As these last two courses come to an end and graduation approaches, I am filled with anticipation and hope. I look back at the adventure that was this last year and am amazed at all that I have accomplished. And even more proud that I was able to do this while being a wife, mom, teacher and all the other “titles” I hold. This program is not easy and is not for someone looking for an easy “A”. I have put in constant work, time, and effort. And it has paid off in the biggest ways.
Over the last year I have created and modified an Innovation Plan to bring blended learning through the station rotation model to my kindergarten class. As a result of my innovation plan, I was led down a path to begin developing so much more. Through the course in this program, I developed and created a Growth Mindset Plan and Learning Manifesto. From there I learned how to Lead Organization Change through crucial conversations. I then created UbD template & 3 Column Table to align assessment, outcomes, and activities. From there I developed a Learning Philosophy and Professional Development Plan. Later I put together an Action Research Plan that I am actively wrapping up and wrote a whole publication on my adventure implementing blended learning in the classroom. I also created a Pod Cast with my collaborative group discussing our innovation plans and just some of our experiences in education. Lastly, I am wrapping up my Instructional Design course on a math unit for my class, as well as my Capstone Synthesis.
I still remember last summer sitting in my first class with Dr. Harapnuik, when he dropped the bomb on us that we would have to create our own collaborative group. I immediately felt dread and regret, as I have never had great experiences working in groups before. However, by the grace of God I was invited into a group by Ashley and ended up teaming up with an exceptional group of women (Amanda, Ashley, Lindsay, & Katie). Unlike past experiences, these ladies are all hardworking and committed to their professions, students, and education. They have undoubtedly been a huge key to my success and perseverance in this program. Their unwavering encouragement and diverse perspectives have been greatly valuable. Their input and friendship are truly irreplaceable.
These last two classes have been a bit different from the ones prior, specifically 5320. There hasn’t been much for us to collaborate on or get feedback from. Being that 5320 is a reflective class, the assignments haven’t needed much feedback because they truly are just our reflections and how we are feeling about the program. However, my group has continued to read over everyone’s reflections and give encouragement and kind words. We have continued to link our work in the shared folder and document that I created where we house all our assignment links to our ePortfolio for easy access.
In 5318, our assignments have been very individualized. This assignment for me has been one that I feel is the most individualized for my grade level and student skills. My instructional design looks very simplistic compared to my peers who teach secondary or adults. And because my collaborative group has given me feedback and feedforward, as well as because this program has taught me the importance of COVA, I learned that that is ok! Specifically Katie, her expertise and knowledge on the use of Seesaw in a lower education classroom has been so helpful.
This last session of courses has been super busy at work, as well as at home. Because of this, I have been quite stressed and pressed for time. Something that I think I could and should be better at as I continue after graduation is time management. While I never turned in an assignment late and always participated in class discussions and attended most live sessions, I think carving out small increments of time to help lessen the load of tasks could be beneficial. I still often refer to Dr. Harapnuik’s tip and perspective page, as well as his other pages for examples and references.
This program has been more to me than just a degree. I have learned more than just information. I have learned more about myself as an educator and my beliefs. Because of this program I truly believe in the COVA approach and see the benefits not just for students in a public-school classroom, but as students of the world. I cannot wait to see where my next adventure takes me.
So, when examining how I contributed to the learning of others and myself I give myself a 98/100. (5320)
So, when examining how I contributed to the learning of others and myself I give myself a 98/100. (5318)
Harapnuik, D. (2022, October 13). EDLD 5320 Examples. Harapnuik.org. https://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=7530
Harapnuik, Dwayne. (2021, August 16). ADL Tips & Perspectives. Harapnuik.org. https://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=8544
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