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I am scoring myself a 98. My core collaboration team: Allison Palmer: https://www.allison-palmer.org/ Colby Clifford: https://mrscliffnotes.com/ Pedro Beltran: https://pedrobeltran.org Listen to my team and I reflect on what worked for us during these two courses. We discuss what we learned and how we plan to continue to share this journey with the world. I have said this multiple times in multiple different ways, without my team I would not have been as successful as I was or am in this journey and in my life. We brought out the best in each other and allowed each other to work through our struggles to become better learners and leaders. Aside from our weekly meetings, we meet with each other after to go over the material that we had let digest and pondered upon. As a team, we wanted to become better and have the life-changing conversations that we knew each other understood. Pedro always made it clear that he wanted my projects to be better. With his feedforward, I knew he had my best interest at heart. He was able to tell me, “You didn’t work as hard on this creation…go back and try it again.” Allison showed me how to be brave. I saw how she wasn’t afraid to stir the pot at her school regardless of what her other colleagues may have thought or said. I want to use that same bravery when I begin pushing my fellow educators in my grade level. Colby pushed me to work harder every day, even if she didn’t realize it. She has children with multiple extracurricular activities, and still found a way to be great at her own education. I always tried to work just as hard as she did because it was evident that it could absolutely be done. At this point in the program, I knew how vital it was to complete the course readings, videos, and supporting resources. You have to be willing to dive deeper into the material to see the full benefit of it all. What is discussed in our weekly class meetings is only the surface of what I really need to know. I have had to sharpen my organization skills while in this program and specifically in these last two courses. The end of the semester is always a busy time at work with middle-of-the-year assessments and the huge transition kindergarteners face over the break, so making sure I stayed on top of due days was extremely important. Leadership roles within my group seemed to be established early on. We each knew what we were good at and ran with it and when we ran into a roadblock (because there were many) we never hesitated to ask each other for a different outlook. I also participated in my discussions in my courses. I have completed so many that they all begin to run together, but I know how important collaboration is as a whole so I made sure to interact within the course as well. Ending this journey hasn’t seemed real yet. I believe that is because I know this isn’t an ending. The wealth of knowledge that I have gained from not only these courses, but the people and professors involved is truly indescribable. There would never be enough words to explain the mind blowing information that I have received and plan to share. I cannot wait to make my own changes in the world.

When I think of a wrap up post, I think of an ending. Something coming to a closure. A new beginning is on the horizon. I now have a different take away of that. At this moment, this wrap it up post, is me figuring out how this is going to connect to my future courses and, more importantly, my new learning path. Listed are what I feel helped me “survive” and “thrive” in these courses. If you’re frustrated...you’re doing it right. Read, Read, READ! Use a Kindle. Invest in Audible. Reading is not optional in this program. Do it...or choose another program. When asking Dr. H a question, never ask an “or” question because the answer will always be “yes.” Knowing this has allowed me to answer some of my own questions. Do NOT attempt to “fake it till you make it.” It’s evident. It will make for a long eight weeks and a longer one to two years. My ePortfolio will not be for everyone...but it better be for my audience. I remind myself of this every time I work on my website. “What will my users think?” The education system has failed me. Now, I refuse to fail my students. Getting an A means nothing! Learning means everything! This mindset change is not only critical, but non negotiable. Changing your mindset...can be...hard. This has not come easy for me. I find myself wanting to live with a growth mindset, but it seems the world has conditioned me to have a fixed one. It’s a work in progress. Some days are better than others. I OWN MY ePORTFOLIO. PERIOD. I’m doing better than what I think I am. I’ve learned that my own self-critic is tougher than anyone else. Technology is NOT a game changer. Technology is NOT a new creation. Technology will NOT save the education system. We’re all more than likely doing some form of blended learning...but are we doing it effectively? Find your tribe! Grow your tribe! Make a tribe! Whatever the case may be...you can’t do it alone. Research isn’t my favorite...it never will be. But it’s important and scholarly. This is a graduate program...did I actually think I was going to get out of writing papers?! Give your professor what he wants….WRONG! Give yourself what you need. Not sure what you need? Find out. Funny how reading keeps making its appearance throughout this reflection. It’s not a coincidence. You can do it. I can do it. We can do it. Aside from how overwhelming this program is, I can do it. These courses have shown me that I can. I am two days away from officially saying, “I have completed my first set of graduate courses.” Never in a million years did I think I would be able to say that. I can’t wait to look back on this when I finish the program and see how much I have grown.

