Navigating Through EDLD 5389 and 5318: A Journey of Collaboration and Growth

Throughout my journey in Developing Effective Professional Leadership (5389) and Instructional Design for Online Learning (5318), I have grown tremendously as a learner, collaborator, and instructional designer. These courses provided an enriching and engaging learning experience, and I earned a grade of 95 due to my consistent effort, collaboration, and commitment to the learning community.

What Worked Well

One of the most significant aspects of my success in these courses was my collaboration with my core group—Melissa Richards, Patty, and Jelisa Davis-Sophus. Our group’s dynamic was one of the most supportive and insightful learning communities I have ever participated in. We consistently held Zoom meetings to discuss assignments, clarify expectations, and debrief after class sessions. Our collaborative discussions were instrumental in helping me refine my work and understand the nuances of each assignment.

My group members meticulously reviewed my assignments, providing detailed feedback that helped me enhance my submissions. For instance, my Alternate PL Call to Action assignment initially lacked a few critical components, but with their feedback, I was able to refine and improve my work. Their keen attention to detail and ability to break down instructions effectively ensured that I met the assignment criteria.

Another area where our collaboration significantly impacted was the Implementation Overview assignment in 5318. I took the initiative to create a fun and engaging “About Me” section in my online course, which some of my peers had overlooked. This small but meaningful contribution reinforced the importance of sharing insights, pushing each other to improve, and reassuring one another throughout these courses, creating an incredibly supportive and productive learning environment.

Areas for Improvement

While my collaboration and engagement in both courses were strong, one area where I need to improve is the punctuality of my discussion posts. Although I watched the videos, completed the assigned readings, and took notes, I often got sidetracked when formulating my thoughts, which sometimes caused delays in posting my responses. To address this challenge, I plan to immediately post my reflections after completing the readings and videos. By doing so, I can ensure that I contribute to discussions promptly without feeling overwhelmed.

The Impact of Collaboration

These two courses were among the most collaborative I have experienced within the EDLD program. Everyone was very active and engaging. Integrating educational technology (EdTech) professionals into our classes significantly enriched our discussions and projects. Our expertise in creating e-portfolios and Finks three-column tables provided valuable insights that enhanced our learning experience by giving them tips and tricks on hoe to formulate theirs.

 The collaboration between EDLD and EdTech students allowed us to bridge the gaps between interactions, foster a more comprehensive learning experience, and prepare us to implement innovative educational strategies in our fields.

Final Thoughts

The growth I experienced in EDLD 5389 and 5318 would not have been possible without the incredible support of my learning community. My group members played a crucial role in helping me refine my work, understand complex concepts, and stay motivated. While I recognize the need to improve my post-punctuality discussion, I am proud of my contributions and knowledge gained throughout these courses.

Moving forward, I will continue to apply the collaborative strategies that made these courses so impactful. I am grateful for the experience and look forward to using the skills and insights I have gained to further my professional growth in instructional design and implementing a new way to create meaningful professional developments. These classes reinforced the power of community learning, and I am excited to carry these lessons into my future endeavors.

References

Fink, L. D. (2013). Creating significant learning experiences: An integrated approach to designing college courses. Jossey-Bass.