Contribution to my Learning 5302 & 5304

During the Summer of 2022, I continued my journey in the ADL program through Lamar University with Stacie Perez at A Sweet Transformation with Mrs. Stacie. Looking to expand our collaboration group, Lola at Learning through Discovery and Lorena Rodriguez at My Learning Path joined us. We collaborate in 5302 and 5304. Even though Lorena successfully completed 5302, she still took the time to collaborate with us and provide feedforward. What helped us the most was being flexible with our meeting time. We used Google Documents to share our collaborations and added any updates on this live document. We used text messages to remind each other about class times or other simple reminders. We ensured all assignments were completed according to the rubric and on time. When our grades returned, we listened to the professors’ feedforward and assisted each other with the revisions.

While Stacie took the initiative to start notes on assignments, I reminded the group that information had to be straightforward. We had to provide a clear message to our audience. Stacie introduced us to Canva, and I learned how to make infographics for the group and share them. Lola is tech savvy and was able to teach us to how improve our E-Portfolio. Lorena is good at finding evidence in our required reading texts to support our work. To make our collaboration more effective, we decided to split the reading in the future. For example, we each will read a book and take notes on the collaboration page. Each reader will note critical points and quotes with the page number.

My group discussed doing the following to improve:

• Watch the videos and read article discussion before class
• Have a draft of the class discussion, and right after the lesson, reflect and post
• Improve APA citations
• Set earlier due dates for assignments

If I can accomplish at least one of these goals, I believe I can influence them to do at least one of the following things. I can relate this to the Wildly Important Goal (WIG). I am choosing one and working towards it. Hopefully, by the end of the semester, I can accomplish at least two of these.

I joined Dawn’s GroupMe, ADL 2021-2023. Participants shared assignments, asked question, and provided feedforward. I distinctively remembered Valary Patterson’s Growth Mindset presentation and was able to let her know how impressive her presentation was. I also noticed that when someone needed help, anyone available would assist them by zoom.

I also participated in class discussions during the zooms, and it was a unique experience to see others’ points of view on the subject. I learned many new things while also sharing my knowledge with others. I may not have been the first to post a discussion or attend every class zoom meeting, but I managed to be dedicated and complete all graded assignments on time. I was able to balance family time and the ADL program and pursue higher career opportunities while getting Covid.

Last semester I would tell myself, “You never know unless you try.” Now I recognize that I can achieve great things with a growth mindset. I am giving myself a numerical grade of 98/100 for both 5303 and 5304. I hope to transfer a Growth Mindset to my students.