Change begets change! Does that even make sense? Yes, and I can personally attest to that. The COVID pandemic made every aspect of our lives turn upside down, it took a turn to some uncharted waters that we were all unfamiliar with, unprepared for, but at the same time, it sure proved how resilient and patient we are individually and as a community. All the struggles that came with that dilemma made me have a completely different perspective towards teaching and learning. My first big move to realize what needs to change... enrolling in the ADL program and taking technology-based courses to educate myself, rewire my outlook and hopefully be able to bring the knowledge and skills back to the classroom. My once pushed aside priority of completing graduate school finally came to reality after I became an official student in May 2021. I read through the course design, tirelessly convinced myself that I made the right decision to pursue this accelerated program instead of my area of specialization (Special Education), and then I ended up confused, intimidated and somehow regretful. But after another brave move to email Dr. Harapnuik to seek his advice and clarify some concerns, I was all set to start my first ever 2 ADL courses. That was it, ready or not, the first Zoom meeting for EDLD 5305 and 5303 with Dr. Bedard went live.

 

     Disruptive Innovation, Innovation Proposal and ePortfolio... “say what” was my only reaction. I didn’t realize how my background and experience are so foreign to what ADL was all about. It took me some time, a ton of research, readings, inquiring, and collaborating to get me a tad comfortable in completing the first few assignments, specifically developing an ePortfolio. As it is an accelerated program, the pacing of onerequirement to another really didn’t give me any room to breathe and even the chance to whimper as I felt very overwhelmed, somehow starting to feel doubtful that I can pull through with it. The first-aid kit that relieved my worries, the learning communities I was fortunate to be part of. Our discussion in and out of Blackboard, our GroupMe network contributed (and is still) to my survival from one assignment to another, one course to another, another semester to the next. Sabine, Misma, Claudia, Gauri and the rest of my troop were my constants. They were there for me throughout all my misery, frustration, and outcry. The best part, we have also shared each other’s success, milestones, completion and smiles. Dr. H and Dr. Sue who were our professors in most of the courses were always available. They are the perfect epitome of what an adviser, consultant, instructor, and cheerleader should be. They believed in each one of us, that our respective projects are worth proposing and that we can succeed.

 

     Learning always has its twists and turns, highs and lows, but for me it’s more of having that made it or fake it (until you have actually made it happen) attitude. The last 12 months have been the most interesting year for me. Work as usual was demanding but pursuing graduate school was equally tough and exhausting. If there was anything, I have learned with EDLD 5302, it’s developing that growth mindset, that progress is synonymous to process. Instead of wallowing during your lows, trust that time and hard work will eventually pay off. Patience and perseverance are valuable traits that will always come handy. When I was feeling overwhelmed and tired (physically and emotionally) with back-to-back deadlines to meet, I chose to “fake it”, that I am almost done, that I have ample time to comply. It was my way of switching deadlines to unlimited time, so I can work calmly and be productive. Was it easy to pretend? Not always! My human nature still often intimidates me that I am not enough, that I can never make it happen, but I know how to defeat my stubborn self, and I will keep doing it until I can claim that goal. In the process of developing and practicing a growth mindset, came EDLD 5313 where I had the opportunity to revisit my learning philosophy to update and align it with my current principles and beliefs. It was such a revelation how my perspective has changed, from considering myself as the “lead star” to being just a “supporting character.”

 

     My highs at this point are so much to mention, but some of the most significant ones include having my Blended Learning Innovation Project (EDLD 5303) partially implemented this school year, and it being considered to be part of our Campus Improvement Plan for next school year. I have also recently pitched my Professional Development online Instructional Course Design (EDLD 5318) to my peers and the reviews are very encouraging. I am so inspired with this project that I am planning to apply in our district’s Innovation in Teaching Fellowship which is a training ground to pilot implement new generation learning models like blended learning. My ePortfolio (EDLD 5303) is now a fully-operational learning and teaching digital site for anyone to access. It started as just my working canvas where I compiled all my ADL classwork, but now I consider it as a good resource or reference for my colleagues, my students and their families, or anyone who is involved or interested to learn more about blended learning. My completed Literature Review (EDLD 5305 and 5315) Action Research Plan (EDLD 5315) will provide them the why, the what, and the how of considering this learning approach. It includes supporting studies that will encourage even the most traditional educator and learner that innovation models are the better options nowadays.

 

     In addition, I was also able to develop implementation strategies like adopting the Four Discipline of Execution (4DX), Influencer Strategy (EDLD 5304), and the Organization Change Plan. As the popular tagline goes, “There is no I in TEAM”, the success of this Innovation Plan will rely on the support and cooperation of all our stakeholders (administration, teachers, support staff, students, parents, and the community). The uBd, Understanding by Design Model and the 3-Column Table (EDLD 5313) create the learning plan to meet the proposal’s goals. It clearly identifies everyone’s role as it pertains to aligning learning goals to activities and assessment.

 

     Another highlight during my ADL journey, I discovered I have some hidden talents in acting, voiceover and video editing. I had so much fun creating several videos, the most memorable ones were my two “Call to Action” videos. My Blended Learning Call to Action (EDLD 5305) has always been my “most viewed” resource as it introduces and explains what my innovation project is all about. On the other hand, the Alternative Professional Learning Call to Action (EDLD 5389) encapsulates why and how we can improve learning communities by offering an improved and more engaging format in presenting and facilitating PDs. The “New Culture to Learning” (EDLD 5313) also advocates for this cause initiative.

Another unforgettable learning experience was preparing and participating in my first (hopefully not the last) podcast (EDLD 5317) with my peers and Dr. H. At that point, after gaining significant knowledge from research and hands-on experience, engaging in a meaningful discussion with them was just timely. We were able to share and tell our stories and Dr.H as usual was very supportive and informative. I also submitted my first publication article (EDLD 5317) to several educational online platforms and whatever the outcome will be, I am just happy I learned how to write and submit a relevant piece one.

 

     Now on my final course (EDLD 5320), this reflection is bittersweet. Throughout the ADL program, I learned to be more involved and engaged with various opportunities for collaboration and allot time for self-reflection. With the countless feedforward, feedback, discussion posts, emails, texts, and calls, I realized that learning in its truest sense is a humbling experience. Accepting advice, criticisms, and suggestions is a chance for growth and improvement. I will never know everything, nor will I have all the correct answers and remedy, but one thing’s for sure, I have a great support system, in my home, my workplace and now with Lamar. So as a learner, I know I will continue to face challenges and stumble every now and again, but I am confident, someone or even a troop got my back.