Closure Reflection

Course Reflection

Reflection Questions: Take a minute to review what you have done in this course. Answer the following questions:

• What is your overall impression of the LEC Professional Learning Leader coursework?

During my summer of 2016, the Leading Edge Certification for the Professional Learning Leader course was just the right kind of self-improvement activity to engage in. I was fortunate to be in the position to use a combination of work hours and personal hours to meet the requirements such as assigned readings, online discussions and creating projects. The course was organized well, offering a compilation of timely, complex and important topics that educators are dealing with on a daily basis. The moderators were patient, encouraging and accessible. Multiple platforms, the LMS, the wiki, the online tools, provided for a variety of learning modalities and gave us the ability to create multimedia projects. The course models what a good blended/online learning experience should look like.

• How have you grown as a Professional Learning Leader?

I learned about new concepts such as flexible classrooms and differences between a vision statement and a mission statement. I built on my previous work and knowledge of learning models, professional learning communities, digital literacy and citizenship, copyright and open education resources, and more. It was beneficial to discover new and re-acquaint myself with the many educational technology tools that effectively promote transformational learning both for teachers and learners.

In the Professional Learning module I learned for the first time about Mezirow’s theory of Transformational Learning. One of the aspects of this theory that speaks to me is the statement that in order to facilitate transformative learning, one must help learners become aware and critical of their own and others’ assumptions and redefining problems from a different perspective. I also revisited the characteristics of quality professional learning such as being continuous, focused on improving practice, embedded in the daily work, center on learning activities, cultivated in a culture of collegiality, supported by modeling and coaching, evidence-based, and most importantly focused on increasing student learning.

In Models of Professional Learning, some of my own beliefs were affirmed about the value of using backchannel tools and online meeting platforms. I revisited some of my PLNs and organized them with new and old curation tools. I was excited to learn about the concept of playdate events where educators come together and collaboratively explore various edtech tools.

In Developing Community, I appreciated the guidance about establishing meeting norms at the beginning of an event with the guidance from a group and then the suggestion to refer back to them throughout. In my future training I will implement the three approaches regarding people, process and technology. I will also keep in mind to focus on building the traits of a successful community: personal commitment and emotional bonds.

In Digital Literacy and Citizenship, I felt like I was already well-versed on the topics of Creative Commons licensing and the Open Educational Resources, because our organization recently participated in a few federal projects on the topics. It was a first for me to watch the Lawrence Lessig video presentation from 2009 and his interpretation of YouTube video spoofs and viral videos as conversations of the people in a new medium. And it it always a good exercise to revisit the copyright laws and Fair Use.

In Developing and Implementing a Vision, I found my new favorite chart in the Four Pillars - Foundation of a PLC from DuFour's book, Learning by Doing. It is so useful to have the guiding questions to distinguish between the Mission and Vision and to successfully define and articulate Values and Goals.

In Professional Learning Environments, I had the opportunity to dream big and get excited about the new thoughts and developments when designing our classrooms and training spaces. I have heard about the Human Centered Design model by the The D.School at Stanford, but this course has given me much more information. I enjoyed learning about the resources such as Design Thinking for Educators toolking by IDEO and the Remake Your Class:6 Steps to get Started by TheThirdTeacher+.

All in all, this was a well-rounded learning experience that will affect some transformative change in my professional practice and personal life.