During this Fall session, I took EDLD 5318 and EDLD 5320. At the end of our 8-week course, students are required to reflect on their time in class and assess their contributions. For this course, I rated myself a 98. I achieved this goal by completing my assignments ahead of the deadline, engaging in all of our class discussions with multiple responses, taking the initiative, and communicating frequently with fellow classmates, even outside the class via our GroupMe chat (which I created for both courses). I have also been told by my classmates that they used my work as an example to follow for turning in our assignments. They also reach out to me for help and guidance. So, I am valued among my peers.

​

I also give myself this rating, because I busted my butt. I sacrificed family time, parties, and weekends out with the kids because I had to write a paper or do a project. Because I worked hard to get here. To this finish line. To this goal. The end of class. For not giving up and making it this far while taking two classes per session over 12 months. For the late nights, blood, sweat, tears (yes, literal tears- ask Dr. Johnson), and 2 a.m. chats with others and research papers. But if not for any of that. because I did it. I put in the effort, time, and work, and made it to this day. GRADUATION DAY!!!! The day I submit my final assignment. The day I never thought would be here, but it did come. The day I am most proud of!!

​​​

Personal Reflection:

Things that worked for me were working on my assignments ahead of time and not waiting until the last minute. I made an effort to complete all my readings, discussions, and replies, providing constructive feedback to multiple people. I worked during my school conference period, stayed late, and even worked nights after making dinner and tucking the kids into bed. I tried to plan accordingly, so I was ahead of the game. 

​​​​​

On my first assignment, "COVA Reflection and Application," I was tasked with reflecting on my journey through the program. I wrote about my experience and the amazing things I learned along the way. I even discussed how I had already been practicing COVA in my classroom, but I just didn't know it had a name. I linked to multiple assignments to show the progress I have made in the program and all the hard work I have put in. I received 96 for this assignment, which I will gladly take. Regarding the feedback Dr. Harapnuik provided, he sent me a link to his video recording and suggested enlarging the text font and adding a colored box behind some of the text to make it easier to read. I quickly made these changes. Then I went through my entire site and made the same corrections to other pages. I changed all my links to open in the same window for easier navigation when returning to the previous page, rather than opening in a new window. I also changed the ADL coursework drop-down menu headers to look more professional, rather than just listing the course numbers.

​​

For my second assignment, "Innovation Project Update," I reflected on my innovation plan and evaluated where I started and where I am now. When I reflect on the conceptualization of this idea (bringing VR into the CTE classroom), to now. I have really developed so many great aspects to making this idea a reality. It's amazing to see these works reflected in my proposal letter,  the 3-year implementation outline, and even my first literature review. For this assignment, I received a 94 for this reflection.

​

Before we left for Thanksgiving break, I reached out to my CTE Coordinators about upcoming changes next school year. While I had them on the phone, I asked about my VR innovation, which they helped me map out at the beginning of this program. They came, sat with me for 2 hours, and mapped out my 3-year implementation plan. They shared their thoughts with me and what has been happening when they go to conferences and how the high school teachers feel about it. So, I shared with them that it might be better suited to the junior high level, as I had initially planned. After more discussion, it looks like they might start with the elementary level, which I am okay with. I told them they are more than welcome to look at all my classwork, research papers, and plans if it helps.

​​

​​For our third assignment, Applied Digital Learning Synthesis, it turned out to be a bigger project than I had thought. However, like the rest of them, I knocked it out of the park. I worked hard to showcase my work and all I have accomplished in this program. I am proud of myself and what I have created from scratch. The late nights, hard work, time away from the kids, and not rocking them to sleep. Running from the computer to the kitchen to make dinner between classes, class Zoom meetings, etc. Staying up late until 2:30 in the morning, finishing papers, writing blog posts, and having discussions. It was all worth the 12 months it took. I look forward to eating dinner at the table with the family again. Reading bedtime stories to Henry (3) and Emma (8) again.

​

​

Core Collaboration Group:
My core collaboration group comprised Kelsie Adams, Leslie Gutierrez, Veronica Mata, and Ayla Rightenour, These girls have been my group since day one, when we met in 5302 with Dr. Harrison. We have been in most classes together and talk daily about life, schoolwork, our actual classroom work, and life/motherhood. We've had Zoom call chats, and I've even driven across Texas to see two of them this summer and hang out for a bit. Leslie actually works across the street at the high school and came to my room during my conference at the beginning of our classes to work on her portfolio and learn how to use Wix. 

​

When we had Dr. Johnson, we established ourselves as the ✨The Extras.✨. Kelsie came up with it for our discussion posts, and it just stuck. So, we've been doing that because we've always gone above and beyond with our classwork, giving more than what was asked of us.

​

I also created the GroupMe discussion board for the class. Throughout this course, numerous discussions took place, ranging from clarifying assignments to discussing graduation. I posted reminders for upcoming due dates and even shared a positive message with the group, expressing my pride in their hard work, not only in this class but also in the program. 

​

I also talked to Benjamin Portillo, who graduated over the summer. He helped explain things. Our paths weaved throughout this course. He was a semester ahead of me, but we still had several classes together. He was my other buddy. In fact, we still talk about life, work, and school.

​​​​

​​

Conclusion:

So, in conclusion, I have gained considerable knowledge regarding this course and the other nine I have taken. As I reflect back on my 12 months, it was a lot. I get lost in the thoughts. The memories of staying until 6:00 p.m. writing lit. reviews, researching online in the school database, mapping out 3-year innovation plans, creating videos, outlines, and so much more. I am beyond proud of myself and everything I have created in this program. We have had some great discussions and thought-provoking talks. I have made friends in this course and grown both as a person and as an educator.​​​

​

I look forward to the future and to applying this knowledge to help others in our field grow and become better, not only from within but also for our students.​

​​​​​​​

Thank you, Dr. Harapnuik! Thank you for pushing us to think outside the box. For pushing ourselves to be the change the system needs. To discover who we are destined to be and develop what has been hiding from within us.