EDLD 5302: Concepts of Educational Technology
In EDLD 5302, the focus was on empowering students to take ownership of their learning journey by incorporating choice and voice in designing authentic projects. This course emphasized using technology innovation as a catalyst for change within our organizations. We began by reading Carol Dweck’s Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, which was pivotal in understanding the concept of a growth mindset essential for personal and professional development. Introducing ourselves and participating in discussion forums fostered a sense of community and collaboration, providing a platform to share ideas and perspectives.
Coming into this class, I was a little nervous as it was my first semester ever in pursuing a master's degree. One of the major assignments, the Growth Mindset Assignment, spanned the first three weeks and involved reflecting on our current mindset, identifying areas for improvement, and setting actionable goals to foster a growth mindset. Another key assignment was the Learning Manifesto, where we articulated our educational beliefs and goals, shaping our approach to learning and teaching. Additionally, the Learning Contributions assignment required us to reflect on how we contribute to the learning community and integrate feedback into our practices.
Throughout the course, we also engaged in regular discussion posts, which were crucial in sharing insights and fostering dialogue with peers. A significant part of our learning was the creation of an e-Portfolio, which served as a dynamic platform to showcase our projects and reflections. Creating the e-Portfolio in a short amount of time was challenging, and it still needs to be polished up a bit more. However, this process was immensely valuable in learning how to curate and present our work effectively.
I am so grateful that my professors, Dr. Harrison and Dr. Gann, were understanding and allowed me to submit my first assignments via Google Docs and other platforms since I didn't have an e-Portfolio ready at the beginning. Their guidance and support were instrumental throughout the course, significantly enriching my learning experience and helping me navigate the course's challenges effectively.
Throughout EDLD 5302, I learned the importance of taking an active role in my learning process. The emphasis on choice and voice allowed me to create projects that were not only meaningful but also directly applicable to my work as a library paraprofessional at Lyford High School. Developing a growth mindset was transformative, encouraging me to embrace challenges, persist through setbacks, and see effort as a path to mastery. The collaborative elements of the course, such as discussion forums and the Faculty/Student Lounge, provided invaluable support and insights from peers.
By integrating these concepts into my e-Portfolio, I am better equipped to leverage technology to foster innovative and engaging learning environments. The skills and mindset cultivated in this course will continue to guide my professional development and instructional practices.