Compilation and Contributions to Your Learning
Introduction
As I started my journey for my masters degree, I really did not know what to expect, but I knew that whatever it was I was going to need to be prepared and ready for it. I first found the classes I would be taking, EDLD 5302 and EDLD 5305, knowing what I was taking allowed me to see the books and materials I needed for these classes. Being able to look at the materials gave me a head start into what we were going to be studying for each class. Once class started, officially, I had already read several of the chapters in each book and this allowed me to get ahead which was a huge help in staying ahead throughout both classes. From day one, I did everything I could do to continue to stay ahead and I was so grateful with everything that we had to go over in a very short period of time. From learning about COVA the first few weeks, then having to evaluate and learn about myself, which I might add was an eye opener, to finally working with my group to put all that we learned into analyzing a case study. I felt it was very fast paced but moved very well together.
Successes in EDLD 5302
I felt there were a lot of things that really worked well in the class. The class was highly effective in its structure, and was well organized. The way the class moved from week to week and how it all tied together made it easier to work with classroom discussions and most assignments. I also really enjoyed the once a week classes and being able to meet with other students and the professor. This allowed me to ask questions, hear others' questions or concerns, and allow the professor to explain what were the expectations for the readings, videos and assignments for upcoming week. I also felt that the ability to reach out to Dr. Harrison by email, text or phone call was hugely beneficial, especially when I was confused or had an issue arise. For example, on the last assignment I had several questions about how it was supposed to be presented, and Dr. Harrison answered the question very quickly by text message and a phone call. In fact, I was really impressed when I did call him, he was talking to me from his vehicle on a Saturday afternoon. As a teacher myself that is really going up and beyond what he had to do and showed he really wanted us to succeed in the class.
Areas of Growth or Improvement
There were very few things that I felt needed to be improved on in the class. The one thing that I know will be fixed the next time the class is offered, is the last assignment of the class. It seemed like it did not quite have the same structure or organization as the other assignments we needed to complete throughout the course. It also lacked the clear instructions that the other assignments had.
Brief Summary and reflection of each assignment
The first assignment that needed to be completed in the class was the Technology Learning Manifesto which really allowed me to express myself in regards to my core beliefs along with my passions for digital learning. The second assignment in the class was to complete the Personality and Leadership Philosophy which really was an eye opener. After taking several personality tests I found I had to look at myself in a different way and made me realize what my strengths and weaknesses are, which allowed me to open my mind and set goals I feel are attainable for myself to achieve. The Third assignment was the Technology Case Study Analysis. This assignment was a group assignment which meant we as a group had to complete the assignment together. This allowed us to use our individual strengths together to analyze and complete the assignment.
Reflection on my Collaborative Discussion Group
I really had an amazing discussion group, the group was composed of myself Jennifer Haden, Kimberly Davis and Guadalupe Marin. Through our collaborative discussions and the technology case study analysis, I found we worked very well together. I learned we each had different personalities and our leadership styles helped us work together and complete the assignments in a manner that exceeded expectations. I would not have changed anything except I do hope I get to work with each one of them again in future classes.
Summary or Conclusion of course and your Learning
I could not have asked for two better classes to start my masters degree with. Both EDLD 5302 and EDLD 5305 really showed me new ways to teach in my classroom and school. From small things like feedforward to what my personality was and how I could better manage my goals. This really, I believe, will not only make me a better teacher but set me up for success in the future classes in this program. I truly can not wait to start my next class to see what else I can learn and bring back with me to use inside of my classroom.