Key Contributions and Growth in courses
This is my last semester before I graduate in May with a Master’s of Education in Applied Digital Learning from Lamar University. The following courses listed below are my two final classes:
- Assessing Digital Learning and Instruction – 5315 with Dr. Meeuwse
Assignments – Cohesive link to Assessing Digital Learning and Instruction
Action Research Design Outline
Measurement Strategy and Connecting and Communicating Your Ideas
- (Capstone) Synthesis of Learning and Digital Leadership – 5320 with Dr. Harapnuik
Assignments – Cohesive link to My Innovation Journey
COVA Reflection and Application
From Learner to Leader: My ADL Journey
Reflection on what is working and what I can do better
Throughout these classes I have experienced such a transforming educational journey. I grew in deeper ways, both as a learner and as a leader. In 5315, I developed the foundation of my action research by diving deep into related literature, refining my research question, and creating a solid plan that was focused on improving 3rd grade math using Progress Learning in a flex blended model with Schoology, project based learning, and small group instruction. Meanwhile, in 5320, I was able to build upon my innovation plan, ePortfolio, and what I learned about using COVA + CSLE. I carried out, reflected on, and communicated findings with my professors, peer group, fellow teachers, and elementary students.
What I think worked for me is the way that I have learned to use feedback to refine my thinking, make revisions to my work, and grow in my confidence. Even though it was rough at times, I stayed strong in being organized and meeting deadlines, yet I know I have room to improve on posting to the question prompts, or giving my peers more time for deeper feedback conversations. I think that was the hardest thing, which is finding the time to do it all. I certainly feel that I did the best that I could with what I knew and where I was at during this process.
Contributed to, helped build, and provided feedback to my core collaboration group. Revised all assignments and reflected on revisions in this contribution to learning, and completed ALL of the course readings, videos, and supporting resources
In 5315, I contributed to my learning community by offering feedback on my peers’ action research plan and discussion posts. I shared insights from my own action research plan of using Progress Learning, and shared how I have integrated the use of this digital tool in a flex blended environment in my 3rd grade classroom. Sharing real world applications and experiences made my contribution meaningful to others. I had the opportunity to revise all major assignments, based on instructor and peer feedback or suggestions that were provided to me, which also includes my action research outline and literature review. I was able to explain how Progress Learning’s adaptive features helped increase student engagement and academic performance, since this was a direct connection to my action research and teaching philosophy.
In 5320, I collaborated with my core group, especially providing input on updating ePortfolios with the capstone reflections and synthesis. I truly enjoyed my peers and learned so much in our collaborative groups since we shared ideas, gave suggestions, and asked questions. We had the chance to get to know each other, and give tips and suggestions on how to do things, like present our work, or share class zoom meeting notes. I took pride in my readings and videos, plus used what I learned in zoom and forum discussions. One post that I am proud of aligned my research with student centered goals that reflected my innovation plan, as well as CSLE + COVA.
Some of the peers that I continuously collaborated with throughout both classes, and the entire program are: Katelyn O’ Quin, Cristy Silkin, Veronica Mata, Joseph Perrone, Melissa Richards, Jelisa Davissophus, and Whitney Davis.
Met the various course activity deadlines indicated in the calendar
I was able to meet the course deadlines and actively participate in group discussions with timely, and thoughtful posts to share my opinions and feedback with others. I made sure to use APA format for citations and references. I backed up my thoughts with research, and resources that helped me better understand the topic or subject matter being discussed. And, I often connected what I learned to what I was doing in the classroom. For instance, I was able to include a citation explaining how small group instruction improved differentiation, and a reference that supports how Schoology helped students track their learning to become self directed learners. I made many posts that contributed to the learning culture of my learning community by asking questions, supporting peers, or simply expressing my thoughts and appreciation for someone’s insight.
Accelerated ADL
As an accelerated ADL student, I have worked hard to have a work balance in my life since I am a full-time teacher, mom, wife, and graduate student. I’ve grown with confidence in sharing my voice, using new, digital tools, especially to lead change, and apply my research based strategies in my own classroom setting.
Both of these courses helped me bring everything that I learned throughout the program together, from planning a meaningful action research in 5315 to reflecting on its impact in 5320. Most of all, they’ve helped me remember that I am a leader who helps create change.
Took leadership responsibility in my base group, and the course. Also, actively contributed in various course forums, and posted in a timely fashion so others can respond
In both courses, I took on leadership roles with my collaboration group and the course community. In 5315, I initiated a group thread that focused on using our action research topic in real time with our students. And, this sparked valuable conversation, where I was able to share on how I was collecting data from Progress Learning to inform my math small groups. Other group members responded how they are using other tech tools in their instruction. All of this allowed us to support one another through questions and challenges.
In 5320, I actively contributed to the zoom meeting, course discussions, and peer review threads. I posted at a reasonable time to allow my classmates time to respond, or for me to follow up with them on questions. For instance, during our assignment review threads, I shared insights of how I was connecting a flex blended approach with student engagement outcomes. I offered feedback to my peers, such as suggesting one classmate to incorporate student voice surveys as qualitative data, which they later thanked me, and used my suggestion. I too received helpful suggestions from others about refining the structure of my work.
Contribute to my learning, the learning of my colleagues, and participated in ALL activities
Beyond what was asked, I tried to go above the requirement to have meaningful experiences. Also, one peer was uncertain about her innovation plan, and I gave a friendly reminder that our focus is building on students having choice, ownership, voice, and authentic learning opportunities in a significant learning environment. I also messaged another peer privately to share a rubric that I created for instruction. Each time, the resources were later mentioned as being very helpful to them.
My postings reflect breadth and depth of thinking with research to support my thinking and are cited using APA
My reflections posts always showed my knowledge, and I tried to make what we learned my own. Oftentimes, I used citations from Horn and Staker (2015) to support the benefits of a flex blended learning environment. I also referenced Harapnuik et al. (2018) to explain the COVA + CSLE framework. I used these studies in my third grade classroom for math. I offered meaningful, and actionable responses that moved discussions forward. Together, we celebrated milestones, gave encouragement, and offered motivation during high stress weeks to help build positive and connected learning environments.
Made additional posts that did not require research, but rather to contribute to learning
Conclusively, this learning community reminded me that true growth happens together. It strengthens through collaboration, feedback, and willingness to learn and lead at the same time. Peer interactions enriched my understanding, deepened my learning, and reminded me of the real meaning of lifting others while staying open to my own personal development. Overall, this learning journey has shaped me to become more reflective, collaborative, and intentional. I am forever grateful to have walked this path and earned my Master’s of Education Degree in Applied Digital Learning from Lamar University. A special thank you to all of my professors that contributed to my experience here.
Self/Score: 95/100
Jackie Bittner M.Ed. 
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