progress and social dynamics of today.
Incorporating voice in my ePortfolio is essential for expressing my identity and values while supporting my growth as a digital leader. I look forward to using it as a dynamic platform for reflection and engagement.
Reviewing peer ePortfolios provided valuable insights into effective design and content organization. I learned about the importance of flow, readability, and creative presentation, while also recognizing pitfalls to avoid. Feedback from peers inspired me to adopt a growth mindset and focus on opportunities for improvement,
Choice, Ownership, and Voice through Authentic Learning (COVA) is a transformative framework that has significantly influenced my learning and teaching approach. By embracing COVA principles, I have fostered a more personalized and effective educational experience. Although I have always appreciated the importance of student voice, my experience with COVA as a student has further enriched my understanding of its advantages.
The issue of ownership in ePortfolios has led to many discussions. While it appears that students own their portfolios, true ownership arises when they fill them with their own work, showcasing their creativity, as illustrated by my vibrant pop art theme. The portfolio's quality is shaped by meeting instructor expectations, promoting personal growth through feedback reflection. Ultimately, ownership lies with the student, who takes the portfolio into their professional life as a representation of their skills and development, linking academic achievements to future opportunities.
"This notion of showing what one has created, developed, built, written or assembled is an extremely important aspect of an effective learning environment that is often overlooked beyond the show & tell sessions that we fondly remember from primary school" (Harapnuik, 2015).
My quest in creating an ePortfolio seemed like a straightforward task, but my experience revealed a much more complex journey. What began as a confident venture into Google Sites quickly became a series of unexpected challenges when I discovered I needed to switch platforms. Time constraints added to the pressure, leading me to explore Wix—a platform I was somewhat familiar with, yet found drastically changed. Throughout this process, I learned valuable lessons about adaptability, resilience, and the importance of support from others.
The videos and discussions surrounding these themes have significantly influenced my learning philosophy, emphasizing the importance of student-centered learning that prioritizes the needs, interests, and aspirations of learners over rigid curricula. They also highlight the value of collaboration among students, educators, and families, which creates a supportive and enriching educational environment. Continuous reflection is essential, as education is an evolving practice that requires adaptation and a willingness to embrace new ideas.
Collaborative discussions with classmates enhanced my learning through constructive feedback. Looking ahead, I plan to apply this feedback, engage more actively in group projects, and set specific goals to deepen my knowledge and skills. My focus on continuous improvement and resilience will drive my academic and professional growth in the program.
The message of "not yet" emphasizes the idea that current challenges or setbacks do not define a person's abilities or potential for success. Instead, it suggests that with time, effort, and a growth mindset, individuals can improve and eventually achieve their goals. This approach encourages patience and resilience, framing difficulties as temporary and part of the learning process rather than final judgments on one's capabilities. It fosters a positive attitude toward development and encourages people to view their journeys as ongoing rather than fixed.