Synthesis Digital Learning & Instructional Design Online
As I approached the final stage of my ADL journey, I enrolled in "Instructional Design in Online Learning" (5318) and "Synthesis of Digital Learning and Leadership" (5320). Balancing my responsibilities as an educator and a student made this last stretch both demanding and fulfilling. Reflecting on my journey, I remember my doubts when I first started in the spring of 2024. Now, reaching the end of this journey, I am grateful for the growth, resilience, and lessons I have gained.
The Journey Continues: Graduation is Just the Beginning
Team Members:
When I started this journey, I was uncertain whether I was ready to take on this challenge. My fixed mindset made me doubt my ability to balance my roles as a teacher, student, and mother. I questioned whether I was genuinely ready for this challenge, fearing failure before I even started. However, I wasn’t alone. From the beginning, I felt the unwavering support of my two wonderful coworkers and friends, Doyna and Desiree, who encouraged me every step of the way. Their guidance, motivation, and belief in me made all the difference, turning what once felt impossible into an incredible journey of growth and learning.
As I progressed, collaboration became a key part of my experience. My team and I worked closely together, sharing knowledge and insights from our courses. We supported each other to the best of our abilities, exchanging resources, discussing new ideas, and overcoming challenges as a team. One of my favorite collaborations was the Media Project, where we all came together to create something meaningful. It was a learning experience and a moment of cohesion and fun. This sense of community strengthened our understanding and enriched the journey.
This course has been truly impactful because it has allowed me to immerse myself fully in the learning process. Unlike previous experiences, I have embraced the COVA approach from the start. Taking ownership of my learning and applying it in meaningful ways. The first two courses played a crucial role in shaping my mindset, strengthening my beliefs, and providing me with clear goals and a strong foundation for the year ahead.
Additionally, I actively participated in every aspect of the course. Engaging in discussions, providing thoughtful feedback on Blackboard, and receiving constructive input from peers and instructors helped refine my work. I took every opportunity to revise and improve my assignments, ensuring continuous growth and development. This experience expanded my knowledge and reinforced my confidence as a lifelong learner.
Active engagement in every course was essential during Synthesis of Digital Learning and Instructional Design Online. Contributing to discussions and offering feedback played a key role in refining the instructional design process, ensuring the effective development of both the modules and the overall course. I particularly appreciated the opportunity to collaborate with my peers, review their work, and gain new insights from their perspectives. This exchange of ideas enriched my learning experience and contributed to my growth as an educator.
This journey has been a transformative experience, bringing me closer to my personal and professional goals while refining my innovation proposal. Along the way, I have acquired invaluable skills and strategies that will support me in overcoming future challenges, both as an educator and as an individual. Though this chapter is coming to a close, I am deeply grateful for the lessons in leadership and organization and the fresh perspective on education I have gained. More than anything, I am excited to continue working alongside a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact.
As I reach the end of this incredible journey, I can’t help but reflect on the challenges, growth, and invaluable lessons that have shaped me along the way. What once felt like an overwhelming challenge became a transformative experience, thanks to the unwavering support of my peers, mentors, and the learning community I was fortunate to be part of. This journey has strengthened my confidence, expanded my perspective, and equipped me with the tools to make a meaningful educational impact. Though this chapter is closing, the journey of learning and innovation continues. I am excited about the future and grateful to be part of a community that strives for positive change. This is not goodbye—just the beginning of a new adventure.
Self-Evaluation Scores
Synthesis Digital Learning: 95/100
Instructional Design Online: 95/100
References:
Harapnuik, D. (2018b, July 14). CSLE. It’s about Learning, Creating Significant Learning Environments. https://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=849
Dweck, C. (2014, November). The Power of Believing That You Can Improve. Ted.com; TED Talks. https://www.ted.com/talks/carol_dweck_the_power_of_believing_that_you_can_improve
Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: the New Psychology of Success (p. 12). Random House.
Jeffrey, S. (2017). How to Change Your Fixed Mindset. In scottjeffrey.com. https://scottjeffrey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Mindset-Guide-Scott-Jeffrey.pdf
Harapnuik, D. (2018, June 14). COVA https://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=6991
Comments