Francys Machado
Embrace change; It's a path to growth and new opportunities!
Applied Digital Learning Journey Synthesis
During my time in the ADL course, I have completed a lot of meaningful work, which I am excited to summarize here. This includes links to my projects from the final 5320 course and my blog, where I have shared collaborative efforts with my colleagues.
Completing my master's degree in the ADL program at Lamar University has been a transformative experience. I am genuinely grateful for this opportunity. The unconventional nature of the program challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, and it was exactly what I needed to grow my skills. My goal is to inspire future students in the same way.
As I finish this program, I am a cheerful, forward-thinking professional with a deeper understanding and renewed vision for creating change. Thank you for joining me on this journey!
Journey Synthesis Video
Hello, everyone. I am very excited to share the video synthesis of our Applied Digital Learning Journey with you. This course has been an incredible journey, where we have had the opportunity to gather everything we have learned, from the knowledge and skills to the values that have accompanied us along the way. Throughout this video, I want to take you through our experiences, showing how we have grown in our ability to understand new concepts, think critically, and develop skills that will accompany us throughout our lives in any discipline. Our stories and learnings resonate with you and inspire you just as much as they have inspired us.
COVA has completely changed my approach to learning and teaching, especially in my work with students. It has reshaped how I connect with my students and positively influenced my relationships with friends and family. In this reflection, I will share my journey through the Med ADL program, highlighting how COVA—choice, ownership, and voice—has played a crucial role in my personal and professional growth.
As I reach the end of this journey, with the goal clearly in sight, I feel renewed and optimistic, having acquired valuable life skills. In this final chapter of the process, I will share my reflections, emotions, and a summary of a year filled with learning adventures in this extraordinary ADL program at Lamar University.
This contemporary thesis is a practical research project that follows the scientific method. A chronological infographic provides a deeper insight into my evolution from the initial courses (ADL 5305/5303) to the culmination of the program (ADL 5318/5320). Please join me on this educational journey as we explore each phase of this enriching experience.
5303 Applying Educational Technology
During the course, I focused on creating my ePortfolio, an enriching experience that allowed me to share my work and reflect on my personal and professional growth. Through various activities, such as analyzing technological innovations and integrating educational tools, I have discovered a clearer and more confident voice in my teaching approach.
This achievement inspires me to continue exploring and utilizing technology in education, reminding me that learning is an endless journey.
5302 Concepts of Educational Technology
I am proud to say that I have successfully met the established objectives of this course. My understanding of how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can enhance teaching and learning is solid. I have effectively applied the principles learned to create an authentic ePortfolio and develop projects emphasizing student choice and voice.
Leading Organizational Change
5304
Has genuinely transformed my professional journey. Throughout this course, I delved into various leadership theories and practices that equipped me to navigate resistance to change in education. I learned how to articulate the reasons behind necessary organizational changes, helping me see the importance of a motivating vision.
By applying the Four Disciplines of Execution (4DX), I gained practical strategies for implementing lasting changes. Reflecting on my growth as a differentiated leader highlighted the significance of crucial conversations in the change process. This experience has enhanced my skills and inspired me to become a proactive change agent in my educational environment, fostering innovation and growth within my community.
This course has given me a better understanding of constructivist learning theories and how to create student-centered learning environments to motivate and meet students' needs. Reflecting on the new learning culture helped me develop a more authentic and personalized teaching philosophy. Additionally, analyzing the factors that affect learning has allowed me to design a more effective instructional plan aligned with the outcomes I aim to achieve.
Throughout the course, I explored ways to improve learning environments and boost student achievement. By collaborating with colleagues, I learned to apply innovative teaching practices and evaluate their impact on learning. Reflecting on the challenges of current professional learning efforts helped me understand the importance of communicating and advocating for practical and alternative approaches. Developing a genuine professional learning plan and tailored resources for my discipline has given me valuable tools to implement in my educational setting.
I learned to challenge the idea that concepts like learning cannot be measured. I gained tools to evaluate teaching methods and educational innovations by exploring action research. I identified research questions to enhance learning and developed specific assessment strategies for student-centered digital learning environments. This provided me with practical tools to measure the effectiveness of my teaching methods.
I delved into analyzing and evaluating various digital learning resources. We discussed and examined multiple tools, from learning management systems to simulations and social networks, which helped me understand their applicability and value in education.
The opportunity to research current and future trends in educational technology provided me with a broader perspective on how these tools can enhance teaching and learning. Developing a draft for a publication and applying a digital resource allowed me to combine theory with practice and strengthen my communication skills in digital media.
I explored the basics of instructional design and used the "Understanding by Design" framework to create an effective online learning environment.
I have learned to analyze key design elements and consider factors like quality and accessibility in my projects. Discussions with my peers have provided valuable feedback and different perspectives on course design.
This course has allowed me to synthesize the knowledge, skills, and values I have developed throughout my academic journey.
Exploring the COVA approach (Choice, Ownership, Voice, Authentic Learning) has helped me recognize the importance of creating meaningful learning environments that empower students. The course has also encouraged me to reflect on my innovation projects, evaluate the lessons learned, and consider how to apply these experiences to lead organizational change.
Bringing all these elements together has allowed me to acknowledge my growth as a digital learner and leader, motivating me to seek more opportunities to foster innovation in education.
References:
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Harapnuik, D. (n.d.). CSLE+COVA. It's About Learning. https://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=6988
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Harapnuik, D. (2015, May 9). Creating significant learning environments (CSLE) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZ-c7rz7eT4