Creating and Sharing my ePortfolio
Reflecting on my learning journey, I am struck by the transformative power of education and personal growth. Each step of the way has been marked by new discoveries, challenges overcome, and a deepening understanding of myself and the world around me. From the initial excitement of embarking on a new course of study to the moments of frustration when faced with complex concepts, every experience has shaped me in profound ways. Looking back, I realize that learning is not just about acquiring knowledge; it's about embracing change, adapting to new situations, and continually striving to improve. My learning journey has taught me the importance of perseverance, curiosity, and the value of learning from others. Below you will find out why I chose Wix Sites as my web engine as well as a compilation of reflection pieces pertaining to all coursework embedded within my ePortfolio during this learning journey.
Choosing a Medium
When I first began the ADL program in January 2024 I was overjoyed in finding out that we would be building ePortfolios and showcasing our work through any chosen website engine. Before receiving suggestions on which website engines were good options to use, I knew that Wix would be my chosen web engine. Before beginning this course I was familiar with Wix. Previously, in 2021 I used Wix to create my current business website Pinklette Designs. However, I have not made many updates to the site since then. Through the ADL program I have been able to gain more knowledge and skills utilizing the tools offered on Wix Sites.
Wix is a beneficial website builder due to its user-friendly interface, allowing you to create professional-looking websites without the need for coding knowledge. Its extensive collection of templates caters to various industries and purposes which made it easy to search and find a template that aligned with my vision for colorful yet eye pleasing web design. Wix's drag-and-drop editor made customizations easy. I have been more than pleased with this user friendly site to construct and share my ePortfolio with professors, colleagues, and peers within the cohort.
Weekly Posts
During the ADL program, each course allows us to collaborate and discuss research and experiments with peers each week. My blog entries are thoughtful investigations that delve into my learning process. These entries reflect my ability to synthesize information and gain a deeper understanding of each topic. Blogging has helped me to track my progress over time and see how my understanding has evolved.
Innovation Plan & Research
As a crucial step in envisioning the future of education, my innovation proposal stressed the need for change in learning and professional development. I looked into many approaches that would shift education from traditional passive learning strategies to proactive learning strategies that would engage learners. This led me to proposing a cross model between project-based learning with an incorporation of academic ePortfolios for student reflection and showcasing of work. It would also allow learners to track their progress and growth as they continue on to future grade levels. It inspired me to offer learners more opportunities to utilize the COVA framework; having choice, ownership, voice, and authentic learning experiences as we close out the current school year and I have been able to witness the high levels of engagement and excitement from being able to take full ownership of their presentation showcasing their knowledge and creativity simultaneously.
In order to support the idea of this cross-model I researched numerous articles that supported the need for project-based learning and ePortfolios. This led to constructing a literature review based on acquired research to adapt our learners in the twenty-first century. The literature supports the idea that taking chances in education can benefit both educators and learners, promoting innovation, growth, and creativity in the learning process. It also addressed the benefits of transitioning our educational system from traditional evaluation models. I was able to utilize the research in order to help me achieve my implementation outline. Disruptive innovation in education requires both risk and failure. The world is always changing, and innovation is at the forefront of education.
Growth Mindset
A growth mindset is a belief that one's abilities and intelligence can be developed over time through hard work, learning, and perseverance. This concept, popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck, contrasts with a fixed mindset, which suggests that abilities are innate and unchangeable. Failing forward allows us to assess what went wrong, learn from it, and use that knowledge to better and get closer to our objective. Reflecting on the beginning of the ADL program my perception and where I identified with the growth mindset was about 80/20. I completely understood the importance of a growth mindset and accepting feedback as feed forward and an opportunity to continue to become better and persevere through the challenges. However, I found myself initially upset at certain feedback received even if it could be beneficial and I just didn't perceive it in that way. Now that I have progressed in this program. I have looked at feedback and failing forward as an opportunity to truly become better with my craft and allow myself to dig deeper when necessary. I have been able to explore the power of a growth mindset in the realm of creating significant learning environments as well. Ultimately, it has allowed be to unlock my full potential and achieve greater success and I will continue to carry this mindset with me beyond the program and within my classroom.
