Throughout the Spring semester, engaging with the MDDE 620 course's instructional materials, assignments, live sessions, online forums, and peer reviews has profoundly deepened my grasp of both the theoretical groundwork and the modern-day challenges inherent in Education 4.0 technologies, alongside the shifting needs of 21st-century learners. Additionally, the course offered me an invaluable opportunity to explore change management tactics and enhance my abilities in advocating my selected EdTech application within an organization through a compelling video presentation.

My semester journey through the MDDE 620 course not only strengthened my skills and confidence in teaching within the digital realm of 21st-century education but also highlighted the importance of continuous learning and flexibility amidst the constant changes in educational settings.

Reflecting on my participation in the MDDE 620 course, I actively contributed to both online forum discussions and live sessions. My involvement in the online forum discussions surpassed the typical expectations; I found these discussions helpful in enhancing my comprehension of the subject matter.

Unlike other courses where each unit might be broken down into sub-components like learning outcomes, key terms for each unit, and new information or knowledge, the MDDE 620 course structured its content differently. This unique approach meant that the online forum discussions and live sessions became crucial for me in grasping the core concepts of each unit in addition to the unit’s reading materials.

The reading materials assigned for each unit significantly enhanced my readiness for both the forum discussions and assignment work. Notably, Fahy’s publication, "Technology in Education and Training" (2015)[1], served as an invaluable reference throughout the course, akin to a personal dictionary.

The live sessions also stood out as the most enjoyable aspect of the course. I participated in all the live sessions and one optional office hour. Beyond participating in virtual meetings and interacting with Professor Mae and my peers, I was particularly impressed by Professor Mae's approach to integrating instructional materials. She utilized Mentimeter beforehand to gather our insights or comments on specific subjects, and her presentations often featured advanced technological tools. Additionally, these sessions not only deepened our comprehension of each assignment but also ensured we were thoroughly prepared.

I found immense satisfaction in completing the A2 video assignment. This task demanded a blend of creativity and technical expertise, pushing me to devise an engaging narrative and design. The process was both challenging and rewarding, as it allowed me to synthesize the knowledge acquired throughout the course with practical application of technology and design skills. Additionally, one of the most enriching aspects of this assignment was the chance to observe and learn from the exceptional work of my peers, despite being asked to review only three videos. My curiosity led me to view every video, each showcasing remarkable talent and innovation.

Summary

In conclusion, I would rate my overall engagement in this course as an outstanding 10 out of 10 across all dimensions of class participation. Through my active participation in this course, I have gained the skills needed to incorporate technology into my pedagogical strategies and continuously update my knowledge and skills to keep my teaching relevant and effective in the digital age.

Thank you, Prof. Mae, for all your dedication, kindness, and guidance throughout this journey. Your exceptional mentorship has not only enriched my academic experience but also inspired me to pursue excellence in education.  I hope to see you again in another course.

[1] Fahy, P. J. (2015). In Earlier study guide for MDDE 620. Athabasca University