Image created by Samara Marin using Dall-E

This semester, I have collaborated the most with my peers despite having the most stress at work. The community I built with my Applied Digital Learning (ADL) cohort has been a solid foundation for getting me through this program. Throughout the program, a solid group of classmates helped me through each course, some of whom completed the program in October of 2024. However, for these final two courses, EDLD 5320 Synthesis of Digital Learning and EDLD 5315 Assessing Digital Learning, I still had half of our group left to help me get through the coursework. When it comes to completing these two courses, I was assisted by Anna, Maria, Rose, and Amburh. I know I have linked these ladies ePortfolios in various posts already, but every time I look at their ePortfolio I can see how we have progressed through this program together as we all started together as well.

When it came to completing all of the necessary videos and readings for 5315, I completed them before I began my first assignment for the action research project. I made sure to submit my assignments on time or a few days early for this course since we are in the final stretch of the program. I wanted to ensure that I understood all of the assignments and could revise them if need be, so that I could graduate and walk the stage on December 13th, 2024.

For 5320, I reread the web pages that were necessary to refresh my memory when creating my synthesis video and infographic. Just like in the 5315 course, I submitted assignments on time or early in order to make any necessary revisions. I even purchased all of my graduation attire when I felt myself losing steam in order to ensure that I submitted all of my assignments in a timely manner. This is because since most of my graduation regalia are in the year 2024, I have to complete the program this semester or risk having to repurchase the regalia. It was a form of silent motivation.

I made sure to attend as many Zoom meetings as possible. I missed the Zoom meetings for both 5315 and 5320 the week of Thanksgiving due to having food poisoning; however, I made it to every other meeting that I could attend despite getting out of work at 05:30 pm on Mondays. The meetings for 5315 began at 06:00 pm, and the meetings for 5320 began at 07:00 pm. I wanted to submit the best work possible, and the only way I could do that was to make it to the meetings that discussed the assignments.

For these two courses, I took my advice from the previous two courses and made sure to log on to Blackboard regularly. I checked and posted on an average or above-average basis for both courses, as shown below. This was one of my self-critiques in my previous rotation of courses, and despite having more to do at work during this rotation, I worked hard to keep track of logging in and posting promptly on the discussion posts for class. I always averaged 3 to 4 replies plus the original post on the discussion posts. I logged on every few days to read what my peers posted and see their perspectives on the discussion topics. When I started the program, I mentioned that I enjoyed reading my classmate’s perspectives on the subjects we are learning about. This semester I returned to reading the discussion post responses regularly in 5315 and 5320, even if I don’t respond.

As far as being a leader within my group, I believe that we have all come together as a group to help each other. I created the teams page for the fall semester back in August for the first and second half of this semester for us to help each other including our classmates who completed the program in the first half. So compared to the beginning of the program when I stayed in the background of our group, I believe I have grown as a leader.

For EDLD 5320, I give myself a 95 because of my growth not only in this course but also in the program. However, due to the learners and growth mindset, I know that there is potential for me to continue growing and learning even after I complete this program.

For EDLD 5315: I give myself a 95 because this is the first course I have turned in assignments a week early. However, I did not complete the discussion posts as quickly as in the 5320 course, so I cannot give myself a 100.