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CAUTION! You have stepped into the land of Innovation. Buckle up on this ride from Assessment based learning to Project-Based Learning.
Stepping Into Innovation:
My Journey Through Applied Digital Learning
Welcome to Out of the Box Learning, a space where innovation meets education, and growth knows no bounds. My ePortfolio showcases my transformative journey through Lamar University's Master's of Applied Digital Learning program—a journey fueled by a passion for reimagining learning and pushing beyond traditional boundaries. Here, you will discover a curated collection of my work, insights, and experiences that reflect my growth and dedication to innovative education. Rooted in the foundation of a growth mindset, this ePortfolio highlights how I have embraced Dr. Harapnuik's COVA approach—Choice, Ownership, Voice, and Authentic learning—to craft meaningful and authentic learning experiences. As you explore, you’ll find projects, reflections, and strategies that demonstrate my commitment to thinking creatively, leveraging technology, and shaping significant learning environments. Dive in, and let’s explore how stepping outside the box can redefine what’s possible in education and digital learning. Your next spark of inspiration might just be waiting here!
Teaching & Learning
​"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world". 
-Nelson Mandela
Concepts of Educational Technology
This course explores the foundational principles and transformative potential of integrating technology into education. It emphasizes understanding how digital tools and innovative strategies can enhance teaching and learning experiences, fostering engagement, collaboration, and critical thinking. This course changed the way I view technology in education. Instead of letting tech lead the way, it’s all about keeping learning as the main focus. We explored how to use technology as a powerful tool to support and enhance learning rather than letting it take over or limit creativity. It’s a journey into finding the perfect balance—where technology becomes an ally in creating meaningful and transformative learning experiences.
Growth Mindset
Learning Manifesto
COVA Framework
Disruptive Innovation in Technology
This course opened my eyes to the power of disruptive innovation as a driving force for positive change. Rather than fearing technological shifts, we learned to see them as opportunities to transform education and create active learning environments. Through hands-on activities like innovation proposals, case studies, and crafting implementation strategies, I explored how to identify, analyze, and apply disruptive trends to enhance organizational growth. This journey wasn’t just about adapting to change—it was about leading it, fueled by a growth mindset and a commitment to driving meaningful innovation in education.
Creating Significant Learning Environments
This course redefined how I view learning by embracing a holistic, student-centered approach to education. Grounded in constructivist theories, I explored strategies to design digital environments that promote deeper engagement and lasting impact. From developing a personal learning philosophy to crafting outcome-based course designs, every step focused on aligning learning activities, assessments, and goals to create truly significant learning experiences. This journey emphasized the importance of a growth mindset, innovative course design, and the power of fostering environments where meaningful learning thrives.
Learning Philosophy
New Culture of Learning
(CSLE)
Aligning Outcomes, Assessments, & Activities
Understanding by Design (UbD)
Developing Growth Mindset Reflection
Leading Organizational Change
This course provided the tools and strategies to lead meaningful change within an organization, especially when launching innovative digital learning initiatives. I explored how to articulate a clear and compelling “Why” to inspire change, leverage key influencers to drive impact, and develop vital behaviors for success. Using frameworks like the 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) and Crucial Conversations, I crafted actionable plans to overcome resistance and foster lasting transformation. This course emphasized the importance of self-differentiated leadership, equipping me to guide my organization toward a bold and innovative future.
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Resources in Digital Environments
This course was a This course was a deep dive into the power of digital tools to transform education. I explored cutting-edge trends in educational technology, evaluated resources for collaboration and data sharing, and learned how to use media to communicate ideas effectively. By creating projects like a media presentation and a publication-ready showcase, I developed strategies to use digital tools to enhance learning environments. This course inspired me to think creatively and critically about how digital resources can revolutionize education and help build a meaningful digital presence.
Instructional Course Design
In this course, I learned how to design effective online and blended learning environments. I explored key elements of instructional design, developed a course plan, and created a prototype to share with stakeholders. From evaluating pedagogical strategies to refining design choices through peer feedback usability testing, this course challenged me to think creatively and strategically. The result? A thoughtfully designed blended learning course over electrical circuits; supported by digital resources that not only enhances learning but also inspires and influences others to embrace innovative educational approaches.
Developing Professional Leadership
This course focused on reimagining professional learning (PL) by transitioning from traditional models to innovative, alternative approaches. I explored the challenges of conventional PL efforts and learned to design authentic, impactful experiences tailored to specific disciplines. By collaborating with colleagues, analyzing effective practices, and building personalized PL plans, I gained the skills to lead meaningful change. Through reflection, discussion, and hands-on development, I discovered how to foster collaboration, empower others, and create alternative PL models that inspire growth and have a lasting impact.
Assessing Digital Learning
This course focused on measuring the instructional impact of innovative digital learning environments. I explored how to use action research to evaluate instructional methods and design meaningful assessments. From identifying key research topics to developing strategies for assessing student-centered environments, this course provided tools to measure and refine the effectiveness of digital learning initiatives. Through literature reviews, reflective analysis, and collaborative discussions, I gained valuable insights into how assessment can drive meaningful improvements and enhance the success of innovation plans.
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