EDLD 5315 & 5317
Contribution to Learning

Numerical Score: 95

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What Is Working

Throughout these courses, I have grown as a self-directed learner by engaging deeply with the assignments and building connections between prior coursework and current projects. A major success for me was developing my literature review by expanding on the foundation I created in EDLD 5305. I was able to refine my review to align more directly with my action research plan, which examines how AI integration can reduce burnout and improve efficiency for afterschool coordinators. This process required me to synthesize research across K–12 classrooms, higher education, and out-of-school time (OST) programs, filling in gaps where direct research on coordinators was limited.

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Another strength has been my collaboration with peers. While I did not always participate as thoroughly in the whole-class discussion forums, I consistently engaged with a small group of classmates through GroupMe. In that space, we frequently shared drafts, reviewed each other’s work, and provided encouragement. This informal but active collaboration allowed us to exchange ideas more quickly and to refine our projects with peer support. I also successfully completed the assigned readings and videos, which supported my ability to ground my work in theory and research.

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What I Can Do Better

While I contributed meaningfully to my small peer group (particularly in EDLD 5317), I recognize that I could have been more active in the larger course discussions in EDLD 5315. Posting earlier and responding to a wider range of classmates would have helped me strengthen connections across the broader learning community. In future courses, I will be more intentional about balancing focused peer collaboration with broader participation.

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Another area for growth is in consistently revising my assignments with instructor and peer feedback. Although I revised several assignments, I could have been more systematic in reflecting on those changes and articulating what I learned in the process. I can specifically remember submitting my literature review and forgetting to remove a prompt from the template! Developing this habit will not only strengthen my work but also make me a stronger contributor to the community.

 

Contributions to My Learning

My assignments for these courses built directly on my prior work and contributed significantly to my learning. In EDLD 5315, I developed my Action Research Design Outline, Literature Review, and Connecting and Communicating Your Ideas assignments. Each of these pieces helped me refine my innovation plan and design an initial survey for coordinators. These tasks reinforced the importance of grounding research in real-world contexts and demonstrated how academic writing can directly support practice.

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In EDLD 5317, I created a Publication Outline, Publication Rough Draft, and a Media Project. I especially enjoyed the podcast (media project), where we were able to discuss our research collaboratively and reflect on the broader implications of AI in education. My work in each of these courses connected well with each other. While 5315 helped me structure and measure my innovation plan, 5317 pushed me to communicate its significance to a larger audience.

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While my Final Publication is not yet published, I have submitted a pitch to EdSurge, and I am hoping that it will soon be available on their website. I look forward to the future of using AI in the educational environment and all it will do to move learning forward!

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Contributions to the Learning Community

My most consistent contributions came through peer collaboration. Within my small group, I reviewed and gave feedback on others’ drafts, encouraged peers through challenges, and celebrated milestones. These interactions helped create a supportive environment where we all pushed each other forward. Although my contributions were less frequent in the larger discussion forums, I believe my focused collaboration was meaningful and impactful.

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Base Group Members

My main peer collaborators this term were:

• Karimi Garcia

• Rebecca Chang

• Raul Morales

• Jasmine Wheatfall

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Together, we formed a supportive base group that sustained momentum throughout the course.

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Final Reflection

Based on the self-assessment criteria, I assign myself a score of 95. I met all the key contributions and most of the supporting contributions. My consistent engagement with my peer group, completion of assignments, and growth as a self-directed learner were strengths. However, I acknowledge that broader participation in whole-class discussions could have strengthened my contributions to the community even further. Overall, this course has challenged me to refine my innovation plan, deepen my research skills, and reflect more critically on how I learn alongside others.