I’ve had plenty of experience in a college setting. It took me eight years to finally obtain a bachelor’s degree and when I walked that stage I truly believed I was equipped with what I needed to conquer the world. Fast forward to a pandemic and a one-year master’s program and I can firmly say that I was wrong. I was equipped with tools that the education system wanted me to have. I was prepared for exams and tests...not for real-world experiences. This program is requiring me to be both a learner and a leader through authentic teaching styles that I have rarely, if ever, been exposed to. ​ The study group that I have joined has become a third course in this program. I do not view it as something that is optional at this point. The people that are a part of this group reassure me daily (and sometimes more than that) that I am fully capable of succeeding and thriving in this program and in my career. I contributed and helped build my core collaboration group weekly and more often than not, daily. In this set of courses, I felt more comfortable asking questions to my peers and my professors. I enjoyed the feed-forward that was provided to me without even asking. I think in any other situation that type of communication is sometimes looked down upon. It’s viewed as rude and disrespectful to view someone’s work and then find the faults in it. I’ve learned to change the way I feel about that type of commentary. If someone is taking the time to look through my things, that means they care about what I am putting out there. They hold high expectations of me and refuse to let me settle for anything less. Although the workload for these two courses was not as daunting as the first set, I feel as though the work I did for these courses was more meaningful. In saying that, I feel as though I did not reach out to others as much as I had originally planned to when I began in March. I was putting so much time and effort into my own projects that I was unintentionally not putting in as much effort in providing feed-forward to others. I truly believe that last time I was intentionally not giving or offering feed-forward out of fear or uncomfortableness. But this time it isn’t until this reflection that I am seeing I still did the same thing without realizing it. I did, however, provide support and encouragement throughout the two courses. Every Wednesday I showed up to our study and/or support group and regardless if I said a lot or nothing at all, I believe my presence and effort showed my team that I was and am invested in them and their hard work as well. I already knew how vital the readings, videos, and supporting resources were. I made sure to start the reading list even before classes had begun. I was reading books for these courses during the end of the last set because I wanted to come into this set as prepared as I could be. I still feel as though the supporting resources are mandatory for my own personal benefit. It has been made clear that I can’t learn too much. Now, sometimes (all the time) there are not enough hours in the day, but I do try to make a conscious effort to save something I didn’t have time to look at in that moment so I can go back and look when I do have the time. With the help of my collaboration group, I made sure to meet the deadlines that the courses indicated. I also took advantage of the opportunity that Dr. H and Dr. Bedard gave that allowed us to send our projects in and receive feedforward before the assignment’s due dates. I will admit that I was hesitant about this at the beginning. I knew asking for recommendations meant being open to what I did wrong and having my mistakes being pointed out. This is something I had not experienced in the first half of the semester. I knew my result was going too far outweigh that uncomfortable feeling. I still feel my heart race the moment before I open my video of the feed-forward, but I change what is recommended and I’m almost always happier with my final product. Being a part of the accelerated ADL program has taught me that given the opportunity to make the learning my own, I can and will do what needs to get done to be proud of my work. I remember working through the 4DX model and Dr. H telling me something along the lines of, “Stop giving me what I already taught you. Show me what you’re going to do with this information.” I was falling back into the mentality that I lived in for so long. It was almost involuntary what I was doing. I was regurgitating the information and calling it authentic work. I believe the further along in the program I go, the better I will be able to spot that on my own and catch it beforehand. Lastly, I feel it is important to mention that I have appreciated the organization of the program. I was truly worried I would have to drop a course and extend the program longer than I wanted to because of the workload and life combined, but both professors have been extremely accommodating while still providing me with opportunities that are worth every penny I spend. I thought that with a fast-paced program it might lose its authenticity, but it has been the complete opposite. I’ve gained so much in such a short amount of time that I couldn’t imagine taking one course and not the other.

