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From the beginning, both EDLD 5302 and EDLD 5305 allowed its students to know what assignments were due. I went in, checked discussion posts, checked when assignments were due, and checked class times. I was never one for group projects; therefore, when I saw the assignment on contributing to my learning community I became terrified of the implications.

However, as the class progressed Rose Rayner, Anna Gonzalez, and Mia Fayerweather began collaborating with me and keeping me on task. When I heard the Microsoft TEAMS notification, I knew there was something important I needed to check on in either one of my classes. These three ladies showed me that collaborating didn’t mean group work; my work was still my independent work and reflected only myself. What they did for me was help make my work the most exceptional work I could turn in, and they also helped me adapt to a new learning environment.

Image created by Samara Marin using Copilot 2024

When it comes to online learning, I can work on scheduling times to log on. For now I listen for the notification sound and make it a point to respond within 24 hours to my classmates. So while I feel I respond promptly manner, I could set aside specific time to be online in case any one needs my assistance.

As far as feedback, I can improve by providing feedback. I know I will do better in the second rotation of classes; however, I can admit I did not provide much feedback in the first two to three weeks while I situated myself in the class schedule. Ironically enough, in 5302 my feedback was always how I loved my classmates’ portfolios but wished they seemed more personal. I didn’t offer feedback on changing anything other than grammar and making posts more personal; even though, I feel most confident in my assignment for 5302. When it came to 5305, those assignments have more structure and a formula that could be followed. A formula means that while I am less confident in those assignments, I can research those assignments and offer more direct feedback and that is what I attempted to do. So, much like my English degree I love the freedom of 5302, but had an easier time helping with 5305 (like my minor in writing).

Image created by Samara Marin using Copilot 2024

Before I came to the Applied Digital Learning (ADL) program, I was always the type of student who did well with deadlines, reading, and writing. Especially if it is something I enjoy doing. The ADL program has so many interesting topics that I enjoy reading about, so the readings were not a problem. I used my Speechify app and listened to the required reading materials while getting ready for work in the mornings and on my way to work. The videos I watched before writing my posts every week. The last three posts I completed around week six to give myself time to complete the feedback my classmates’ implementation outline and my last few assignments. I met all of my deadlines because I checked the courses every other day to ensure I did not miss a deadline. The only aspect of the course that I had trouble with was making it to the weekly meetings. I believe I made it to three meetings for EDLD 5302 and EDLD 5305 combined. While they are not excuses, this is due to after-school activities ending late on Mondays and having to pick up my children. That being said, I did watch the videos to keep up with updated assignment criteria.

Image created by Samara Marin using Copilot 2024

As far as leadership goes, I am always someone who waits and sees what is needed. I do not wait to be told nor do I take the lead; I watch. While I don’t believe I took an active leadership role whenever someone asked a question in the ADL Microsoft TEAMS that I knew the answer to I responded. If I did not know the answer to their question, I looked for it and responded if no one had responded yet. When it came to the group message in the Lamar messenger, I took the same approach.

I made sure to participate in all of the discussion posts and responded to as many people as I could. I genuinely tried to respond to my classmates with authentic responses because of how I viewed the responses on my posts. I eagerly post my response and visit the posts daily to see how people viewed my response. Did I take in the information correctly? Do I need to correct something I misinterpreted? Did I offer someone a new insight? The discussion posts are a way for me to see other people’s perspectives on what we are learning, so I try to respond quickly and reply to others in case they viewed the posts the same way I do.

Image created by Samara Marin using Copilot 2024

For EDLD 5302, I would give myself an 80 out of 100 because I did not take a leadership role. I need to learn to offer help and not wait until it is asked of me. I have knowledge to contribute whether I know it or not.

As for EDLD 5305, I would give myself a 35 out of 50 for lacking in the leadership role again, but also because in this class it took me too long to realize I could revise my assignments. While I resubmitted my literature review immediately, I didn’t resubmit my innovation proposal despite having revised it. I always tell my students to ask questions, yet here I am not asking questions.