Reflecting on my ADL journey so far...

I am currently starting my fourth course in the M.Ed. Applied Digital Learning (ADL) program at Lamar University, the ePortfolio class (EDLD 5303). Unlike some of my fellow classmates in this program, I started it in a slightly different way. When I started at Lamar University in the summer of 2021, I started working towards a M.Ed. in Educational Technology Leadership. This program was a combination between the program to become a principal and then four courses from the ADL program. I completed the first five courses towards my principal certification before I took my first class that doubled up with the ADL program in Spring, 2022. It was during that first ADL class that I realized I wanted to switch majors. I had been slowly realizing that I did not want to be a principal and after seeing the way the ADL program was set up, I quickly changed my degree program to strictly the ADL program.

When I made the change, I also decided I wanted to take it slow. I don’t need this degree for my current job, or even any that are on the horizon, and I wanted to make sure that I was getting everything I could out of the program and not just completing it to get a degree. I take one class at a time and summers off. I want to enjoy my educational journey, put the time and effort into the classes that they deserve, and come out of the program with a full plan to implement in my job.

When I complete this program, I will have a total of three Masters Degrees in various areas. However, this ADL program has quickly become my favorite. The way this course is laid out is different from what I have experienced in the past. I am actually creating an implementation plan that I will use in my current position at work. The assignments and work that I am doing for this program are directly being used the next day when I go to work. I am currently in my second year as our district’s only Technology Integration Specialist and this program fits right into what I am doing. Our district went 1:1 with Chromebooks for all students in the fall of 2021, which is the same time I started in my new position. I have been given freedom to build our technology integration program and this program is assisting with that.

In just the few classes I have taken I have already been challenged to think outside the box. I’ve been pushed out of my comfort zone and forced to face some of my own mental roadblocks. I have grown in my knowledge, started to change my way of thinking and my focus, and I have even cussed a few times under my breath as I felt like I was doing everything Dr. H. asked me to do, only to be redirected once again. However, when that “ah ha” moment finally hits, that cussing and frustration were well worth it. I am not even halfway through the program and can already see a change in myself and look forward to yet another class which I’m sure will be filled with more pushing, growing, changing, and even a little move cussing. Most of all, I’m sure it will be filled with even more breakthroughs.