Contributions to Your Learning and the Learning Community - Spring 2023

EDLD 5320 - Synthesis Digital Learn Leader - 96/100

So here we are at the finish line, the capstone course. Words can not explain the way I feel at this time. I started this journey over a year ago with just a hope and a dream, who would have known how far I would have come. Needless to say this course has been the easiest course out of all the other ones. I know it’s because, “I Got IT Now”, I know what the rhythm is and what’s expected of me as a student.

In Edld 5320, we are connecting all of our ideas throughout the entire program. This course is filled with reflections and collaboration with our classmates. We began by revisiting the COVA approach. Throughout the entire Applied Digital Learning (ADL) program we have been given choice, ownership, and voice through authentic learning opportunities. We also created a significant learning environment (CSLE) within the program and have modeled the approach to both of them. I was able to summarize the experience. Then we moved on to revamping our innovation plan. My plan definitely needed to be revamped. A lot has changed in a year, and the innovation plan provided the context of most of the course work. However, after preparing my innovation plan to start the implementation process for the school aid year and the beginning of changing a student’s perspective; I had to take a complete detour once I was promoted to Financial Aid Counselor. I began to brainstorm a new direction for my innovation plan and even considered trying to recruit another counselor to pilot my project-based learning model through blended learning.

My learning community currently consists of two hard working ladies that are also employed at Lamar University, Melissa Strout in EDLD 5320 and Dawn Short. I feel like the size of the group worked well for the most part and allowed each of us to evenly contribute and adhere to our daily work schdules. Everyone was reliable and responsible and we had good communication and collaboration within our group. Everyone also stayed focused and worked hard towards our end goals and made any necessary changes and improvements along the way for the betterment of all. My contribution to learning is a result of each of my experiences learning amongst each other. By extension, I am a reflection of the best parts because of what I learned from them.

As graduation rapidly approaches, there are so many things I can type, record, say, do or publish that putting them all into words is difficult. I am not the same person that began this program. I am a learner who hopes to encourage others to enjoy learning as much as I do. I am a leader and on occasion, a wise follower who is constantly learning about her faults (both personal and intellectual) on a regular basis. Most importantly, I am a lifelong seeker of knowledge who will nurture new ideas in a world that is constantly evolving.