Contribution to Your Learning Environment
 

Self-Assessment and Reflection

I rate my overall performance a C, primarily due to late submissions. I've made significant progress with ePortfolio editing and video production skills, though both still require considerable time investment. I find the work enjoyable and expect continued improvement with practice.

Reflecting on My Master's Journey

As I reflect on my time in the master's program, I see the journey's natural arc: beginning with apprehension, finding my footing in the middle, and now approaching completion. It's been a good journey—one I'm grateful to have undertaken and proud to have nearly finished.

This achievement has been years in the making, something I've wanted for a very long time. I'm deeply thankful to everyone who helped me reach this point: my parents, husband, son, granddaughters, friends, and coworkers. Each played a part in this journey, whether they realized it or not.

My feelings are mixed. Relief stands foremost—I've reached graduation. Yet alongside relief comes responsibility: the need to make good on what I've completed. Interestingly, I view this accomplishment more as personal growth than simply acquiring skills to help others.

What I've Learned

The program reinforced that you're never too old to learn. More importantly, I discovered that learning happens continuously—even when we're not actively trying. We're constantly moving forward, even when progress feels invisible.

I've become more intentional about observing, listening, and absorbing what happens around me. This awareness allows me to process experiences and, hopefully, help others in their own journeys of learning, growing, and developing.

The A-Team Collaboration Experience

Our collaborative group—Shemida Gill, Elizabeth Goffney, Marie Lockett, Saria Nixon, and myself—formed organically during our first semester and evolved into a supportive learning community. I value their straightforward, efficient communication style that respects everyone's time while maintaining meaningful connections. As our relationships deepened, we've supported each other through life's challenges, creating bonds beyond academic requirements.

Through their encouragement, I've transformed my perspective on AI technologies from viewing them as threats to embracing them as practical educational tools. Their diverse perspectives enriched my understanding of digital learning applications and expanded my technological comfort zone.

Challenges, Resilience, and Growth

This semester brought unprecedented challenges—family illness, increased work demands, and life complications that tested my resilience and time management. These circumstances led to late submissions, an area I recognize needs improvement. While some assignments aligned with my strengths and felt empowering, others initially left me searching for direction before finding successful completion strategies.