Aracely Worley EDUC 526 Growth Assessment

Murrieta Regional Center Summer 2014

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Mom Blogger to Educator
Aracely Worley
EDUC 526 Capstone Experience in Digital Teaching and Learning
Matt Hixson
Murrieta Regional Center
Live Binder
July 21
st
, 2014












Aracely Worley EDUC 526 Growth Assessment
Murrieta Regional Center Summer 2014
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Section One:
Introduction
I have always had an interest in technology. I started a semi popular local parenting blog
in 2007 and my interest in technology only grew from there. I worked for a large Fortune 500
when I first started blog and became a mother. It was a great position. It was cushy, paid well,
and best of all, I was able to work from home. It provided flexible hours that allowed me to be a
work at home mom, and grow my blog. Although I liked the perks, I disliked crunching numbers
and working for a corporation. I wanted to do something that made a difference, and decided to
go back to school a year after my second child was born. I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Anthropology in 2012 from Cal State Fullerton.
I had an interest in education, but wasnt sure if it was exactly what I wanted to do. I
started volunteering in my sons kindergarten classroom and loved being in the classroom. I
knew I wanted to be a special education teacher and set up a meeting at APUs Murrieta
Regional Center. Once I learned about the digital teaching and learning Master, I was sold. I
started the enrollment process the same day. I was still working for the Fortune 500 Company,
when I started the program, but quit at the end of the first semester. I couldnt wait to be in the
classroom. As soon as I completed my special education credential, I enrolled in my first Digital
Teaching class. I was interning at a middle school and was actually hired because I was pursuing
an ed tech degree. My goals at the beginning of the program, were to learn all that I could to
become an efficient educator. I also wanted to be able to use iMovie and learn how to create
videos/slideshows.

Aracely Worley EDUC 526 Growth Assessment
Murrieta Regional Center Summer 2014
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Personal Growth
This program has really helped me learn about the things that Im capable of, and
also has shown me places where I need to improve. Ive learned that I learn best through trial and
error. I have to actually do something in order to learn. For example, I watched one of my
professors demonstrate how to create a transition in iMovie. I tried to follow his instructions, but
I couldnt achieve a finished product I was satisfied with. I had to experiment and learn on my
own. I am definitely a hands on learner. I also learned that Im quite the procrastinator.
Sometimes, I can finish projects ahead of time. However, most of the time, I find myself working
at the last minute, with deadlines looming. Its something Im trying to work on.
I have made some wonderful connections in the program. Ive met wonderful professors
that have taught me so much, and of course some amazing friends! My classmates have been
amazing, and I know a handful of us will continue to be friends after the program. Its been a
wonderful journey, and Im so thankful for the friendships I have made! This program has also
helped me grow spiritually. I attended a public school for my undergraduate degree. I was so
surprised the first time I sat in a class at APU and started off with a prayer or spiritual thought. I
almost felt like I attended a church service. My relationship with my Savior has been
strengthened through this program. I am thankful for a stronger relationship with my Heavenly
Father.
This degree means so much to me on so many levels. First and foremost is that I will be
the first person on my side of the family that will have a Masters Degree. Second, I cant believe
how much I have accomplished. I dropped out of high school my senior year, and to think that in
a couple of days I will be walking across the stage to receive my Masters Degree blows my
Aracely Worley EDUC 526 Growth Assessment
Murrieta Regional Center Summer 2014
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mind. It is a testament to me, that once you set your mind to something, you can achieve it. Its
been an incredible learning experience and I cant wait to apply what Ive learned about myself
in this program, to other aspects of my life.
Professional Growth
I have grown so much throughout my time at APU. I had never really stepped into the
classroom before my time at APU. I have learned that there is so much to learn and that with
technology, it is something we need to constantly stay on top of. I feel that APU has given me a
foundation, and I can now build upon that. My goal is to have a strong solid foundation of
educational technology. I know that there will be something more to learn and that technology is
constantly evolving. I want to be able to have a solid foundation and be able to keep expanding
my knowledge of technology in the classroom. The iPad has already become an essential part of
my classroom. I cant wait to have access to more. I received an email last week that I was
accepted into the iRead program. I will have access to about a dozen iPads for the classroom.
I had the opportunity to participate in our districts first ever #EUSDChat. It was such a
great learning experience for everyone involved. I was actually one of only six teachers at our
site, participating in the chat. Since the chat, I have actually been asked to lead our first chat back
for the new school year, focusing on Digital Citizenship. I have used my own iPad in the
classroom, and the kids really enjoy it. Im looking forward to using them on a daily basis. I plan
on creating an iPad center. I will be teaching Language Arts this year and plan on having 3
groups that will rotate and spend time with me, my aide, and the iPad center. Time at the iPad
center will be 20 minutes per day. I will be downloading a variety of apps, including, spelling
city, scholastic reading app, etc.. I love that tech time will be incorporated into every single one
Aracely Worley EDUC 526 Growth Assessment
Murrieta Regional Center Summer 2014
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of my classes. Im thankful I had the opportunity to take EDUC 512. James Sullivan, did an
excellent job sharing dozens of apps that are perfect for the classroom. I also loved that he is a
special ed teacher, and was able to share what types of apps he uses in his classroom. The Action
Research Study was a BSP for my son, who has a difficult time with transitions. The behavior
that was targeted or changed was Michaels ability to transition, start, and finish a task when he
is asked to do so.
Technical Growth
As I mentioned early in the paper, I came into the program with some technology
knowledge. I have my own website/blog and am an active participant in Social Media. I used
Twitter for my blog, but it took on a new outlook with using it to build my own PLN. I have to
admit that I had a bit of a snobby attitude when I first started EDUC 515 with Jason Seliskar. He
mentioned Twitter, and I thought to myself, what can be taught to me about Twitter that I dont
already know. . I host Twitter parties for Big Brand companies and can track hashtags, little did
I know. I learned so much about using Twitter to build my own professional network and interact
with thousands of other educators. I also learned that there is always room for improvement,
even when we think we are proficient with a subject or technology.
I think my overall favorite class was EDUC 514- Digital Video in the Classroom. Tory
Temple rocked that class and made learning so much fun. Thanks to that class, I was able to
create an amazing slideshow for my class and also for my church group. Slideshows and videos
always seemed so out of my realm, but after taking his class, Ive learned to incorporate them not
only in the classroom, but outside of class. I think this might be the single most rewarding class I
have taken throughout my academic career (including college).
Aracely Worley EDUC 526 Growth Assessment
Murrieta Regional Center Summer 2014
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Lifelong Learner
As I mentioned earlier, I believe that this is the first stepping stone for me in educational
technology. Im considering taking a certification in assisted ed tech from Cal State Dominguez
Hills. I know that this is a field that is constantly evolving, and I know that to stay current, we
have to continue to expand our knowledge and keep on the latest trends. A short term goal for
me, is to learn how to code and create/design an amazing classroom website. There is a great
online course through a local community college that I cant wait to take in the fall.
I really believe that participating in edchats, will keep us in the know of the latest trends.
I know that attending local unconferences can help us keep us in the loop of the latest trends in
educational technology. I owe my desire to learn to code and develop websites came from being
in this program. The possibilities are endless and I cant wait to learn more and more about
technology. Im almost embarrassed to admit this, but I see myself working at the DO in five
years being a tech coach. I had the opportunity to work with a TOSA tech coach earlier this year,
and I felt like I knew more about tech than she did. I know that I owe knowledge to this program.
I hope that in 10 years I can be working in an administrative capacity, and definitely
incorporating technology into every aspect of my career.

