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COURSE INTRODUCTION 5318 Ok, so it’s been a while since I have logged in and created a post but here, I am once again trying to get everything in order. That summer class I took for the summer session wore out and I needed a mini break, so I did it…. I went all by myself to Mexico and had the time of my life. It was a late birthday gift, but I party every day like it was my birthday any who my name is Eddricka, but I go by Dricka for short. I currently reside in Houston, Tx, my favorite thing to do is eat and read books…. I make sure to keep a extra job just so I can feed myself lol I like to try everything once. During my mini vacation I tried raw oysters for the first time. I did what I saw the people do on tv I added hot sauce and lemon oh I added a little lime tried to chew and that didn’t work. I will never try raw again I’m sticking to fried only. This semester will be a challenge but I’m always up for a challenge especial ly when its something that will make me better. This year I decided to go ahead and get in the classroom full-time. Honestly, I don’t know what I was thinking at first but now I know the children of America need Ms. King. My personal interest far as getting my Master’s in Education is to be able to help all the students and their families, I come in contact with get all the support they need in order to be successful in everything they do. No having someone who cares about you just does something to you as a person imagine being in a child position and not having someone that care that you pass to the next grade. Being able to implement digital learning into this RISE learning environment. 5318 will be so beneficial to my students and I because not only are we in school together we are also learning together. Putting words together to make complete sentences as well as getting my students to learn the basics of the subject then we are ready to roll and can do anything we put our minds to. Overall trying to install and have a positive environment that they can feel safe and actually be a kid. This semester I will need a group to join. If you have room please let me know. Thanks for reading my intoduction.

This summer semester snuck up on me and surprised me being that Spring classes had just ended. I honestly thought that I was free as a bird and I would be enrolled during the Fall term but that was not the case. I was enrolled in class, had started right away, and plus I had no money for class, but I pushed forward. I soon realized that this was a degree that I wanted to get, and I had to do what I needed to do. I picked my head up, dropped one class, got on a plan, and got it done. I am so glad I was able to be a part of course 5315 because it’s the last course I got to have with half of my colleagues I started this program with because they are graduating this semester. For this semester I had to hit the ground running with buying books and supplies needed for the course and jumped on my modules right away. This summer my community learning group included James, Monika, Maria, and Myself. This course was bittersweet because these 3 are leaving me and graduating so I wanted to soak up as much information as a could before they left. We didn’t meet as much like we have done in the past through zoom and google but honestly I was ok with that because life has been busy and it's so simple just to send a text rather than an email plus everything gets to you right away through text so that was our main source of communication ohhhh but when we did meet through zoom around 6pm we would meet for over an hour and trust me it was on and popping all questions asked via test was answered along with other areas, we felt we were having trouble with, eportfolio were shared so we could look over and see what needed to be fixed and fix them. This semester was basically tying everything together and seeing how it all worked. Looking back when our group was first formed, we didn’t know anything, but we worked together to make it work for us. Fast-forward till now things just roll off our tongues, we are more knowledgeable about digital learning and how everything fits together honestly, we have grown. I am so glad I was given the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing group of individuals. During these last 8 weeks I was able to assist my team by giving honest feedback and feedback towards their portfolio. Keeping up with our meetings and notes, adding them to our google reference page that all team members have access to. I really enjoyed course 5315 this semester. It went by so smoothly, everything was so straight forward, and I am very appreciative for being able to take this course with some amazing individuals who were very helpful throughout the entire semester which made the class even more exciting to learn more. Overall, this semester I am once again so proud of myself and I grade myself for courses 5315 and 90. Even though all components were met I still ran into a few hiccups where I didn’t put my references in alphabetical order, nor did I have something in the APA format making simple mistakes. I was so upset at myself but after receiving feedback from Dr. I was able to perk up and correct what was wrong right away by submitting the errors and making corrections. At this point no I shouldn’t be making these kinds of errors, I did and most importantly I took the feedback and fixed the issue right away. Even though I know once grades are submitted that’s that I still took it upon myself to make sure I did what I needed to do while keeping in mind that there’s always room for improvement, change and growth and that’s what I intend to keep doing putting my best foot forward, taking feedback and keeping the faith through the rest of the process. As Dr. He said in the introduction video “Just trust the process' ' and I definitely will.

