Collaborators: Khelia Olison Williams, Nadia Flores, and Ennija Armour
Nadia Flores
In the Applied Digital Learning program, I’ve come to realize just how important ownership of the ePortfolio process is for my learning and growth. As a library aide transitioning into a classroom role soon, this experience is helping me shape my professional identity and take control of my learning in ways I hadn’t considered before.
The concept of ownership is powerful because it gives me control over how I present my experiences and learning. I’m not just following a template or doing something for the sake of a grade; I’m actively creating something that’s mine. This sense of ownership has allowed me to choose how to organize and showcase the skills and projects I’m most proud of. For example, the freedom to choose what projects to include and how to present them has made the process more meaningful to me. I’m able to make connections between my work as a library aide and my future as a classroom teacher, something that’s really important to me. Ownership also gives me the chance to use my voice. I can express my ideas in a way that feels authentic and true to my experiences. This is different from just following a set structure because I have the flexibility to adjust and revise my work as I learn new things. It encourages me to keep improving and growing. This whole process has been an authentic learning opportunity. I’m not just learning for the sake of completing a program; I’m creating something that will continue to grow with me as I transition into my new role as a teacher. My ePortfolio reflects who I am and who I want to become, and having full ownership of it means I’m more invested in its development. In conclusion, ownership of the ePortfolio process is important because it gives me control, motivates me to keep improving, and allows me to create something that’s both personal and professional. This approach has helped me connect my current role with my future career, making my learning more relevant and meaningful.
Khelia Olison Williams's response
@ Nadia, the portfolio creation part is motivating. Initially, it seemed challenging, but as time passed and I continued to build and showcase my knowledge and growth, it became so rewarding. After the ADL program, I will have a live website with artifacts and assignments that capture all that I learned throughout the program. I know that showcasing your portfolio to your future employer will be something that will make you stand out and something that you should be super proud of.
Ennija Armour Response
Hey Nadia,
I resonate with what you're saying about the power of ownership in the ePortfolio process. As someone who’s been through a similar transition—guiding seniors with their portfolios—I've seen firsthand how transformational it can be when you choose what represents your professional journey. It’s like the difference between filling out a checklist versus building something that truly tells your story.
I love how you’re making those connections between your current role as a library aide and your future as a classroom teacher. That’s such a vital part of the process, right? It’s not just about ticking off assignments, but about creating something that evolves with you. You nailed it when you said it's both personal and professional. That flexibility to showcase your voice is so important, especially as you step into your new role.
It’s exciting that you’re already thinking about how to advance this into your teaching career. I can’t wait to see how your ePortfolio grows and continues to reflect not just where you are, but where you’re headed!
Looking forward to seeing more of your journey!
Ennija Armour
The ownership aspect of the ePortfolio process, particularly through the COVA approach, has been a game-changer for me, and it encourages deeper learning. Ownership allows us to move beyond being passive participants in our learning journey and become active creators of our growth. When I worked with my students on their ePortfolios, I saw that giving them control over how they presented themselves ignited a new sense of responsibility and pride in their work.
The same holds true for us as learners in this program. Ownership gives us the freedom to personalize our learning experiences in ways that reflect not just what we’ve done, but who we are and where we’re heading. I’ve found that selecting the projects and tools that align with my professional goals and having the flexibility to adjust and revise my work has made the ePortfolio process meaningful and authentic for me. It’s not just about completing an assignment; it’s about crafting a story that will continue to evolve and serve us long after the program ends.
What I appreciate most about this process is the way it motivates me to stay invested in my own development. When I was guiding students through their college and career preparation, I realized how powerful it is when they take control of their learning. I’ve experienced that same empowerment as I transition into new roles, especially as I use my voice to shape the narrative of my professional journey.
In this program, ownership isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the key to making learning relevant and personal, and it’s why I’m so engaged in the process. I’d love to hear how others are experiencing this ownership and what impact it’s had on their growth!
Nadia Flores response
I totally agree with you! Even though I’m not a teacher yet, I’ve seen how taking ownership of my ePortfolio has really changed the way I approach learning. Like you mentioned, it’s more than just completing assignments; it feels personal and meaningful. I love that we can choose projects that align with our own goals and have the freedom to adjust and improve as we go.
This process has definitely kept me motivated to keep growing, and it’s exciting to know that our ePortfolios will continue to be useful even after the program ends. Thanks for sharing your experience! It’s inspiring to see how ownership is impacting your journey too.
Khelia Olison Williams's response
@ Ennija, the phrase “ passive participant “ really stood out in your response. Throughout my education journey in high school through undergrad, I could see how students could be passive participants. Through the ADL program, it is nearly impossible for you not to invest and hold on to the ownership of your learning; there’s no way around it. In this process, you must allow your learning experience to develop and grow you not only academically but also mentally, emotionally, and professionally. The growth is undeniable.
@Nadia, you are so right. Seeing how far everyone has come, especially since we all started this program together in the summer, is inspiring. You ladies and the class group chat keep me motivated. I was so worried that this would be an overload with a new school year. Seeing that we all have a full plate and continue to motivate and push each other through check-ins and updates in the group chat makes it all seem possible.
Khelia Olison Williams
NADIA FLORES
response
I love how you're using ePortfolios to help students in your ESL-sheltered classroom! It's amazing how ePortfolios give students the chance to express their personal stories, backgrounds, and experiences, especially when they come from such diverse educational situations. I agree that giving them control over how they showcase their knowledge, whether it’s academic or from life experiences, really helps them take ownership of their learning.
It’s also great that this process encourages peer-to-peer interaction and deeper thinking. I can imagine how empowering it is for your students to share their journey through pictures and writing. Like you said, when students feel more invested, they’re willing to take on challenges and grow. Thanks for sharing your experience! It's inspiring to hear how ePortfolios are making a difference in your classroom.
Ennija Armour Response
Khelia, how you’ve highlighted the power of ePortfolios in promoting a growth mindset and building self-esteem? Chef’s kiss! —it’s so true that when students take ownership of their learning, everything changes! I can really see how this works especially well in your ESL-sheltered classroom, where students come with such diverse backgrounds. The idea of allowing them to showcase their prior knowledge and experiences through ePortfolios, regardless of whether it’s academic or life-based, is such a brilliant way to honor their unique journeys. With Texas being such a beautiful melting pot of cultures, I feel like implementing ePortfolios into the standard ESL frameworks that most districts use will help give students an advantage in and outside of the classroom.
It must be incredible to see your students not only express themselves through their stories and pictures but also connect with classmates they might not normally communicate with. That peer-to-peer interaction, especially across language barriers, really takes their learning to a whole new level of depth. I totally agree that when students feel in control and connected to their work, they’re way more invested and willing to tackle complex challenges. Your experiences witnessing this transformation in your students’ persistence and critical thinking are so inspiring! Keep up the great work—it's clear you’re making a huge impact!
Reference
Harapnuik, D. (2021). COVA. Harapnuik.org. https://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=6991