Every eight weeks, we are prompted to evaluate our progress and engage with the ADL program as part of the assessment as learning model (Harapnuik, 2021). This time, I was enrolled in two courses: 5313 Creating Significant Learning Environments and 5303 Applying Educational Technology: Portfolio. In both classes, I have noticed personal growth and development in my learning.

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In 5313, our primary focus was on creating meaningful learning environments through our innovation plan, utilizing Fink’s 3-column table and the UbD lesson template. This process involved substantial reading and required deep reflection on my lesson planning strategies. It is transforming my approach in the classroom, enhancing my ability to devise effective strategies for boosting student engagement and learning. Both assignments were grounded in frameworks aimed at improving instructional design and student outcomes, and these concepts were entirely new to me.

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As an elementary art teacher, I've heard discussions about backward design in our PLCs, but I previously lacked substantial exposure to these ideas. Now, I feel better prepared to understand and apply these frameworks in my upcoming planning. There's always room for growth and self-improvement. A key area I aim to enhance is my note-taking. Normally a strength for me, managing life, work, and school has made it challenging in this regard. I also had the opportunity to revisit my Growth Mindset Plan. This revision reminded me how to see the growing and learning opportunities ahead of me.

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Nonetheless, I successfully completed the readings, videos, and other supporting materials.

Throughout this class, I attended weekly meetings, engaged in group discussions, and participated in giving and receiving feedback. I collaborated with several classmates, sharing ideas and encouragement through our GroupMe Student Lounge group. This group included some familiar faces from past courses: Melissa Richards, Faith Lopez, Whitney Davis, Desiree, and Khelia Williams. We used this platform to ask questions, remind each other of assignment deadlines, and share helpful links to navigate the course. Although it was challenging at times, I met the various deadlines for course activities.

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For this class, I would rate myself a 90. I encountered some initial struggles but improved as the class progressed.

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In the other course, 5303, I gained extensive knowledge on creating my ePortfolio. We were instructed to form a group of 3-4 classmates, which included Jelisa Davis-Sophus, Alondra Ramirez, Melisa Richards, Whitney Davis, and myself. I genuinely enjoyed our discussions, which felt natural and authentic—never just an assignment. I believe I took a leadership role within the group, facilitating discussions and suggesting platforms for our meetings. In this course as well, I attended all meetings, completed the required readings and videos, and provided feedback to my team while welcoming theirs in return. Collaborating and engaging with my peers provided me with a clear understanding of COVA and its functionality (Harapnuik, 2017).

 

For this course, I would rate myself a 100. After finally grasping the blog requirements, I fulfilled all course expectations.

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Reflecting on my journey through these courses, I am filled with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. Each moment spent diving into the depths of educational innovation and technology has been an investment in my professional and personal growth. The skills and knowledge I've acquired are not just tools for my teaching toolkit; they are catalysts for transformation, reshaping how I perceive and enact learning in my classroom.

 

Looking ahead, I am eager to continue applying these innovative strategies and to explore new ways to foster a dynamic and engaging environment for my students. The support and camaraderie of my classmates have been invaluable, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and shared learning. As I move forward, I am committed to building on these experiences, striving for excellence in my practice, and embracing the continuous journey of learning and development.

 

In the coming months, I plan to further refine my ePortfolio, ensuring it reflects both my growth and aspirations as an educator. I also intend to delve deeper into the frameworks introduced in my coursework, applying them more extensively in my lesson planning and classroom interactions. With each step, I am reminded that education is a living, evolving entity, and I am excited to be an active participant in its ongoing evolution.