Applying Educational Technology: Portfolio- EDLD-5303
Introduction
In this course, I began building the foundation of my ePortfolio while developing the skills, mindset, and leadership habits needed to guide digital learning. This course centered on understanding what makes ePortfolios powerful tools for reflection, growth, and learner agency. Throughout the modules, I explored the fundamentals of effective ePortfolio design, analyzed why learner choice strengthens reflective practice, and examined who truly “owns” the learning showcased in an ePortfolio. From exploring professional learning communities to reflecting on growth mindset, each assignment helped me refine my voice as a digital learning leader and build an ePortfolio that makes my learning visible, purposeful, and aligned with my long-term goals as an educator. Below are my assignments that helped shape my growth in this learning journey.
Exploring Digital Resources
For this assignment, Exploring Digital Resources, I researched and tested five digital tools, one of which was an AI tool that I selected specifically because I had not used it previously and because each had potential to solve real needs in my classroom and workplace. I conducted hands-on trials, documented step-by-step how I used each tool, and wrote a focused analysis of strengths, limitations, and practical applications for my professional context. The work emphasized authentic evaluation and produced concrete recommendations I can pilot with colleagues to support instruction, workflow, and student engagement. These tool analyses directly inform my innovation plan by identifying technology options that align with our goals and situational needs.
Educational Technology Leadership Role Simulation
This assignment, Educational Technology Leadership Role Simulation, placed me in a dynamic leadership simulation where my group and I were required to analyze and solve an educational technology case study through the lens of a specific leadership style. By researching the core principles, communication patterns, and decision-making approaches of my assigned leadership role, I developed a detailed understanding of how different leadership styles approach the same challenge in distinctly effective ways. We then created a solution matrix and presentation that demonstrated how our leadership style would evaluate the situation, communicate with stakeholders, implement technology, and manage change. This experience pushed me to think critically, adapt my perspective, and recognize that strong leadership in digital learning requires both versatility and a deep understanding of the strengths and limitations of multiple leadership approaches.
Final Overview
EDLD 5305 was the course that helped me lay the groundwork for my entire ePortfolio journey. It introduced me to the purpose behind creating a space that not only displays my work, but also documents my growth as an educator and digital learning leader. Throughout the course, I learned how intentional design, learner choice, and reflective thinking come together to create meaningful learning artifacts that truly belong to the learner. Building my ePortfolio pushed me to think about how I tell my story such as what I value, what I’m learning, and how I want to evolve in my practice. The assignments encouraged me to explore professional learning communities, adopt a growth mindset, and connect my work to standards, all of which strengthened my confidence in using digital tools to support both student and professional learning. By the end of EDLD 5305, I felt more grounded in my purpose and more prepared to design learning environments that make reflection, ownership, and continuous improvement central to the learning experience.