Contribution to my Learning and Learning Community

During these past eight weeks, as was the case during the previous terms, I continued to learn and to develop my skills. I gained new insights, understanding and knowledge regarding using technology to improve the experience for learners.

In EDLD 5318, we had the chance to create an online course. It was a project that gave us total freedom to design the course. We were able to choose the theme, the audience, and the kind of course that we wanted to create. It was a course that integrated all of the previous courses and so far this exercise was one of my favorites.

I decided to create an International business course, which just made sense given the fact that I have been working on the implementation of an ePortfolio for the Business Department. This exercise was an exciting experience since it allowed me to interpret the needs and wants of a subject matter expert - in this case I interacted with a business professor. The professor and I went through the course together. Based on these interactions, I then developed the learning goals, activities and outcome-focused three-column table, and finally I developed the course outline. I carried out my implementation by using Google classroom as the learning platform and I designed some of the activities and assignments for the course. Finally, I ran a usability test using the help of a business student and a business professor. As a result of carrying out the usability test, I received some interesting feedback from others that helped me to improve my course. I was able to make the course even more appealing and interesting to my audience.

In EDLD 5389, we had the opportunity to focus on effective professional learning. During this course, we worked towards developing a professional development course using the five principles for effective professional learning. We started by developing a call-to-action video that focused on the need for an alternative form of professional learning. We then created the outline and implementation based on these five principles and we highlighted the difference between ‘sit & get’ and the preferred option of ‘show and go’. Finally, we concluded by building a course session that explained how the information would be delivered in real time.

Both courses in this term had similarities and complemented each other. Furthermore, many things that we learned in one course could be applied to the other. Therefore, there is a logic in pursuing both courses during the same semester.

In both courses, I was able to complete all of the assignments and the requirements that were asked of the students. I delivered my assignments on time and used the discussions to offer ideas, insights and opinions about the information presented in the videos.

Being part of a support group has been very beneficial to me as a student. All of the members of our group support and help each other with the material. We ask and share questions using GroupMe and we have had frequent meetings through zoom. The members of my group are: Naima Bagot, Angela Upshaw, Herman Bibbs, and me.

I am looking forward to my last two courses of the program and can’t wait to keep applying what I have been learning throughout this program and after the program is completed.

Given what I have discussed above, I feel that I deserve a score of:

EDLD 5318: 90/100

EDLD 5389: 90/100