Reflection on My Contribution to My Learning and Learning Community: EDLD 5318, EDLD 5320 & EDLD 5389

This summer, I had the opportunity to take the last three courses in the Applied Digital Learning (ADL) program: EDLD 5320 – Synthesis of Digital Learning and Leadership, EDLD 5389 – Developing Effective Professional Leadership, and EDLD 5318 – Instructional Design in Online Learning. Balancing these courses at the same time helped me grow as a learner and as a member of our learning community.

What Was Working and What I Could Do Better

One thing that worked well for me was setting aside time each week to complete all readings, watch videos, and review supporting resources. This preparation helped me write discussion posts that reflected depth and research, and gave me the confidence to provide thoughtful feedback to my peers. Looking back, I realize I could have done more follow-up posts later in the week to continue the conversation and deepen our collective learning.

Contribution to Collaboration and Feedback

Throughout the term, I contributed to my core collaboration groups by sharing drafts, resources, and reflections. In EDLD 5320, I shared early versions of my innovation project synthesis and used the feedback I received to improve my work. In EDLD 5389, our discussions on professional leadership helped me reframe leadership as a daily practice, and I shared these ideas to support my classmates’ projects. In EDLD 5318, I participated actively by giving feedback on peers’ instructional design plans and sharing research-backed suggestions.

Revision and Reflection

I revised assignments based on peer and instructor feedback and reflected on those changes in my discussion posts and private notes. This process helped me strengthen my work and better align my projects to course goals. Reflecting on revisions also helped me see how feedback is central to creating meaningful learning, which aligns with ideas from Fink (2013) about significant learning.

Completion of Readings and Timely Participation

I completed all course readings, videos, and resources. I posted discussion contributions early each week so others had time to respond, and my posts included citations and research to support my points. This helped create richer discussions and supported my peers’ learning too.

Supporting Contributions and Leadership

In addition to required posts, I shared extra resources, responded to classmates’ questions, and encouraged others by highlighting connections in their work. I also helped organize group work by starting shared documents and encouraging everyone to meet deadlines.

Self-Assessment and Final Thoughts

Based on the marking rubric and my contributions, I would give myself a score in the 90–100 range. I believe I met all of the key contributions by fully engaging with course content, revising my work thoughtfully, and helping build our learning community. I also met the supporting contributions by participating actively, posting early, citing research, and taking small leadership roles in group activities.

Through these efforts, I feel I contributed meaningfully to both my own learning and the learning of my peers.

Reference

Fink, L. D. (2013). Creating significant learning experiences: An integrated approach to designing college courses. Jossey-Bass.