As I look back on my experience in EDLD 5315 – Assessing Digital Learning and Instruction and EDLD 5317 – Resources for Digital Environments, I would rate myself a score of 95. Throughout both courses, I stayed actively engaged, contributed regularly to the learning community, and worked hard to make meaningful connections between what I was learning in each class. Of course, there’s always room to grow, but I’m proud of the progress I’ve made as the weeks went by. I put in consistent effort, collaborated thoughtfully with my group and peers, and fully participated in discussions and assignments that helped deepen my understanding of digital learning.

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What is Working

 

One of the biggest strengths I gained from these courses was the ability to bring everything together and connect ideas from both classes into a practical, hands-on understanding of digital learning and research design. In 5315, I dove into the fundamentals of action research, which at first felt overwhelming. As I worked through the course, I developed an Action Research Design Outline that helped clarify my research focus and gave structure to my plan. From there, I created a Literature Review that helped me identify key themes, gaps, and best practices in the field. This step was particularly beneficial as it grounded my topic and gave me confidence that my research had both relevance and potential impact.

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As the course progressed, I moved into developing an Action Research Plan. This process pushed me to think critically about data collection methods, how to align them with my goals, and how I would interpret results in a meaningful way. By the end, I had a comprehensive, actionable plan that wasn’t just a theoretical assignment, it felt like something I could actually implement to drive real change in my professional setting. What made this even more valuable was how naturally it tied into EDLD 5317, where I learned how to communicate those ideas effectively.

 

In EDLD 5317, I had the chance to really dig into the process of turning research into something that can actually reach and impact people outside of institutions. Throughout the course, I worked on a Publication Outline, a Rough Draft, a Media Project, and eventually a Final Draft of a piece meant for professional publication. Each step helped me get better at organizing my ideas, refining my message, and thinking more about how to connect with my audience. The Media Project was especially helpful, and it challenged me to take what I had learned from my action research in EDLD 5315 and share it in a way that was clear, engaging, and meaningful for others. Instead of just presenting data or findings, I focused on the story behind the research and why it matters. By the end of the course, I felt more confident in my ability to combine solid research with communication that actually resonates, which is something I know I’ll carry with me in future professional work.

 

Moreover, I consistently engaged in weekly discussions and peer feedback, ensuring that I not only completed my own work but also supported the work of my classmates. I offered constructive feedback on their media projects and publication drafts, especially in areas like narrative structure, clarity of voice, and alignment with purpose and audience.

 

Contributions to Learning Community

 

I have consistently collaborated with the following group members since the start of this program:

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• Lydia McDonald

• Julia Cochran

• Shaqueta Lewis

• Jana Keifer

• Angela Speck

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Together, we engaged in peer reviews and discussion questions that shaped our understanding of both course topics. For example, during peer review of the Media Projects in EDLD 5317, we exchanged insights on using voice-over narratives effectively, which led me to revise my audio pacing and improve the engagement quality of my video. Similarly, we discussed aligning measurement tools with research goals for EDLD 5315, which helped refine my action research plan.

These collaborations not only enhanced the quality of my individual submissions but also helped my understanding of how resources and assessment methods can be used together to support digital learning environments.

 

Connecting the Two Courses

 

Participating in both courses simultaneously offered a unique opportunity to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application. In EDLD 5315, I learned how to design, measure, and analyze the effectiveness of digital learning through structured research. In EDLD 5317, I learned how to package and present those insights using multimedia and publication strategies. By engaging in both, I saw the direct connection between research and meaningful communication, between knowing and showing.