EDLD 5303 Applying Educational Technology: ePortfolio - Final Compilation: Reflections on My Graduate Journey

My journey in the Applied Digital Learning (ADL) program has been one of transformation, innovation, and growth. As an educator and program director, I have had the opportunity to explore, implement, and refine digital learning strategies that have directly impacted my professional development and the future of surgical technology education. This ePortfolio serves as a culmination of my experiences, reflections, and contributions throughout this program, connecting all the essential components into a cohesive perspective.

Weekly Posts: Reflections on My ePortfolio Experimentations

Throughout this program, I utilized my personal and professional experiences to craft blog posts that not only reflected my learning journey but also contributed to the field of surgical technology education. My blog posts were shaped by real-world challenges and experiences as a program director and educator. For example, my experience transitioning into a leadership role in surgical technology informed my reflections on professional growth and development. In my blog post on A Guide for Transitioning into Leadership Roles as a Surgical Technologist, I shared insights on the importance of mentorship, professional development, and strategic planning to successfully move from a clinical role to a leadership role.

Additionally, I had the opportunity to moderate roundtable discussions on the positive uses of AI in Surgical Technology Education at the AST Educators Conference. My reflections on this experience heavily influenced my blog post, The Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Surgical Technology Education, where I discussed the initial skepticism of educators, the transformative power of AI tools, and the importance of structured AI adoption in surgical technology education. AI applications such as NotebookLM, ChatGPT, and AI-generated podcasts have revolutionized the way educators develop instructional materials, assessments, and professional communication strategies. My firsthand experience moderating discussions and experimenting with AI tools provided valuable insights that I shared through my ePortfolio.

Innovation Plan: Professional Development for Surgical Technology Educators

Initially, my innovation plan focused on blended learning in higher education. However, after taking a break and reflecting on my experiences, I recognized a more pressing issue: the lack of formal training for surgical technology educators. Many Certified Surgical Technologists (CSTs) transition directly from clinical practice to teaching without pedagogical training, which leads to high turnover rates and inconsistencies in student learning. My revised Innovation Proposal outlines a structured professional development program for surgical technology educators, ensuring they receive training tailored to their roles (program directors, didactic instructors, lab instructors, and clinical coordinators). This initiative aims to improve educator retention, enhance student success, and strengthen surgical technology programs nationwide. I must acknowledge the need to write a new literature review that aligns with my new innovation plan. I do have some inconsistencies in my ePortfolio that I will resolve.

Growth Mindset Reflection

A key takeaway from my coursework was the power of a growth mindset, which I explored in my reflections. Embracing challenges, learning from failure, and continuously improving have been pivotal themes in my journey. I have applied these principles not only in my own education but also in guiding my students. The ability to say, "I don't know how to do this YET," fosters resilience and confidence in learning. By modeling this mindset, I encourage my students to persist in their studies and overcome obstacles in both academic and clinical settings.

Engagement in Learning Communities

One of the most valuable aspects of EDLD 5303 was my collaboration with my peers. Each week, my group and I met after class to discuss our assignments, share insights, and strategize our projects. We maintained communication via text messaging, ensuring accountability and support throughout the course. Additionally, we embraced innovative tools such as AI-generated video and AI-driven podcasts to enhance our collaborative discussion boards. This experience reinforced the importance of leveraging technology for knowledge sharing and engagement, skills that I will carry forward in my own teaching.

Learning Manifesto Reflection

My learning philosophy has evolved significantly through this program. Initially, I viewed education as a structured process driven by curriculum and assessment. However, I now see learning as a dynamic, student-centered experience that thrives on innovation, adaptability, and digital integration. My learning manifesto (from EDLD 5302) emphasizes the need for experiential learning, collaboration, and technology-enhanced instruction to prepare students for real-world challenges. This perspective aligns with my innovation plan, as effective educator training will ultimately lead to better-prepared students in surgical technology programs.

Final Thoughts: Connecting the Components

The Applied Digital Learning program has provided me with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to drive meaningful change in my field. My journey from transitioning into leadership to moderating discussions on AI’s role in surgical technology education reflects my commitment to lifelong learning and leadership in education.

This ePortfolio not only documents my growth but also serves as a resource for other educators facing similar challenges. By embracing innovation, collaboration, and a growth mindset, we can transform surgical technology education and ensure that both educators and students are set up for success.

Thank you to my instructors, peers, and colleagues for their support and insights throughout this journey. I look forward to continuing my work in educational innovation and making a lasting impact in surgical technology education.