Capstone Reflection

What is the ADL Program?

The Applied Digital Learning (ADL) program at Lamar University is a transformative, student-centered graduate program that promotes innovation, collaboration, and authentic learning. It empowers learners by fostering significant learning environments where they have choice, ownership, and voice in their learning journey. Through this approach, the ADL program prepares individuals to become forward-thinking digital leaders who can confidently navigate and shape the future of education and technology (Harapnuik, 2018).

About Me

Twelve! That's how many years it took me to graduate with my bachelor's. I wasn't lazy. I worked hard for it. I literally worked and went to school at the same time. I started at San Jacinto College, working on my undergrad. Then transferred to the University of Houston-Clear Lake, where I took their web design classes and got married, too. So, I dropped out. I was going to work and be a stay-at-home mom. I had it mapped out. A year after we got married, my husband pushed me to finish the last few hours I needed to graduate. So, I did, in 2015, from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. Twelve years later. After graduating from high school. As I walked across that stage and accepted my diploma, I beamed. I was so proud of my achievement. I was the first in my family to do this. As I exited the stage, I waved at my family in the stands, cheering me on. Proud of me and all my hard

work. In those final moments, I thought to myself, "Man, I'm done with school forever. I don't want to go back for any more." I couldn't even imagine getting a master's at that point.

So, you might be thinking why does that story matter. It matters because it helped shape my path and where I am headed today. After that day, I earned my teaching certificate in 2015 and began teaching 8th-grade students at a Title I school in Houston, Texas, in 2016. I have been in education since 2009. I have helped students and staff in some capacity. I have always loved technology and helping others. So, eventually, I didn't know it, but this program was my destiny.

Last school year, in 2024, I sat at my desk wondering what life had in store for me. I thought of the future and where I wanted to go. I shadowed the Assistant Principals and considered that aspect, but the workload was more than I could handle while working and managing a family with a young child and a new baby. So, maybe next year I'll go back and get that masters after I have bounced back from graduating from this program.

One day, my coworker told me about the ADL program at Lamar and how it aligned with our class content and was technology-based. It was so natural and easy for us. It piggybacked off our content and would be something easy to do while I worked. Something easy I could do during my conference periods or in the evening after dinner/ bedtime with the kids. So, wanting to make a bigger change and impact on the education system, and to grow personally and gain a deeper understanding of technology and leadership, here I am. I enrolled in the ADL program in October 2024 and started my class during the second half of the semester. I started with 5302 and Dr. Harrison. I loved it. I was sucked in and ready to go. I had wished I had signed up for two classes, but I was afraid I would have bitten off more than I could chew. After that class, I did just that. I signed up for two classes a session and never looked back. I even worked extra hard in the summer while on our Alaskan cruise to ensure my work was completed and submitted before the deadline, as well as to complete all discussion posts and responses. If that's not determination, I don't know what is.

Little did I know that this was the program for me. The innovation plan, papers we wrote, and projects we made pushed me to dig deeper. (To see a list of my favorite assignments, check under the infographic for links.) It helped me think about the bigger picture beyond my classroom and what was really going on within a school district. How things worked. Who really did what, and how to get things rolling. It really opened doors for me with people in positions above me that I wanted to move into one day. These friends shared how decisions are made and how programs are implemented throughout the district. Why we do the things we do and even how we do them. (see photo under the infographic. It's my fav.)

During this journey, I also networked with others across America and even the world, and built an amazing learning community. I met new friends who shared their journeys on getting into the program, their teaching stories, and even lesson plans. They cheered me on as I applied for a new Tech. Specialist positions over the summer, hoping to secure one of those roles in districts closer to home. I interviewed with them and even discussed COVA during the process. One of the girls in the interview knew of COVA and even connected with me on it. Unfortunately, I didn't get the position, but I remain hopeful. Now that I have finished the program, I feel even more prepared to step into that role. I'm excited for it. As I said, I love helping people and technology. So, I now feel even more equipped to bridge that gap and make it easier for teachers (even those hesitant about change) to find ways to use technology in their classrooms. There's a little bit of something for everyone.

Click here to see a larger image of my infographic on Canva.