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EDLT Capstone Portfolio

Table of Contents

Statement of Learning

This journey has been so demanding and yet, so enjoyable.

The NMSU EDLT program is full of great faculty and great students. Taking on this Masters program during the COVID-19 pandemic was no easy task, but the community of learners gave me a sense of belonging and made me look forward to progressing in my personal development. I’ve learned so much and I hope that I’ve made some long-term friends along the way. The knowledge and experienced gained will be useful moving forward, as virtually every industry will have a need for expertise in delivering content online. 

Multimedia Portfolio

Courses

The Advocate Training Lab –

Have you ever wondered why there is so much injustice in the world? Have you ever wanted to do something about it? In this course we discuss the basics and challenges of advocacy, and understand the core tenets of building campaigns, building an audience, and meeting with decision makers.

Pollinator Protection in New Mexico –

This course has been developed by a unique partnership with the Endangered Species Coalition.

In this course, pest management professionals will learn why pollinators are important and what native plants are beneficial to pollinators in New Mexico. This course is worth one (1) CEU credit hour.

Multimedia

Take a peek inside my journey in EDLT

Pecha Kucha project EDLT 518

Final Project Video EDLT 573

Assignments

Writing Samples

Final Research Paper for Elective – RDG522. 

For this study, the interactive journals strategy was selected, as part of writing development home enrichment for my child. Interactive dialogue journals provide verbal support in an authentic setting to provide differentiated instruction to meet their individual learning potential as it helps support writing development. I implemented the interactive journal for communication between my daughter and myself, as a form of a daily diary submission. I deliberately modeled feedback to focus on building her skills of capitalization, pronouns, and spelling.

Focus Essay – EDLT560. Fostering Online Learning Communities 

For this essay, we needed to conduct some research from assigned course readings and respond with how we would help a colleague in need. This assignment featured a  hypothetical colleague who was struggling to connect with their students. We were to use the Communities of Inquiry framework to formulate our responses. 

This colleague was new to online learning. I enjoyed this assignment because it mimics real life struggles that most teachers face. The spirit of helping others and taking an active part of their growth makes learning successful.

Introduction video - EDLT 573

This introduction video was made for EDLT573 – Culturally Responsive Technologies.
Video recorded in Summer 2021.

Reflection of Learning

MA EDLT - NMSU

“When you expect nothing and get everything, that’s destiny.”

Thank you all for visiting my portfolio.  As the first in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree, this journey meant so much to me.

  • What is your best instructional design product?

My best product was the Advocate Training Lab created in EDLT590. This course went through extensive testing and review and I feel like it is a product that I can deliver to many non-profit organizations and political groups. 

  • What was your most difficult product to create?

The most difficult products to create were TikTok videos for EDLT577. I have always been hesitant to put myself out there on social media and making those videos made me feel vulnerable. It did force me to become more confident with spreading information online.

  • What challenges did you face in the program?

Time management was the most challenging issue for me. I was balancing school, a full-time job, a part-time job, being Chairman of the Democratic Party of Doña Ana County, and raising 3 young kids. 

  • What have you learned about yourself as an Instructional Designer/Online Educator over the course of the EDLT program?

I have learned to be more student-centered in my approach to instructional design. I have also learned how to be aware of bias and dominant culture norms. Moving forward, I am committed to using cultural relevant practices in my design approach. 

What advice would you give to an incoming student in the EDLT Master’s program that would help them succeed in the program and as an online educator/instructional designer?

My advice would be to appreciate and learn from your peers. I am so amazed at the professionals in my cohort and I am constantly learning new tricks, techniques, and strategies for success. Stay focused, your community needs you!