SECTION TWO:
http://www.livebinders.com/play/p
Course COURSE
TITLE &
INSTRUCTOR
TERM
COMPLETE
KEY SKILLS
REQUIRED
COMMENTS/
SUGGESTION

EDUC
511
Foundations in
Digital
Teaching
and Learning
Spring 1-2014 Create a
LiveBinder
and google
docs
I enjoyed the course and
learned all about creating a
LiveBinder. It was
challenging at first, but once
Aracely Worley EDUC 526 Growth Assessment
Murrieta Regional Center Summer 2014
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Joanne
Gilbreath
I got the hang of it, it was
pretty easy to manage.
Although I enjoyed creating a
LiveBinder, I was a bit
disappointed that I never had
the opportunity to use it with
any other class.
EDUC
512
Instructional
Applications
Productivity
Software

James Sullivan
Spring 1- 2014 Webquest I really enjoyed Jims class. I
enjoyed developing a
Webquest and plan on
incorporating it in my
classroom this upcoming
school year. I also enjoyed
the compilation of apps that
we shared with the class.
EDUC
514
Digital Video
in the
Classroom
Tory Temple
Spring 1-2014 Videos/iMovie
/Slideshows
I loved taking this class. I
think its been my favorite
class of all time (including
college). I learned to create a
short film, slideshows, and
learned how to set music,
transitions, etc..
EDUC
515
Evolving
Educational
Technologies
Jason Seliskar
Spring 2- 2014 Twitter/Blog My favorite part of this class
was learning all about
developing a PLN through
Twitter. I loved participating
in an unconference and
creating my classroom
website/blog. Technically I
feel I learned the most from
this class.
EDUC
522
Learning in the
21st Century
Lisa Rodriguez

Fall 2- 2013 Unit Plan Before this class, I didnt
really know much about
Blooms Taxonomy or
Multiple Intelligences. I also
didnt know much about Unit
Planning.
EDUC
526
Capstone
Experience/
Digital
Teaching and
Learning
Matt Hixson
Summer- 2014 Digital
Portfolio
I enjoyed this class. It was a
great experience to be able to
sit back and actually create a
website to highlight all that
we have learned throughout
the program. I had a friend
just recently land a position,
because he shared his
Aracely Worley EDUC 526 Growth Assessment
Murrieta Regional Center Summer 2014
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portfolio during an interview.
He said that the principal
said, that single move, made
all the difference.

Evaluation of the impact of the Digital Teaching and Learning Program
I have learned so much from these courses and cant wait to implement them this
upcoming school year. One of the things I want to try this year, is having the kids create their
own blogs. In EDUC 515 we learned all about the process, and I think it would be perfect for my
SPED Language Arts class. I also would like to integrate a Webquest. This year our school is
making a move to project based learning, and a Webquest would be the perfect tool for PBL.
Program Evaluation
I have loved the connections I have made at APU and my actual courses/instructors have
been fantastic. The advisement however for my Special Ed credential and the special ed
program, has been to say it bluntly, crap. I feel like Im the special ed advisor for my cohort
because Ive had to research answers, go to department heads, etc.. Because no one is available
for questions. I feel that as a private university (and the amount of money we spend on our
education $$$$$), we should have an advisor at each campus that is available for questions and
is competent. I have really enjoyed the Digital Teaching and Learning Program. I have had my
questions answered promptly. Overall the quality of the education at APU is excellent. However,
APU needs dedicated staff at each Regional Center to advise students. I know each center has an
enrollment advisor, however, they really need advisors for each program available to the
students. Honestly, its my only issue with my overall experience. I have enjoyed my time here
and will look fondly back at graduate school.
Aracely Worley EDUC 526 Growth Assessment
Murrieta Regional Center Summer 2014
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