B. Rodriguez Teacher. Mom. Lifelong Learner. Home About Me Blog Master of Education Contact Search Results More "In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity." -Albert Einstein...maybe READ MORE About me READ MORE BLOG READ MORE LEARNING All Videos Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Contribution to Learning & Our Learning Community 05:20 Play Video Now Playing Part One - ePortfolios 40:55 Play Video Now Playing Part Two - Blended Learning and COVA 01:04:56 Play Video Now Playing Part Three - Wrap Up & Future Endeavors 48:21 Play Video Now Playing Contribution to Learning 07:43 Play Video Now Playing COVA Reflection 27:23 Play Video Now Playing Blended Learning Professional Learning Course 01:01 Play Video Now Playing Allison Course Reflection 05:29 Play Video Now Playing Pedro's Course Reflection 04:56 Play Video Now Playing Contribution to Learning 18:20 07:26 Play Video Now Playing Reflection of Usability Testing 04:52 Play Video Now Playing The Applied Digital Learning Journey 01:04 Play Video Now Playing The Biggest Myth In Education 14:27 Play Video Now Playing A Pep Talk from Kid President to You 03:28 Play Video Now Playing The power of yet | Carol S Dweck | TEDxNorrköping 11:19 Play Video Now Playing The revolution of self-directed learning | Sean Bengry | TEDxFlourCity 09:03 Play Video Now Playing RSA ANIMATE: Drive: The surprising truth about what motivates us 10:48 Play Video Now Playing Margaret Heffernan: Why it's time to forget the pecking order at work 15:48 Play Video Now Playing Bring on the learning revolution! | Sir Ken Robinson 20:57 Play Video Now Playing Creative thinking - how to get out of the box and generate ideas: Giovanni Corazza at TEDxRoma 13:39 Play Video Now Playing Let's teach for mastery -- not test scores | Sal Khan 10:50 Play Video Now Playing STOP STEALING DREAMS: Seth Godin at TEDxYouth@BFS 16:58 Play Video Now Playing How great leaders inspire action | Simon Sinek 18:35 Play Video Now Playing 4DX Plan 07:15 Play Video Now Playing Blended Learning in Kindergarten 01:18 Play Video Back to Top

Podcast Part One Podcast Part Two Podcast Part Three Throughout the Applied Digital Learning (ADL) graduate program, I have collaborated with multiple people, which has allowed me to gain great insight from their perspectives and grow as both a learner and leader. In the following podcast/vodcast series, you will hear or from myself, Allison DeVoll, Colby Clifford and Pedro Beltran, a peer collaboration group that we formed through the ADL program, discuss ePortfolios, Blended Learning, and our future projects. A featured guest, Dr. Dwayne Harapnuik, joins in our discussion and provides us with some of his thoughts on learning, leading, and digital learning environments. Below are my colleagues' ePortfolios, where you can find more research and resources on the different things they are each working on. ​ Allison DeVoll - https://www.allison-palmer.org/ Colby Clifford - https://mrscliffnotes.com/ Pedro Beltran - https://pedrobeltran.org/ Dr. Dwayne Harapnuik - https://www.harapnuik.org/ The following are resources I encourage you to look through to continue your research and thinking over the topics discussed in the vodcast. ​ Positive Outcomes of Blended Learning Blended Learning Universe Empowering Students with Voice and Choice Successful Collaboration ​ Creating this series of podcasts has continued to foster the love and investment I have in my innovation plan . I have taken the knowledge and research from other people who share this same love of learning and continue to build a foundation for my own ideas to build upon. Applying a growth mindset reinforces the need to have an open and willing mind to watch a dream become a reality. Future endeavors include a co-publication with a fellow colleague, Pedro Beltran , where we continue with a few of these ideas and explain how a blended learning classroom can be successfully implemented in any classroom, regardless of grade level or subject. Podcast Part One - ePortfolios 00:00 / 40:55 In this podcast, we discuss ePortfolios and the different ways educators can use them for assessments or as assessments. Podcast Part Two - Blended Learning & COVA 00:00 / 1:04:55 In this podcast, we discuss blended learning in various classrooms and the positive effects of having choice, voice, and ownership to create authentic learning. Podcast Part Three - Wrap Up 00:00 / 48:20 In this podcast, we wrap up our thoughts on ePortfolios, blended learning, and COVA while we consider the new places this will take us. Back to Top References ​ 3 positive outcomes of blended learning. (n.d.). Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/3-positive-outcomes-blended-learning ​ What blended learning is - and isn't - blended learning universe. (2016, March 4). Blended Learning Universe. https://www.blendedlearning.org/what-blended-learning-is-and-isnt/ ​ Spencer, J. (2019, March 29). Empowering students with voice and choice. John Spencer. https://spencerauthor.com/empowering-students/ ​ Deeper learning: A collaborative classroom is key. (n.d.). Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/deeper-learning-collaboration-key-rebecca-alber Back to Top