Learning Manifesto
My learning manifesto is one of the assignments that I definitely enjoyed working through. My manifesto was crafted through the lens of the insights and experiences I've gained along my learning journey, my manifesto is a proclamation of my ideas and values regarding education and lifelong learning. Learning is similar to assembling a jigsaw; while many pieces fit together to complete the puzzle, the middle doesn't function until the border, or foundation, is put in place. The foundation of my learning manifesto stands on the bases of learners acquiring the growth mindset, COVA, inclusivity, technology innovation, parent-teacher community, and learning beyond the walls.
Creating Significant Learning Environments (CSLE)
When it comes to bringing about disruptive change in learning contexts where teacher-centered mechanistic instruction provides the foundation, a classroom that adopts creating significant learning environments merely scratches the surface. Information is being conveyed from a higher authority (the teacher) to the student in a problematic method that treats the material as a set of steps or skills that must be acquired, with standardized testing serving as the measuring instrument. Children must utilize play and creativity to make sense of the vast amount of information that is thrown at them on a daily basis in this world of huge immigration. Child developmental psychologist Jean Piaget's research, according to Brown and Thomas (2011), found that play helps children's imaginations grow, which in turn helps them comprehend the world more fully in their early years (p. 34). Through peer-to-peer learning activities like classroom discussions on padlet or learning management systems like Schoology, we can establish this important learning environment. Pupils can embrace play and imagination, share their curiosity, and passionately advocate for their positions on a range of topics pertaining to context and real-world experiences. Creating a significant learning environment plays a role in bringing back the engagement and joy we need to see from learners. I have began to find ways to better my classroom culture by creating experiences that align with producing a significant learning environment.
Learning Philosophy
My learning philosophy is backed by three core beliefs. I believe that learning is a lifelong process, personal, and transformative. Acquiring knowledge, skills, and insights that enhance our lives is made possible through the vital process of learning. Learning is a constant process, despite the common misconception that it is something we do exclusively during our time in elementary school. Even if acquiring information has started to appear very different in the twenty-first century than it did in the past, knowledge still plays a crucial part in our lives, assisting us in developing, adapting, and navigating the intricacies of the world around us. My learning philosophy and acquired knowledge on creating a significant learning environment catered to the construction of Fink's 3 Column Table and UbD template.
Fink's 3 Column Table and UbD Template
Fink's 3 Column Table and UbD template allowed me to curate a big hairy audacious goal and mini learning goals that directly aligned to the learning activities and assessments. After creating my 3 column table, I was able to take a deeper dive into the unit planning by identifying enrichment activities and essential questions. Digging deeper into what the learners outcome will be throughout the unit as well as after. Each of these resources are very beneficial to the planning process of any concept or unit and can be used concurrently to adapt your classroom into a more significant learning environment.
Learning Communities
Learning requires collaborative efforts in order to feel like you are really getting the most out of your learning experience. My ePortfolio reflects the interactions amongst my learning groups to which I belong including my peers, mentors, and professional learning networks. It details collaborative initiatives, shared materials, and discussions that have enhanced my learning experience, providing a diverse range of perspectives between my peers and I within the cohort. Learning communities are essential for personal and professional growth and has helped to foster a collaborative and supportive environments in the ADL program.
Conclusion
My ePortfolio encompasses each component of the ADL program wrapped up into one cohesive element. It showcases my learning journey and growth as I continue to navigate throughout this program. It links my educational experience to real-world scenarios that occur within my classroom each day. It reflects on ways that I can incorporated the knowledge and new skills I have acquired during these past few months. This journey has given me new perspective on connecting the dots as a learner rather than collecting the dots. I hope that my journey and ePortfolio inspires others to persevere through challenges they may face and take ownership in documenting and showcasing their knowledge, creativity, and acquired skills with the world utilizing an academic or professional ePortfolio. Remember, the journey of learning is lifelong, personal, and ALWAYS transformative. You never know who you may inspire.
Reference
Thomas, D., & Brown, J. S. (2011). A new culture of learning: Cultivating the imagination for a world of Constant Change. CreateSpace.
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