5303 Score: 85
5305 Score: 36
Education has evolved beyond the traditional teacher-centered model, with a growing emphasis on collaborative learning experiences. Collaboration instills teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills while fostering a supportive learning environment. Being a part of the Accelerated ADL option opened the door for me to learn what an e-portfolio consist of and how vital it is in a technology driven society. The main concern I had coming into Applied Digital Learning was my lack of technology skills and having to construct an entire website from scratch. Being a part of my core group paved the way for me to learn and navigate my way through creating a site that is functional. Essentially, they helped me overcome my biggest fear in the course. Being able to document my learning was also a new task for me because it was a foreign concept when I was attaining my Bachelors degree. However, I was able to utilize Dr. Harapunuik’s videos, examples, and articles to walk me through step by step of the importance of having an e-portfolio and what a functioning website should look like from our audience view. Dr. H also gave both classes the opportunity to use his e-portfolio as a resource to gather important information and as a guide to e-portfolio format, if you will. There were a plethora of articles I was able to read and refer to in the Lamar Online Library that helped me decide on the best way to reach my target audience (GCCISD colleagues and administration) on the reasons why we should implement STEM projects in our classroom and what would be the best possible steps to incorporate project-based learning and blended learning together.
Key and Supporting Contributors:
In course 5303 Applying Education Technology I was able to reflect on what is working and what I could do better within my group, during class meetings and with a zoom conference call with our professor. Key elements that worked for me was being able to have different resources to refer to while putting together the base of my e-portfolio. My area of growth in this course was time management and communicating within the entire class in a timely fashion. Within my group I was able to contribute, help build, and provide feedback via blackboard messenger and weekly zoom meetings. I was able to read the feedback comments and listen to revision/feedback videos on adjusting my blog post. I was able to complete all course readings, videos and supporting resources provided by Dr. H in which I was able to learn why an e-portfolio is needed and how to navigate creating one successfully. Meeting the various course activity deadlines when it comes to the discussion post in this course is also an area of growth because due to my lack of discussion post, I was not able to allow enough time for feedback or comments from the entire class. Within my base group I was able to be responsible by attending all meetings and contributing feedback to group members.
In course 5305 Disruptive Innovation there were different assignments such as an innovation proposal, literature review, implementation outline, and collaborative learning. Thankfully, I was added to a great collaborative group where I was able to be actively engaged and seek positive insight on our assignments. Being able to have my group members assess my work helped me improve on each task. As in 5303 there was an opportunity for growth when it came to time management and proper formatting of assignments. I was able to contribute to my group by actively participating in zoom meeting at least twice a week and providing feedback for all assignments. Within the group I was able to foster an environment for growth and productivity by providing feedback to my peers. In each course I was able to engage with all assigned readings, videos, and supported resources. By utilizing the resources given in both classes, I was able to have a better alignment and understanding of the two courses. Not only did I focus on the sources provided by Dr. H but also heavily doing my own research that helped me refine my innovation assignments. Meeting the various course activity deadlines indicated int he calendar were met for each assignment. The area in this course that requires growth is within the discussion contributions and posting in time for classmates to respond and give feedback.
Our collaborative group brought students from diverse backgrounds, each contributing our own unique perspectives and insights. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, we had enriched discussions that enabled us to look at our students from multiple angles discuss how we can get our students to think critically and own their learning as we have had to do. While working together we were able to challenge assumptions and develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Each of our group members had the opportunity to articulate their thoughts, actively listen to each other and offer constructive feedback. Together we were able to exchange ideas and cultivate strong interpersonal skills that will be valuable to implement in our classrooms and use for our future academic pursuits. Creating a collaborative group gave me a sense of community and belonging. I truly felt supported, valued and motivated to succeed. We were safe to ask questions, take risks, and learn from our mistakes with a positive attitude. Numerous studies have shown that collaborative learning positively impacts academic performance. When students work together, they not only absorb information more effectively but also retain knowledge for longer periods. The dynamic exchange of ideas stimulates active learning, leading to improved understanding and retention of subject matter.
Group Members
Lance Moran: 10-12 Audio Video Production CTE
Yagaira Alaniz: Pre K - 4th Math Instructional Coach
Laura Hopkins: 7-12 English
Shirelle Barnes: 6th Grade Science
Tamia Parker: Executive Director - Lashmi Baas Inc
Jane Burnett: Pre K - 3rd Technologist
Comments