Concepts of Educational Technology Growth Mindset Learning Manifesto Learning Networks Reflection When and how often will Growth Mindset be promoted? ​ ​ The simple response to when Growth Mindset should be promoted is always. As to how often, that limit does not exist. Growth Mindset should not be something that gets turned on and off. Although we all toggle to and from a growth to fixed mindset, we should always try to recognize where our progress has been made and how we can continue to foster that growth. In every situation we can have a Growth Mindset. We just have to be open to that possibility and maintain a love of learning through failures. How will Growth Mindset influence my work in the ADL program? ​ ​ In the previous eight weeks, I struggled with the two courses I was enrolled in. The amount of course work wasn't the issue, but rather the type of course work that was being asked of me. Since the ADL program uses the COVA approach to learning, my fixed mindset told me to clam up and shut down. My fixed mindset won in those moments, but now that I am equipped with Growth Mindset these current courses have allowed me to truly learn. I am opening up to all the possibilities that this program has. I am able to change my thoughts of "This is too hard" to "Even though this is hard, if I continue to work at it, I will be successful and learn so much through the process." Back to Top References: ​ ​ Dweck, C. S. (n.d.). Mindset. ​ Einck, C. (2017). Growth mindset affects elementary students (Master's thesis, Northwestern College, Orange City, IA). Retrieved from http://nwcommons.nwciowa.edu/education_masters/39/ ​ Mineola Creative Content. (2017, December 11). Promoting Growth Mindset | Dr. Nagler's Laboratory [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/85ABaggHgw0 ​ Sesame Street. (2014, September 10). Sesame Street: Janelle Monae - Power of Yet [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/XLeUvZvuvAs ​ Stanford Alumni. (2014, October 9). Developing a Growth Mindset with Carol Dweck [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/hiiEeMN7vbQ ​ TEDx Talks. (2014, September 12). The power of yet | Carol S Dweck | TEDxNorrköping [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/J-swZaKN2Ic ​ TEDx Talks. (2018, April 11). The Mindset of a Champion | Carson Byblow | TEDxYouth@AASSofia [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/px9CzSZsa0Y ​ Never did I think I would have grown this much as a person from a graduate program. I find it mind blowing that making that statement makes me cringe, now. I think, “What do you mean you didn't think you would grow as a person? What do you mean you’re surprised you’re actually learning something? What do you mean you’ve never experienced something like this?” I’m applying and learning skills that I believe we should all have and experience. I’m excited to be able to begin sharing these new skills with my own students. My growth mindset plan is not only a newly acquired plan, but a lifestyle. I am applying this to every aspect of my life. I remember the beginning of this school year was rough...to say the least. I now look back and realize if I would’ve changed my perspective and my fixed mindset, I would have started out the year completely different. I’m now using my growth mindset to determine how I view my future success in this program. I’m able to comfortably say, “Yes, this is going to be hard, but I can do it. I may not know what lies ahead, but I will learn something from both my successes and failures.” In the coming school year, I plan to push a growth mindset hard in my classroom. My kiddos may not realize how powerful words are, but with the power of yet they will see that anything is possible. Of all the strategies I have obtained thus far, I think failing forward has been the toughest, with feed forward in close second. Like a lot of us, I grew up thinking failing was a terrible thing. I believed it was a sign of weakness. I dreaded and feared failure. Now, I have failed many times, but I wasn’t able to see past the failure...until now. I can see now that failing forward means I have learned somewhere. My “failures” now have a purpose and they truly make me a better person. I’m still working on the immediate shutdown that I feel when I know I’m going to receive feed forward, but with my growth mindset I have no doubt that I can defeat this. The COVA learning approach not online impacts my learning, but my teaching. I have quickly realized where I am not meeting my students needs and implementing COVA into my classroom will help them become all around better people. My learning manifesto shows that I believe in creating environments for my students to take ownership of their own learning. Doing this gives them something to care about and strive for. COVA with my own learning hasn’t been as comfortable. This approach is a retraining of the brain that is a daily task. I say that often because I keep thinking that it might one day “click” and it won’t feel as uncomfortable anymore. I absolutely believe that will be the case because being involved in this type of environment is not something that can be faked nor halfway done. This authentic learning environment requires me to take ownership of my own learning and finding my own voice in the process. Collaboration and teamwork are a part of a teacher's everyday world. We grow together through different communities and networks that share in our same beliefs and passions. My professional learning networks continue to help me grow and become a better teacher, leader and learner. Although I have been a part of most of these communities for some time, this program has allowed me to become a part of a group that has helped me grow in so many ways. Back to Top As you read through my learning manifesto please feel free to use the audio button to hear the passion in my beliefs. Free Play As a kindergarten teacher and parent, I believe it is important that students learn to love learning, the process of learning, and authentic learning experiences. I feel that at times we want so badly for our children to do their best that we unintentionally mold them to believe that if they make mistakes, they are wrong and should stop trying. This is far from the experiences and mentality that we want to instill in our youth. I want to foster their creativity and love for learning that we are all naturally born with. Using