Whew its been going by so fast...not to long ago class was just getting started now were down to the last month of class. This has really been an experiement for me just coming back to school and keeping my mind focus and what needs to get done so that i can reach the ultimate goal which is graduation. This semester I had to pay out of pocket so I was only able to take one class but me paying out of pocket and the effort I have put forward keeps my grounded as well as keeping me focused. Its been a struggle paying for class out of pocket but Im doing it and making it look good. Honestly Im proud of myself and happy that I will have a Masters Degree in a few more months long as I stay focused while putting God first and trusting the process.

The focus of my action research plan is to implement blended learning into school districts located in low-income areas. My research question is “How does blended learning in 3rd grade reading classrooms impact student learning and achievement?” To address this question, I will conduct a research study and look over different resources in order to obtain my goal in implementing blended learning into the current curriculum. These are just a few sources to get started. I feel like these resources are very important and gives valid points and examples on how and why blended learning will better help the students I come in contact with in the 3rd grade. I’ve looked over some of my colleagues Lit Review and it seems to me that majority of them have already had the opportunity to have blended learning in their classrooms and have moved on to getting their students to start using Eportfolios and then the rest of us are just getting started with blended learning and ways to continue to help; our students learn. Annotated Bibliography Blog | Carnegie Learning. 2018. How to Effectively Implement Blended Learning. [online] Available at: [Accessed 5 July 2022]. Focuses on how to make blended learning more effective simplifying new learning approaches. More so having a solid learning plan that will help engage students. Harapnuik, D., 2018. COVA APPROACH. [online] Youtu.be. Available at: [Accessed 6 July 2022]. This video forces on Dr. H expressing and explaining a more effective way for learners to learn through the COVA approach which will help the learner be more engaged through choice, ownership, and voice. Woodlley-Wilson, J., 2012. Blending technology and classroom learning. [online] Youtu.be. Available at: [Accessed 8 July 2022]. This video focuses on changing education in a positive way through implementing blended learning into the classroom. With the help of blended learning through technology students can keep track and stay on track. Ace.nd.edu. 2022. How to Implement Blended Learning in an Elementary Reading Classroom | Alliance for Catholic Education. [online] Available at: [Accessed 7 July 2022]. Focuses on how to implement blended learning into an elementary reading classroom through station rotation. Things that will keep the learners eager and ready to learn. Keeping them in rotation helps keep them from losing focus and getting bored. Valamis. 2022. Blended Learning: Models, Benefits, Examples, Best Practices. [online] Available at: [Accessed 8 July 2022]. This article focuses on the importance of blended learning, how it is implemented through certain practices, steps to focus on and how to improve blended learning through different blended learning models.

After overlooking each video provided for this week, I realized that asking questions is good but asking the right questions is great. The videos provided has giving me time to overlook and get a better understanding of how and what I can do to make my action research plan better by asking the right questions. When comparing Wagner’s 7 survival skills for a successful learner to the 7 essential life skills by Galinsky they both hold valid points about how one should go about when dealing with both survival skills rather in school and in your daily life. Wagner’s 7 skills are geared for critical thinking, problem-solving, being able to access and analyze information as well as leading by influence just to name a few these few skills go hand in hand with Galinsky 7 essential life skills which are similar but focuses more on being able to help students navigate through life no it wont be easy but asking the right questions can get you on the right path. No question is a dumb question if you don’t know then you ask and keep asking until you get the answer. One thing I found to be very helpful is having self control which plays a major role in survival skills and essential life skills by taking control over the situation in a positive manner and be more helpful than harmful basically it benefits you. Galinsky, E., 2022. The Seven Essential Life Skills, With Ellen Galinsky | Big Think Mentor | Big Think. [online] Youtu.be. Available at: [Accessed 6 July 2022]. Wagner, T., 2022. 7 Skills students need for their future. [online] Youtu.be. Available at: [Accessed 6 July 2022].

