These five competencies guided my educational path throughout the Learning Design and Technology Master of Arts program through the University of Colorado Denver. Evidence of these five ideas is present throughout all of my coursework and the projects represented on my portfolio page. Use this page as a reference for a deeper explanation of each competency.
To be competent in Digital Media and Technology, you need to become competent, creative, and confident in the use of various digital media and technology in support of learning, collaboration, and communication. To show this, I needed to use digital media and technology to create, adapt and personalize learning experiences that foster independent learning and accommodate learner differences and needs. I also use digital platforms, virtual environments, and hands-on maker spaces to support learning and performance.
To be competent in Learning Design and Technology, you must design learning opportunities, experiences, and programs, making the best use of resources and engaging the full range of learner needs and strengths. To show this, I engaged in an intentional iterative design process informed by theories of learning, critical digital pedagogy, and design thinking. Additionally, I will continue to ensure that learning outcomes, activities, and assessments are aligned to support learning. I practiced designing authentic and inclusive learning opportunities that align with content area standards and/or learning outcomes and use digital tools and resources to maximize active deep learning. I will continue to apply learning design principles to create innovative learning spaces and digital learning environments and resources that engage and support learning. I will apply principles of inclusion, social learning, open sharing, and knowledge construction to build community and foster meaningful learning interactions.
To be competent in Inquiry and Change, I engaged in relevant and intentional inquiry to address organizational needs and opportunities, explore problems of practice, and inform decision making that leads to positive change and growth. I designed a variety of formative, integrated, and summative activities that enhance and assess authentic learning. I also engaged in authentic inquiry designed to improve learning, performance, equity, and practice and share the findings with colleagues and professional audiences. Finally, I participated in the planning and/or implementation of initiatives to support positive change, growth, and renewal in programs and practices.
To be competent in Professional Learning and Leadership, I sought out opportunities for leadership to support learner agency and success by improving teaching and learning with the use of digital media and technology. I adopted a critical stance toward my work, promoting the effective practice and responsible use of technology. I continue to advocate for equitable access to educational technology, digital content, and learning opportunities to meet the diverse needs of all learners. I will continue to model for colleagues the identification, exploration, evaluation, curation, and adoption of new digital resources and tools for learning. I managed projects, people, and resources in carrying out design and pedagogical work. Finally, I created a stable and visible online professional presence in support of contributing to professional learning networks as a collaborator, co-creator, and thought leader, and partner.
To be competent in Reflective Practice, I continually improve professional practice by learning from and with others and exploring proven and promising practices that leverage technology to improve learners’ learning and performance. To show this, I set professional learning goals to explore and apply design and pedagogical approaches made possible by digital media and technology and reflect on their effectiveness. I will continue to reflect on equity, access, and social justice in my own practice to support all learners’ success, especially those historically marginalized or lacking access. I pursue professional interests by creating and actively participating in local and global learning networks. I will stay current with research that supports improved student learning outcomes, including findings from the learning sciences. I dedicate time to collaborate with both colleagues and learners to improve practice, discover and share resources and ideas, and solve problems.