Each course in the Applied Digital Learning program at Lamar University has helped me learn and grow as an educator. in the past year, I have retained more knowledge than I thought possible. This program was not just about technology but about creating an environment for students to become lifelong learners. I am proud of the work that I have completed through this program and I am more than excited to implement what I’ve learned in my own classroom.
For a reflection on my ADL journey, please view the presentation or click below for the Prezi version.
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ADL Course Descriptions
Click here for a compiled list of courses with assignment links.
5305: Authentic Innovation Plan
During this first course, I quickly adjusted to the teaching styles and pace of a graduate program. This was the most difficult class, but also the most rewarding. I began by learning how creating a significant learning environment and allowing choice, ownership, and voice with authentic learning opportunities would help transform students into life-long learners. Using these concepts, I created an authentic Innovation Plan, where I would begin implementing ePortfolios into my classroom and organization. I researched benefits and best practices and derived a timeline to put my innovation plan into action.
5302: Learner’s Mindset
This course opened my eyes to the differences between fixed and growth mindsets. I created my first infographic to represent growth mindsets and a plan to teach my students how to shift into a growth mindset themselves. I created a video to represent my Learning Manifesto and really dig deep into my beliefs about teaching. I continued to grow my professional learning networks and established my own personal norms for going through the ADL courses.
5303: ePortfolio Development
In this course, I was able to further develop and understand the true benefits of ePortfolios. Since this is also the topic of my Innovation Plan, I was able to use what we were learning and directly apply it to myself and my classroom. I could see how allowing C.O.V. A was affecting me as a learner and how much more engaged I was. It was also extremely beneficial to see other classmates’ ePortfolios and discover new ways to use them. Being able to collaborate was most beneficial for this course.
5313: Creating Significant Learning Environments
This course was one of the heavier loads of assignments, but I was able to gain a lot of new and useful information. Creating significant learning environments (CSLE) focuses not only on physical attributes but how student-centered your classroom is. In this course, I analyzed my own personal learning philosophy and used multiple strategies to ensure my goals and activities were aligned in my classroom.
5304: Leading Organizational Change
Leading change will come with challenges and this course walked me through ways to address and overcome these challenges as they arise. After establishing and communicating your ‘why’ for change, there are other strategies to put in place that make the change effective and carry through smoothly. In this course, I created wildly important goals, established vital behaviors for my organization, and learned how to have crucial conversations when needed.
5317: EdTech Publication
The EdTech publication course was probably one of the most intriguing courses. In this course, we were able to dive into a new form of technology and my group created two episodes of reflective podcasts. I also joined a group member and created an article that was sent off for possible publication. I was able to use new forms of digital media to expand my knowledge and horizon on what is available.
5389: Alternative Professional Development
For this course, we focused on the importance of interactive professional development. The current model of PD sessions is ineffective and needs updating. Looking at the key elements of effective professional learning, I created a course for teachers that aligned with my Innovation Plan of using ePortfolios in the classroom, including a course timeline, overview, and material needed for the PD sessions to take place.
5318: Online Course Design
Online course design has been something educators quickly became familiar with these past few years. During this course, I was able to get a better grasp of designing online courses using an LMS system of my choice and I even built out a course for peer review. I continued with my Innovation Plan theme and created an online ePortfolio course for teachers. This will be extremely helpful when implementing my Innovation Plan in the future.
5315: Action Research
As educators, we are constantly evaluating our teaching and making sure we are effective in our classrooms. In this course, I learned about Action Research and created a plan of action that is ready to be conducted. Action Research is a great way for educators to assess what is effective or not in their classroom and helps create necessary updates when needed.
5320: ADL Capstone
As the ADL program comes to a close, our Capstone course was a perfect conclusion. I was able to reflect on my learning over the past year through the COVA + CSLE Reflection assignment and assess my progress on my Innovation Plan with my Innovation Plan Update. This program has required me to step out of my comfort zone and has transformed me as a learner and educator. I am moving forward as a more effective leader whose goal is to create lifelong learners.