free play and dramatic play within my classroom will allow my students to thrive and continue to crave this type of environment. Emerging Issues Technology, although seen as a magical potion (insert magician or magical potion), is only a bandaid to the problem at hand. Society has replaced hands on learning with hands on technology and I believe we are beginning to see the side effects of this. More and more students are coming in not knowing what I would refer to as the “basics.” Instead, they can mechanic and maneuver any technology piece that lies in front of them. Now, I’m not against this and I believe that technology is an important part of our world, especially in the coming years, but there is an entire world outside of this technology realm and it shouldn’t be forgotten or replaced. I believe that if properly combined, technology and play based learning will make our students wholesome learners and well rounded individuals. The Right and Wrong You and I are not the same, nor should we want to be. We are not made from the same mold and that is perfectly alright. The individuality that each and every one of us have should be praised and cultivated especially in an education setting. I think our education system is preparing our students for a test score...not life and that’s a problem. We each learn in a different way and there’s nothing wrong with that. America is the melting pot of the world! Each individual who is unique in countless ways creating a world that everyone seeks to be a part of. So, why does it feel like our education system is hindering that? We are in a point in time where we need to move past the grades and allow our students to create their own learning and we as the teacher only be a guide on their never ending learning journey. ​ Solutions and Enhancements I may be just one teacher, in one school, in one classroom, but I share my knowledge and love with 21 students daily. So, although I may think I am not touching enough hearts, or any at all, I believe that reminding myself daily that I am and can make a difference in each of these students' lives will keep me pushing forward to ground breaking change. The love I have for providing my students with real world experiences may not show results through test scores, but it will absolutely show it in other ways. Those students will have knowledge and skills far more valuable than any exam could provide them. Core Beliefs and Impact ​ My core belief system in this digital learning world is that technology is not a fix all solution. I believe using technology to enhance other parts of my teaching and students learning is what will make all the difference. There isn’t an app or download that is going to provide them with the same opportunities they will receive within my classroom, but those apps and downloads will provide them with added benefits that I myself cannot physically provide them. I do not think we should run away from the technology rich world we are headed towards, but I do think it shouldn’t be viewed as a replacement for teaching. The impact I hope to make within my organization is to bring back the fun in learning. Learning should be fun. It should not be a decision of one or the other or having to lose one to have the other. Learning and fun should be intertwined and not easily separated. I fear that my organization has lost sight of this through all of the changes the world has had lately. I want to reignite the love of learning one heart and one learner at a time. Click here to download a document view of my learning manifesto. References: ​ TEDx Talks. (2015, March 11). Building a Manifesto for Evolving Learning | John Moravec | TEDxUFM [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AldEtoyZy2k ​ ​ ​​ Back to Top Although I am new to teaching, collaboration has been an essential part of my educational career and my life. I feel as humans we crave feeling connected to people who share similar beliefs and passions. I have joined multiple networks and communities who share the chaos I live in being a kindergarten teacher. I also have personal communities who crave the kitchen just as much as I do where we share recipes and tips with each other. ​ ​ Facebook has countless groups that share so much information and an abundance of resources. When the pandemic hit, this was my first line of defense. Teachers from all over the country came together and shared anything from videos to PowerPoints to motivation to get us through a road not yet travel. ​ ​ Pinterest is another network that I use religiously. I usually run here for quick ideas that I can use for my students as stations or centers. I also use this as a resources for new home ideas. The quick picture view allow me to decide whether I will invest in reading the information or move on to another post. The amount of information on here is endless. ​ I have replaced YouTube with Google. I appreciate the visual assistance that it provides me. I use this often as a preface to the lesson I am going to teach that day. Because there are so many videos to choice from, I do not have to recreate the wheel. I frequently come here for any "how to" whether that be "how to have a growth mindset" or "how to install a garage door opener." A recent learning network that I have joined is a study group that was created for the Applied Digital Learning masters program. I have surrounded myself with other students who share some of the same struggles that I do. Together, we brainstorm, collaborate and motivate each other to give and do our best. I try to imagine my life without these group of individuals and I can without a doubt say that I would not be as successful as I am in this program and with my creations. We encourage everyone to do their best while creating significant learning environments. Back to Top