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Black Diamond

Innovation Project Update

My innovation project focuses on integrating AI tools into the daily work of afterschool program coordinators to reduce workload stress, improve efficiency, and build digital confidence. Over the course of the Applied Digital Learning (ADL) program, I developed a comprehensive plan that includes monthly trainings, a clear implementation timeline, and strategies for evaluating success.

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This project began as a simple idea inspired by something that had been helping me personally: using AI to streamline repetitive tasks. Over time, it has evolved into a sustainable, organization-wide plan that I believe can truly make a difference for my colleagues.

Project Progress​

The overall structure of my innovation plan is complete. My next goal is to refine the implementation timeline to prioritize AI integration for the specific tasks coordinators handle each day such as lesson planning, reporting, and communication.​

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While the full rollout is temporarily on hold due to changes in our federal grant cycle, I am using this time to prepare an asynchronous, optional version of my plan in EDLD 5318. This version will allow coordinators to test out modules independently and provide feedback while I wait for approval to begin the full professional learning series.

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Learning Process

Working through this project helped me understand that authentic learning requires flexibility, reflection, and collaboration. I learned that innovation is less about designing the “perfect” product and more about responding to people’s real needs. I've learned that meaningful feedback deepens ownership and strengthens the learning process (Thibodeaux & Harapnuik, 2020). Applying feedback from my peers has truly been an essential part of the learning process for me!

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What Worked, What Could Be Better, and Lessons Learned

What works for me is that my project addresses a real need for organization change, so my colleagues are very intrigued. I want to simplify the content, so it doesn't feel like an additional burden. I've learned that leadership isn't always grand, and that sustainability is in the small, intentional acts (Dudley, 2013). The COVA and CSLE principles emphasized over the course of the program helped me realize that my role as a leader is to create environments where others feel empowered to learn, reflect, and take ownership.

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Promotion and Communication Plan

I plan to promote my innovation project by first introducing coordinators to self-paced AI modules in a shared digital workspace. These modules will include real examples and templates they can immediately apply in their own work.

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Once the asynchronous modules are established, I’ll transition into facilitating professional learning sessions where coordinators can collaborate, share progress, and exchange “AI success stories.” This ongoing cycle of shared learning will help sustain enthusiasm and ensure long-term adoption.

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Future Applications and Growth

If I could go back, I would have collected feedback from coordinators earlier in the design process. I could have used initial data when developing my 4DX plan and Influencer Strategy. I would have had a better understanding of staff needs and what resitance to change might look like.

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For my next innovation project, I plan to emphasize collaboration, feedback, and authentic learning environments from the very beginning. I now understand that meaningful change happens when people feel seen, supported, and part of the process.

How My Coursework Shaped My Innovation Project

My innovation project was developed step by step through each course in the Applied Digital Learning program. Every class added a new layer of insight, leadership growth, or design refinement that has shaped the project into what it is today, and what I am hopeful it will become.

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  • EDLD 5302 – Concepts of Educational Technology:I discovered who I am as a leader and how technology can transform learning environments. This course helped me see that effective innovation begins with leadership rooted in empathy and vision.

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  • EDLD 5317 – Resources Digital Environments:
    I wrote a paper for potential publication based on my innovation topic. I also created a media project (podcast) that helped me communicate the heart of my innovation plan in an authentic way. Sharing my ideas out loud helped me see how meaningful this project truly is.

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  • EDLD 5389 – Developing Effective Professional Learning:
    I deepened my understanding of adult learning principles and what makes professional development meaningful. The five key principles of professional learning now serve as the foundation for my innovation plan’s design and delivery.

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  • EDLD 5320 – Synthesis of Digital Learning:
    This final course is the culmination of all my learning. I am synthesizing every element, from leadership mindset to instructional design, to tell the story of my innovation plan and share it with others through my ePortfolio.

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My journey to innovation has truly strenghtened my leadership skills. I've learned that leadership does not have to be a grand gesture. What matters most is the everyday choice to improve someone's experience (Dudley, 2013).

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References

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Dudley, D. (2013, August 15). Everyday leadership [Video]. YouTube.

           https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAy6EawKKME

Harapnuik, D. K., Thibodeaux, T. N., & Cummings, C. D. (2018). Choice, ownership, and voice through

           authentic learning opportunities [Kindle edition]. https://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=7291

Thibodeaux, T. N., & Harapnuik, D. K. (2020). Exploring students’ use of feedback to take ownership

          and deepen learning. International Journal of e-Learning.

          https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/j/IJEL/

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