Contributions to Learning

The start of the ADL Master's program has been fascinating.  I pride myself on embracing continuous improvement, fostering a growth mindset,  and fine-tuning my skills as a self-directed learner.  The setup of the ADL program makes it easier as it incorporates COVA and Assessment OF/FOR/AS Learning not to mention being around like-minded colleagues who are as motivated to learn and grow as myself.  I remember Dr. Harapnuik mentioning in one of our class meetings in course 5305 the following:   

“In order to build self-efficacy you have to talk to someone about it”.   

Cultivating a Thriving Community

Throughout my journey in the ADL master's program, I’ve had the opportunity to engage with incredible colleagues who have deepened my understanding of the content. Together, we cultivated a community where we shared ideas, engaged in discussions that allowed me to gain insight into different perspectives, and encouraged each other to complete assignments by the deadlines. Adaliz B. Torrado took the initiative and created a GroupMe to allow us to communicate with each other.  Throughout the course, I have been an active participant in our GroupMe community as well as in the discussion posts.  As we engaged in the required coursework, we texted to support one another by asking questions, clarifying misconceptions, encouraging each other, and sharing each other's ePorfolios as a resource. Angela Speck, Ayla Rightenour, and I set up a video conference early in the course to support each other in navigating Blackboard and understanding the first assignment.  Having this community allowed me to reflect more deeply on the new and previous learning as well as gain insight into information I may have overlooked or missed in the reading, videos, or class meetings.  

I found the discussion assignments very interesting as I was able to see how each of us connected to the content, applied the learning to our current jobs, and related it to our lives.  Although I only replied to a couple of posts I read most of them.  The posts varied in days as some posted early, others the day it was due, and some a little late.  I feel that I need to do a better job in going back to review new posts and contribute to the discussion.  In the future, I will do a better job in checking my email as I was notified when new posts are available and I will also set my self reminders to go back to discussions to contribute.  Making this adjustment will allow the discussion to continue, avoid seeing replies to my post a little too late, and continue to learn and grow. 

Fueling Success

I spent a lot of time working on my assignments because I wanted to make sure the information flowed, that I selected the right references, and that the setup on my ePortfolio looked clear to the readers.   At times I was overwhelmed but I persisted and I did not submit until I was satisfied with the outcome.  I am glad that I did as the feedback I received from my professor noticed the details in my work.  Here’s one of the feedback I received about the Learning Manifesto assignment:   

Sonia,

The time and effort devoted to this assignment is much appreciated. You did a great job displaying your beliefs and principles regarding digital learning. You gave excellent insight into learning and the learning experience. Your page layout on your website is also very attractive and easy to read. Right /Wrong and a quality fix! Strong core beliefs! Excellent job digging down to support your thoughts with a plethora of references.

Receiving 100s on assignments and feedback that acknowledged the time and effort I applied is such a rewarding feeling.  Those long nights with many cups of coffee, going back and forth reviewing notes and readings, and doing tons of edits and revisions were so worth it.  Clicking on the submit button by the deadlines was such a relief.  I could not have done this without the support of Dr. Harrison as he provided detailed presentations during our meeting, shared real-world examples, and provided the opportunity to discuss the content, and last but not least the GroupMe community.  I am thankful to Angela Speck, Ayla Rightenour, Benjamin Potillo, LaShunda Brown and Kelsie Adams for always being willing to ask questions, provide support to tackle challenges, share insights, and provide motivation.  Connection is powerful and we had an effective community that provided a sense of belonging and a real connection even though we communicated through technology.  I get the chills just thinking about how powerful it is to build a community united by a common purpose, despite our distance.

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