As I sat back and watched over the videos provided for this week’s discussion and started reading our Action Research book, I being to realize with out even knowing that I already participate in action research and overall, how important it really is not only to myself as the teacher in charge but the students, and other facility as well. Action research consists of four stages: Planning, Acting, Developing, and Reflecting. These four steps are crucial when it comes to taking what you have learned and making it work for you, making up your OWN way of learning so the students you come in contact with can better understand what it is you are trying to teach. Realizing that everyone is different and learn differently. Reflecting on which stage I believe I will have the most difficult with would have to be the developing part of Action research and the reason being is trying to get everyone on board. Being in the field of education I’ve come across some amazing people with some amazing ideas that could really put the educational system on the map but trying to get everyone on board has been rather tough and even tough they see you planning out and putting things into action is like they need more to get on board and when it comes to developing that plan they quit trying leaving the entire system to fail. And pow your back at square 1. References: Mertler, C.A. (2019). Action research: Improving schools and empowering educators (6th ed). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc

This week we took a look at how we would be conducting research for our action research plan. I got a chance to look over the videos provided by Dr. M and even looked over the chapters provided for the week and this is what I came up with. My action research plan is implementing blended learning into low-income school districts while showing how having blended learning will better help and motivate students when it comes to learning in a new way while increasing their learning abilities The purpose of my study is to get all educators, admin, parents, and students on board in helping to be able to give each learner the opportunity to expand their learning ability. Adding blended learning to the current curriculum in low-income schools will give each and every student the opportunity to see and track their own learning process and hopefully bringing positive results that will keep the students motivated so they can continue to learn and take the new things they have learned and apply it to their everyday lives not only at school. After getting blended learning where is should be the I would like to implement the students having to create Eportfolios. The best method of collecting data for my action research plan will have to be the mix-method collection of data because it will give more details and understanding to those it will benefit.

Just when I thought I was free for the summer I recieved an email stating Welcome to 5315. Here i am thinking I had a whole summer of fun planned but I thought wrong. No I'm not upset just happy that I'm only enrolled in 1 class for the summer session which is considered to be a huge beather before heading back for the fall semester. I have really enjoyed myself as a graduate student at Lamar University, when they told me upon enrolling that they would be here ebery step of the way I didnt believe them but now I am truly thankful and happy for a team like the one Lamar has. They are staying ontop of me and walking with me every step of the way. Well lets get this summer session started. This is my first week of class I'm a little late because I just got fully enrolled, I have my class materials and now I'm ready to work. I'm praying and I know this semester will go well for me all I have to do is continuing trusting the process. It's not how you start but how you finish.....

This semester I had the opportunity to take 2 courses I was very nervous but felt I could and was up for the challenge. Last semester almost took me out, so this go round I decided to start early gathering my information and getting ahead on my readings. Even with trying to read ahead I still up being behind, and this is something that I have to continue working on. My courses consisted of 5313 Creating Significant Learning environments and 5389 Developing Effective Professional Learning. I can honestly say with the readings and videos presented though out the classes really helped me within both courses. It was a little tough because assignments that were due for 5389, I had to complete 5313 assignments first to even understand what was going on in 5389. Taking these two classes was a challenge when it came to that but if I have to say so myself I did pretty good with going back and forward. This go round my community learning group got split up meaning two of the members were in one course 5313 and the other three were in course 5389. I was very fortunate to still be apart of both groups because here is where I got the most help and help that I really needed because I was indeed confused. 5389 Learning community group consisted of four members Monika, James, Maria, and Myself. We held our weekly meetings on Thursdays at 7pm on zoom. Our meetings would go for an hour sometimes longer either way we had a great meeting every time. Our weekly meetings were on point we made sure to stay on top of our game. We all shared duties with keeping the group going. Keeping in touch through personal emails and via text. If I have to say so myself, I really enjoyed our group it was small but well organized and put together and we got the job done. Even though we’ve been connected since beginning our ADL program we’ve grown so much and was sad that Ms. Elda and Ericka were no longer in our group, but we managed. This semester I really had to push myself forward due to many hardships, but I stayed focused and kept going. I tried my hardest to submit all assignments as well as discussions on time along with responding to other members in my class. Even when I caught the flu this semester which almost took me out, I still survived. Overall, this semester I am truly proud of myself, and I grade myself for course 5389 a 90. I gave myself this score because this semester I didn’t come to play. I learned from last semester that I had to give it my all. I was able to communicate effectively and regularly, give feedback when needed. I turned in one assignment late and pass the due date even though Dr. B still took it after the due date due to me having the flu but, from this I’ve learned to try to get my work completed before time because waiting to the last minute is definitely not it. I’ve really enjoyed this course and have learned so much more that I can take away. I’m forever grateful for the things I can learn and take back with me to teach the students I come in contact with.

