Assessing Progress Through the ADL Program

Every eight weeks, we are encouraged to assess our progress and engage with the ADL program as part of the Assessment as Learning model (Harapnuik, 2021). During this period, I took two courses: 5318: Design Instruction and 5389: Developing Effective Professional Learning.

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Personal Growth Through Course 5318: Design Instruction

I feel I have made significant strides in my personal growth and development throughout this course. Our primary goal in 5318 was to research, design, and create an online or blended learning course, culminating in a Usability & Reflection assignment where we presented the implementation of our prototype to key stakeholders. Additionally, we formulated strategies to ensure the sustainability and growth of online learning within our educational settings.

I collaborated closely with my peers to make the course engaging, accessible, and adaptable to varying learning needs. With my group's support, I incorporated technology and interactive elements, such as virtual simulations and personalized learning pathways, to enhance the learning experience. Developing an online LIM ePortfolio course was a transformative process that has helped refine my skills as an educator while deepening my learning journey through self-reflection, digital literacy, and innovative teaching strategies.

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Engagement and Collaboration

Throughout the eight weeks, I dedicated many evenings and weekends to readings, videos, and course materials. I actively participated in weekly meetings, group discussions, and peer feedback sessions. Engaging with my classmates in our GroupMe Student Lounge—which included Melissa Richards, Khelia Williams, and Jelisa Davis-Sophus, among others—was invaluable. This platform allowed us to share ideas, reminders, and helpful resources, creating a strong sense of community and collaboration.

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Despite challenges, I successfully met all deadlines and remained committed to my coursework. Reflecting on this experience, I realize how much I have grown both personally and professionally. The diverse perspectives shared during discussions broadened my understanding and reinforced the importance of collaborative learning. Each interaction provided a new insight, whether it was a different approach to a problem or a fresh perspective on a familiar concept.

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Course Materials and Practical Application

The thoughtfully curated course materials provided a rich tapestry of knowledge spanning various aspects of digital learning. This comprehensive approach expanded my knowledge base while equipping me with practical tools and strategies applicable to real-world settings.

Balancing course demands with personal commitments was challenging at times, but the unwavering support from my classmates and instructors played a crucial role in my success. Their encouragement fostered a nurturing learning environment where we all felt motivated to excel.

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Looking Ahead: Applying My Learning

I am eager to apply the insights and skills gained from this course in my professional endeavors. This experience has enhanced my ability to navigate digital learning platforms effectively and strengthened my confidence in instructional design. Looking forward, I am excited about new opportunities to contribute to educational innovation and student-centered learning.

For this course, I would rate myself 100. I faced initial hurdles but improved as the course progressed, diving into research and completing my assignments to the best of my ability.

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Personal Growth Through Course 5389: Developing Effective Professional Learning

In 5389, I gained extensive insights into developing an alternative Professional Learning (PL) model. We were challenged to create a Call to Action for this alternative model, critically analyzing how conventional PL models often fall short in effectiveness.

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This alternative model prioritized 5 Key Principles:

• Duration: Significant/Ongoing

• Implementation: Specific Support

• Active/Engaging

• Modeling

• Content Specific

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These are the same strategies we aim to implement in our classrooms. By engaging in hands-on activities and real-world problem-solving, educators can gain deeper insights into new concepts and techniques, making learning experiences more relevant and impactful.

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The Shift Toward Meaningful Professional Learning

The course emphasized the importance of aligning professional learning with the real needs and contexts of educators. Our Call to Action was clear:

Shift away from passive, one-size-fits-all sessions and toward a dynamic, personalized approach.

This model encourages educators to take ownership of their learning journey, fostering an environment where they can share experiences, insights, and challenges with peers.

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PL Design and Implementation

Throughout the course, I explored strategies to design workshops that incorporated these principles. I focused on creating opportunities for educators to:

• Engage deeply with content

• Connect with others

• Reflect on their practice

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This approach not only enhances professional growth but also translates into meaningful learning experiences for students.

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Challenges and Rewards of Developing an Alternative PL Model

The process of developing this alternative PL model was both challenging and rewarding. It required:

• A deep dive into current educational practices

• A willingness to innovate and adapt

• Continuous feedback and iteration

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By experimenting with different strategies and refining my model, I ensured it was both practical and effective.

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Key Takeaways and Future Goals

The course provided a valuable framework for rethinking professional learning. It reinforced the idea that when educators are actively involved in shaping their development, they are more likely to implement meaningful changethat leads to improved student outcomes.

I am eager to apply these principles in my own practice and advocate for progressive professional learning opportunities within my educational community.

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For this course, I would rate myself 95. The extensive research and development required for creating an alternative PL model was time-consuming and, at times, overwhelming. However, it was an invaluable learning experience that I would not trade for an easier path.

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Final Reflections: Growth and Future Aspirations

Reflecting on my journey through these courses, I feel a deep sense of accomplishment and gratitude. Every moment spent exploring educational innovation and technology has been an investment in my personal and professional growth. The skills and knowledge I’ve gained are transformative, reshaping my understanding of teaching and learning.

Looking ahead, I am eager to:

• Implement innovative strategies in my teaching

• Foster a dynamic learning environment for students and colleagues

• Further refine my writing to reflect my professional growth

• Apply course frameworks extensively within my organization

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The support and camaraderie of my classmates have been invaluable, reinforcing the power of collaboration and shared learning. As I progress, I remain committed to:

• Striving for excellence in my practice

• Embracing lifelong learning

• Advocating for progressive change in education

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Education is a living, evolving entity, and I am excited to actively participate in its ongoing transformation.