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Dear Reader, Indulge me as I share my final reflections on a course I’m wrapping up, one focused on "the theory, research, and developmental models behind distributed learning in educational settings." That formal description is pulled straight from the course catalog, but what follows is something more personal: what I actually learned, and the kinds of experiences and content that shaped that learning and knowledge these last four and a half months. At the start of this cou

Have you ever been to a body of water with sand, where, as you walk, the tide slowly washes your footprints away? It's something I've experienced many times, as I feel most at peace near water. As I began writing this midterm reflection, that image came to mind. It reflects how my thinking has shifted, footprints changing, not disappearing, as new understanding takes shape. During the first half of this course, my understanding of distance, online, and distributed learning

As adults, we all learn in different ways. Recently, I read an article from a group of scholars about learning theories. This isn’t going to turn into a lecture, but the article outlined six different ways people understand learning. Some focus on how we process information. Others emphasize social interaction. Some highlight transformation and growth. The big takeaway? There isn’t one right way adults learn. We carry decades of experience, habits, and confidence, or insecuri

A Reflection for LTEC 6040 course Take it all in, a world that is changing very fast, where what you once thought was innovative is shifting almost daily. Distance education is no different. I remember the early Y2K years, when computers were evolving, and distance education was primarily asynchronous. Interaction with instructors or peers was minimal, and learning often felt disconnected rather than collaborative. You completed your work independently and hoped you were on t

There is a scripture that speaks to transformation. Because of what is going on in the world today, here is the Message version that can resonate with anyone who is a Christian, and yes, those who are not. "Take your everyday, ordinary life, your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life, and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into i

Metacognition is a big word for a simple idea: paying attention to how you think. Have you ever tried it? Most of us move through our days on mental autopilot (a.k.a. multi-tasking). We react, respond, decide, and repeat. But when we pause long enough to notice our own thought patterns, something interesting happens. We make space for joy to slip in. Is this a simple idea or a concept that sticks? A new friend of mine asked me what brings me joy, and I paused for a long time

In terms of my general worldview, what can be known is a matter of opening up your mind to possibility. We are talking about knowledge,...

Learning about qualitative research study design has changed my thinking about research. Before, I thought research was mostly about...

Empowerment isn't something given—it's something taken, built, and owned. It starts with a mindset, a belief that you have the ability to...

Imagine walking into a classroom. On one side, there’s a group of kids, eyes wide, waiting for their teacher to guide them. On the other...

Education isn't just about passing tests or memorizing facts—it's about shaping well-rounded individuals. Holistic education nurtures...

As of today, I find myself deeply interested in exploring how digital storytelling can promote well-being, particularly in fostering...

As someone who enjoys learning and implementing innovative ways to carry out instructional design strategies, I am naturally inclined to...

Technology has transformed how we learn and conduct research, making information more accessible, collaboration easier, and processes more efficient. However, beneath these advancements lie ethical concerns that are often overlooked. As a healthcare professional, I find these issues particularly troubling. A recent major data breach involving a well-known healthcare organization reminded me how overwhelming, scary, and frustrating these ethical lapses can be, especially for c

Collecting data seems simple—gather information, analyze it, and draw conclusions. But in reality, it's a lot more complicated. Our...

Dear Reader, At the start of the semester, my professor assigned us to share our thoughts on qualitative research. Rather than a...

Life is a journey, and every new chapter starts with a leap of faith. We all make decisions in our professional and personal lives, with...

Upon this rock, where dreams reside, Through storms that howl and fears that chide, Plant your feet, steadfast and true, The path is...

There was a time when I would post on IG to encourage and inspire, sending positive messages of hope to whomever would read them. I...

Music is powerful. It has a way of speaking to our hearts, stirring emotions we sometimes can't put into words. A gentle lullaby can calm...