This semester I had the opportunity to take 2 courses I was very nervous but felt I could and was up for the challenge. Last semester almost took me out, so this go round I decided to start early gathering my information and getting ahead on my readings. Even with trying to read ahead I still up being behind, and this is something that I have to continue working on. My courses consisted of 5313 Creating Significant Learning environments and 5389 Developing Effective Professional Learning. I can honestly say with the readings and videos presented though out the classes really helped me within both courses. It was a little tough because assignments that were due for 5389, I had to complete 5313 assignments first to even understand what was going on in 5389. Taking these two classes was a challenge when it came to that but if I have to say so myself I did pretty good with going back and forward. This go round my community learning group got split up meaning two of the members were in one course 5313 and the other three were in course 5389. I was very fortunate to still be apart of both groups because here is where I got the most help and help that I really needed because I was indeed confused. 5313 Learning community group had 3 members we called ourselves the 3E’s Elda, Ericka, and Eddricka (myself) we meet every Wednesday at 7pm on zoom meet sometimes our meeting would go for an hour sometimes longer either way we had a great meeting every time. Our weekly meetings were on point we made sure to stay on top of our game. We all shared duties with keeping the group going. Keeping in touch through personal emails and via text. If I have to say so myself, I really enjoyed our group it was small but well organized and put together and we got the job done. Even though we’ve been connected since beginning our ADL program we’ve grown so much. This semester I really had to push myself forward due to many hardships, but I stayed focused and kept going. I tried my hardest to submit all assignments as well as discussions on time along with responded to other members in my class. I am so grateful to have a Professor like Dr. Still, she broke it down and when I didn’t understand the assignment all I had to do was send an email and she would respond faster than fast which I truly appreciate her for that. Even when I caught the flu this semester which almost took me out, I still survived. Overall, this semester I am truly proud of myself, and I grade myself for course 5313 an 89. I gave myself this score because I turned in one assignment late and pass the due date even though Dr. Still took it after the due date due to me having the flu but from this I’ve learned to try to get my work completed before time because waiting to the last minute is definitely not it. I’ve really enjoyed this course and have learned so much more that I can take away. I’m forever grateful for the things I can learn and take back with me to teach the students I come in contact with.

Having a growth mindset mean you never stop growing or learning, you are willing and ready to learn even if you get the answer wrong, you’re just not done yet. Knowing the power of yet is like being unstoppable. You tend to keep the self motivated by any means necessary making sure the self is properly taking care of. Now to answer the question: the growth mindset a good start, and is it enough? Honestly in my opinion the growth mindset is enough because it will never stop growing especially when you’re feeding the growth with positive things that can help the mind stay on track. Since I am just a substitute teacher, I’m not just stationed in one classroom, I have the opportunity to go from one class to the next and with that I come in contact with so many students. But even so I can still help the students I come in contact with how to leave a fixed mindset behind and lead with a growth mindset and that’s by praising them through process when they are in fact doing an awesome job but, not too much because I don’t wont them to lose focus on what’s Infront of them References: RSA Animate: How to help every child fulfil their potential. (n.d.). Retrieved May 7, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yl9TVbAal5s The power of believing that you can improve | Carol Dweck. (n.d.). Retrieved May 7, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X0mgOOSpLU

After viewing this week videos, I found that when you create a shorter self-paced video of content for you learners is that now you as the teacher have more time for the students to collaborate among each other. The students will be able to give each other their honest peer reviews about the discussion within their learning communities. Learning communities that are formed not only help the students when the professor is unable to assist but these learning communities are also good for colleagues to bounce ideas off one another. Something I have grown to love since coming back to school to obtain my master's degree. The collaborative inspiring activities that were mentioned in Dr. McCammon (Modeling-Based) flipped method video that stuck with me was allowing your students to be able to walk and talk with other peers among them by forming collaborate groups/learning communities that can be used in and out of class when the professor is not available. The benefits of the walk and talk model is being able to discuss the information provided by professor among others within your discussion group, being able to hear different views since everyone interpret things differently from one another. The walk and talk method are valuable to anyone who is using professional development/Learning in their daily lives. Another term for NETWORKING. References: Modeling-Based (Flipped) Professional Development at Rutgers University - Dr. Lodge McCammon. (2015, April 15). Modeling-Based (Flipped) Professional Development at Rutgers University - Dr. Lodge McCammon. YouTube. https://youtu.be/PBAmcveOnIM