Score: 90
My core collaboration group consisted of Felicia Jones, Monica Zvolensky and Brittany Walker. We collaborated the most in this one course than I have collaborated with peers in any other class. Through this course, we recognized that we preferred to spend time meeting to discuss each of the Discussion Post topics. I then took what we discussed and shared it in the Discussion Post to allow for collaboration from other classmates to occur.
What’s working?
In our collaboration group, I feel that I helped build my core collaboration group by spearheading the conversations regarding when we are to meet and share ideas. I also supported the idea of creating a podcast for our first assignment. We spent a lot of time prepping and reflecting on the topics prior to recording. It is truly amazing how much more effective our reflecting is when we meet to discuss through a video call rather than just post bits and pieces on the Discussion Boards with people we don’t entirely know.
Additionally, in this group, we collaborated extensively for our CSLE+COVA assignment. We met multiple times to discuss the materials and acquaint ourselves with the programs we intended to use. In fact, I was in agreement with Felicia regarding trying out a podcast.
Click here to listen to our podcast.
We collaborated regarding the discussion posts that lead up to each assignment. Click here to read how I am an innovator.
We also collaborated a lot prior to our final project regarding how we were going to share our learning. Click here to see my final project.
I learned so much from Brittany regarding her background in theater and fine arts and felt so encouraged by her stories of how she has flourished at her new school. Hearing Brittany share regarding her sense of accomplishment regarding our program really helped open my eyes to how much we have done throughout this program. Brittany shared in our call about a time that she had a student come see her before or after school and they saw her ePortfolio in front of her and were taken back by how detailed it was. It really is remarkable how far we have come in such a short span of time while continuing to teach! I am so grateful for this opportunity and how it was feasible while teaching… in the midst of a pandemic!
I also have learned a lot from Monica regarding what an innovation plan within corporate training looks like. In fact, through communicating with Monica I have started to recognize that I may be interested in a future in corporate training. Hearing Monica describe how useful this program is to her career was really incredible and it makes a lot of sense.
I have learned so much from Felicia regarding blended learning in the lower grades. We also have had great conversations regarding vertical alignment in kindergarten up to middle school. We have noticed that students need to be supported in becoming literate mathematicians and not all programs are created equal. We share a love for Prodigy and other edtech platforms.
When we were discussing which innovation project we chose, Brittany chose ePortfolio and Monica, Felicia and I all chose to do blended learning as our innovation projects. Being able to hear from everyone regarding their projects was really interesting.
While reflecting together at the end of the course regarding each of the prior courses we took, I learned that the Professional Development Planning Course was really awesome. I am super sad that I missed out on the opportunity to learn more about it and after speaking to my core collaboration group, they shared their assignments so I could see what I missed out on. I also plan to reach out to Dr. Harapnuik to see if it would be possible for me to “audit” or receive each of the assignments and maybe recordings of a prior session for the course so I can also create the professional development component that I need to create for my innovation plan.
I have posted discussion posts for all of the assignments. I also attended every live class during this course (except for the last one because I was teaching a high school entrance exam test prep course that night). I used APA citations when necessary. I also met all of the deadlines in the calendar.
What could be better?
I wish I had recognized sooner in the program how much more I learn and can improve my work by meeting through a video call rather than just through a quick discussion post. Going forward, I hope to continue collaborating with these ladies through various social networks. I have learned so much from them. I think many of the students in the cohort started to lose steam during this course regarding collaboration. Other than my own group, no one posted on my posts even though I posted on others’ posts. Perhaps if I had started the program at the same time as all of these students in the class, I would have received more interaction with them.
See my posts below:
Education with Meaning 