EDLD 5303 Learning Reflection

I have learned and grown in my learning after going through my first two courses of the DLL program. I started out learning about the growth mindset and how having a growth mindset enables learners to develop their learning through reflections. It pushed me to think outside the box and try something new by creating a powtoons video on growth mindset for my classes. I then encouraged my students to try something new by putting together a video assignment. What I learned from the project that I assigned to my students was tremendous. Not only did I develop a better understanding of the power of COVA by allowing students a voices and choice in their learning, but saw how students rose to the challenge. Some of these students were students that would have struggled otherwise, but because they were allowed to be creative and put together something that was unique to their learning was able to shine. This got me thinking how education today has taken away from allow students to be creative and don’t allow much of a voice in their learning.

I feel we need to change the attitude we have towards teaching our students by allowing them to have a voice in their education and being more creative in showing us what they have learned. When we do this then students will take more of an ownership in their own learning which will result in a deeper learning experience. 

This shift in learning attitude took on another change as I was introduced to ePortfolio’s. This was the first time I had been introduced to ePortfolio’s and how they can be used to enhance the learning experience. I found some new ideas and thoughts about the importance of developing an ePortfolio as I went deeper into my second DLL course. I knew it would enhance the learning experience when you created an ePortfolio, but I started to understand more of the reason how it could. I started to view this as an important tool not only to all learners being able to reflect on their learning, but it gave a voice to students that would not be so vocal in their learning. It allowed students including myself a platform to voice our concern, feedback, and vision to what could be improved in education or about a certain topic. It also showed how our thoughts and knowledge has grown as learners and thinkers.  Learning is a life long journey and an ePortfolio is a great source to experience and reflect on this learning journey. More importantly it allows everyone to have a voice and showcase their knowledge or thoughts. Some student’s sit quietly in classrooms, but are too shy or never allowed to be creative in demonstrating what they know or what is important to them. Creating and developing an ePortfolio allows this to take place therefor the student feels more ownership in their learning. 

I plan on continuing to keep up with my ePortfolio and blog page so I can make contributions to improving education by offering some thoughts on topics important to me in education. It allows another view point that could make a difference in improving education in the United States. It will also allow me to reflect on how my view point will change and develop as I continue to learn and develop as an individual. I will have my students start creating ePortfolio’s in our class so they can reflect on their learning environment and give them a voice in their learning. I feel keeping an ePortfolio is very important to developing a growth mindset and developing your learning through reflection and voicing your thoughts to the world.