My Contributions 

EDLD 5315 has been a pivotal course in my development as a digital learning leader. The course provided a structured and research-based approach to evaluating instructional methods and designing innovative, student-centered digital learning environments. Through a combination of foundational theory, reflective practice, and applied research, I gained the tools necessary to assess and improve digital instruction meaningfully.

Learning Outcomes & Course Impact

• Foundational Understanding
  Early in the course, I explored how action research can be used to measure instructional effectiveness and innovation. Reading Action Research: Improving Schools and Empowering Educators helped me understand the cyclical nature of inquiry and how educators can use data to drive meaningful change. The Reflective Analysis and Group Discussions encouraged me to connect theory to my classroom experiences, especially as I continue researching digital goal-setting with middle school students.

• Application of Research
  I identified a research topic aligned with my professional interests—evaluating the impact of digital goal-setting on student motivation. Developing an Action Research Outline helped me articulate clear research questions and design a plan for data collection. This process deepened my understanding of how to structure inquiry and align it with instructional goals.

• Integration of Assessment Strategies
  One of the most valuable aspects of the course was learning to evaluate examples of effective assessment and develop strategies tailored to digital environments. The Literature Review and Action Research Plan helped me synthesize current research and apply it to my innovation plan. I developed measurement strategies to assess the impact of digital tools on student engagement and performance, which I plan to implement in my classroom. These strategies were informed by the principles of significant learning experiences, which emphasize integrated course design and meaningful assessment (Fink, 2013).

• Human Dimension / Caring / Learning How to Learn
  The course emphasized the importance of locating and evaluating web-based resources, experts, and communities to support digital learning assessment. Through the Portfolio Blog, I organized and presented my strategies in a cohesive format, reflecting on how each module contributed to my growth. This process helped me build a network of support and resources that I can continue to draw from as I refine my instructional practices.

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Contributions and Rubric

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Final Thoughts

In conclusion, my key contributions totaled 57.5 and my supporting contributions totaled 38.75, giving me an overall total of 96.25 out of 100. EDLD 5315 challenged me to think critically about digital instruction—not just how it’s delivered, but how it’s measured and improved. The blend of theory, reflection, and application made the learning experience deeply relevant to my work as an educator and researcher. I now feel more confident in designing digital learning environments that are not only engaging but also measurable and impactful.

References

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

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