Applying Educational Technology: Exploring Educational Technology: Portfolios. What can I say? I have a wealth of emotions and reflections about this course. I can confidently say that I learned much more than I anticipated and acquired knowledge I didn't expect to gain throughout this experience.

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Group Work​

The experience taught me the importance of collaboration and the unique value that each individual can bring to a discussion. It was eye-opening to see how different viewpoints could converge to create a richer understanding of the material. Moreover, these interactions helped me to step out of my comfort zone and build confidence in sharing my own ideas. Connecting with my classmates added a human element to the course that I hadn't anticipated. Through our discussions, I discovered that many of us shared similar challenges and aspirations, which made the academic journey feel less isolating. I also found that working together towards common goals could be incredibly motivating and rewarding. Collaborating and engaging with my peers provided me with a clear understanding of COVA (Harapnuik, 2017) and its functionality. It was our decision on how to shape the discussions, allowing our voices to be heard. This approach fostered authentic learning experiences for me throughout the course.

 

Overall, while I still crave my moments of solitude but now appreciate the strength and support that can come from working with others. The collaborative discussions have not only enhanced my learning experience but also helped me develop a newfound appreciation for the power of community.

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Creating my ePortfolio​

However, my experience with the primary project of this course differed from the group discussions. I felt reassured and confident because I had my Google Sites ready to go. With my experience on this platform, I was relieved when another student asked if we could use Google Sites, and the response was “Yes.” I continued to enhance it and develop the theme, but then our next assignment required us to switch to a more preferred website. This sudden change left me feeling anxious and frustrated, as all the work I had completed would need to be redone. To make matters worse, I had to learn a new platform. While that’s not entirely a bad thing, it felt overwhelming when my plate was already overflowing. Nevertheless, I knew I couldn’t let my grade suffer or give up. I had to embrace this new learning opportunity. I decided to approach the situation with a positive mindset. First, I allocated time to explore the new platform thoroughly, watching tutorials and reading guides to grasp the basics. I realized that although it was different from Google Sites, it offered exciting features that could enhance the overall presentation of my project. Slowly but surely, I began to appreciate the creative possibilities it provided. But keep in mind, I struggled until the end. Again, this was not in vain nor was it a negative experience.

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To manage my time effectively, I broke down the tasks into smaller, manageable steps, setting realistic goals for each day. This approach helped reduce my stress and allowed me to focus on one aspect of the project at a time. I also reached out to classmates who were more familiar with the platform, and their support proved invaluable. Collaborative learning became a key component of my journey, as we exchanged tips and encouraged one another.

As I progressed, my confidence grew, and I started to enjoy the process of creating something new. In the end, the project turned out even better than I had anticipated. This experience taught me that adaptability and perseverance are crucial skills, not just in academics but in life. I felt proud of how far I had come and grateful for the unexpected challenge that ultimately enriched my learning experience.

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CSLE+COVA​

“CSLE+COVA –The synergy of creating significant learning environments by providing learners choice, ownership, and voice through authentic learning opportunities” (Harapnuik, 2017). 

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This new opportunity to learn to navigate this new platform provided me with the chance to experience in real life what Dr. Harapnuik has been teaching us. The integration of CSLE+COVA principles in my educational journey transformed the way I engage with learning. By embracing choice, I could tailor my projects to align with personal interests, sparking genuine enthusiasm. Ownership of my learning path empowered me to take responsibility and pride in my achievements. Having a voice meant my perspectives were valued, fostering a deeper connection with the material and my peers.

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Authentic learning opportunities were woven into the fabric of each task, allowing me to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations. This not only enhanced my understanding but also prepared me for real-world challenges and the “practice what you preach” approach when teaching it to my students. The collaborative environment encouraged open dialogue, diverse viewpoints, and innovative thinking, making the learning process both dynamic and fulfilling.

Through this approach, I discovered the joy of learning beyond the traditional confines of a classroom, gaining skills and insights that will undoubtedly serve me well in future endeavors that will go Beyond the Classroom.