Contribution to My Learning Community Fall 2021

The journey continued, throughout the last 8 weeks in the Digital Learning and Leading program I have had to ask myself more than once now, what does it mean to contribute? Specifically, what does it mean to contribute to my community and to myself? Throughout this process of reflection and being asked how well I contributed to my own learning and to the community as a whole I have come to conclude that contribution may not always mean giving to others, but also supporting them when things become difficult and encouraging them to push themselves and try harder than they are. This view of contribution is accurate to how I viewed my contribution through the Digital Learning Environments (5317) and Assessing Digital Learning (5315) courses in the DLL program. As a continued student in the DLL program, I was quite excited to continue taking two courses together, and I was confident in my abilities to stay organized and on top of my work. To say this confidence grew even more during these courses as I continued to get to know my core learning community would be an understatement.

At this point of the program, the expectations for our collaborations have become consistent with one meeting a week and almost 3 to 4 interactions via our GroupMe chat to answer questions and share content that will be beneficial to some or all members of the group. The community started with Lindsey Wallace, Bianca Charles, Brianna Rodriguez, Colby Clifford, and Allison Palmer, but soon the consistent came from 3 members of this group:

Allison is the master of design and organization, always prepare with the list of tasks for each class and examples that are related to our topics. She always goes the extra mile to support each member (she is also, teaching and planning her wedding at the same time)    

Brianna Did amazing videos and podcasts for all courses.  If there is something that needs to be done she will spend her time and bring something amazing and helpful for everyone. Always caring and patient, I can call her at any time of the day.  

Colby put together the group with her knowledge and experience. During our meetings, she is on top of any research or books that will be beneficial for the group. Her ideas are always innovative and her approach is collaborative and reflective.      

My contribution was constantly asking questions that will start the conversations and push our thinking. This group has become a family and we discover different ways to contribute to each other learning by supporting our ideas and dreams.