This semester, my learning journey in EC & I 834 felt like a voyage– not unlike Moana’s. As an Indigenous educator working in a remote Northern Ontario community, I often reflect on how our stories shape our understanding of ourselves and the world. Moana’s story- of reclaiming identity, listening to ancestral wisdom, and navigating uncharted waters—offered the perfect metaphor for my growth throughout this course. She became more than a character; she became a guide, reminding me of the importance of voice, connection, and courage in this course of online and blended learning.
When I had begun this course, I did have some familiarity about educational technology but hadn’t explored the creation of content or digital platforms for online learning. I was curious but uncertain as to how to do it. This course provided me with the framework to move from a slow familiarity which was quite passive at first to exploration and finally as a confident explorer, I was quite ready to set sail. Each week, I felt as if we were on a new course- brimming with ideas, with new tools for exploration and opportunities to reflect and gain confidence. The discussions on Zoom, the readings, especially in the first couple of weeks and our discord community helped me in creating a village of learners and educators who gave some terrific ideas which helped me a lot. This collaboration proved to be the backbone of my engagement.
At first, when we filled in our ADDIE template, it gave me a structure to start building my course with purpose and empathy. With Lumi and other H5P content, I allowed myself to experiment in designing something that would help my students’ diverse needs. My lessons became engaging and at times, I struggled to collect the data and give feedback. I started working on accessibility and it reminded me of Moana learning to sail, sometimes struggling and sometimes soaring, but always moving forward.
Our class community and blogs were two very important aspects of my journey. I set my voice as an educator who caters who a diverse set of Indigenous students and these reflections, in the form of blogs became their voice, alongside mine. I had done blogging before, in my previous course with Katia, but I became more confident in adding visuals, embedding links and sharing my voice, growing stronger, like Moana singing to the ocean. Peer feedback, whether on blog posts or on the course modules we had created- reminded me of the thoughtful considerations and challenges that lay beyond me, the Te Ka moments, where there are a number of obstacles but also a space to innovate. I learned to adapt the assessments, change my pedagogy according to the reading levels of my students and prioritize equity. There were so many resources that I read and used from our discord community that I have lost count of them. I thank each one of you for providing all the solutions to the problems I faced, before I came across them.
As I set to complete my Prototype, I can say that I have tried to do justice to what I set out to do, and that is to create a responsive and culturally relevant prototype that is designed to empower my students through storytelling and student voice. I approached this process with a heart, drawing inspiration from Moana’s courage and my students. My goal was to create something that restored identity, like Moana returning the heart of Te Fiti. In this process, technology, I realized, doesn’t replace traditional knowledge- it can be used to amplify it when used with care.
As I look ahead, I feel more confident in navigating and exploring tools that support Universal Design of Learning. I want students to see themselves reflected in their learning- not just consumers of content but as creators and carriers of knowledge. Moana’s journey taught me that knowing who we are shapes how we lead and how we teach.
In closing, I’m filled with gratitude—for Dr. Katia, my peers, and this course that helped me grow not just in skill, but in purpose. EC&I 834 reminded me that we are all wayfinders, especially when we teach with empathy, creativity, and cultural grounding. Mahalo for being part of this voyage.
I took one of the suggestions to heart about having music in my presentation and have made a small addition….of some background music..
What a powerful and heartfelt reflection. Your journey through EC&I 834 reads like a tapestry of growth, courage, and cultural grounding, and I felt genuinely moved by your connection to ‘Moana’. Using her voyage as a metaphor for your own learning and teaching was not only beautifully written, but deeply resonant especially considering the work you’re doing with Indigenous students in a remote Northern Ontario community. That grounding in story and spirit comes through so strongly in your work.
Your process with H5P and Lumi was so honest and real. Those first test emails, forgotten attachments, and learning PowerPoint together with your students are the moments that define true learning communities. I smiled at your phrase: “I’m Learnding!!” because honestly, that’s exactly the spirit of this work. We all are!
The attention you’ve given to accessibility like enabling self-enrolment and making space for all learners to feel included is the kind of quiet, intentional work that speaks volumes about your integrity as an educator.
Thank you for sharing your voyage with such humility, creativity, and courage. You’ve given so much not only to your students but to all of us who’ve been lucky enough to witness your process. Mahalo, and keep wayfinding you’re doing transformative work.
Thanks Adeaze!!The link to Moana came to me when we watched the two movies over the last couple of weeks and I did think that it blended just right in. I redid all the work I posted on my course content with a couple of children and realized how some instructions needed to change. It has been a voyage across many challenges but in the end, I think we learnt a lot!! And will keep “learnding” and improving!!
Thanks, your reflection was a refreshing read.
Your honesty about starting with curiosity and a bit of uncertainty really resonated. I think many of us felt like we were building the ship as we were sailing it, but it’s clear you found your rhythm. The way you leaned into ADDIE, experimented with Lumi and H5P, and adapted your approach to reflect the unique needs of your students shows a strong and thoughtful application of what we learned.
I especially appreciated your focus on student voice and cultural relevance. Storytelling can be such a powerful tool based in Indigenous ways of knowing/teaching, I like seeing it integrated into courses. Your commitment to ensuring students don’t just consume content but actively create and connect with it. And your insight that technology doesn’t replace traditional knowledge but can amplify it when used with care? That’s sentiment.
Also, shoutout to the “Te Ka moments”, we’ve all had those chaotic, fire-breathing days in the course . Glad to know I wasn’t the only one muttering at my screen trying to get an embed link to behave.
Thanks for bringing your voice to this community. Looking forward to seeing where your journey takes you next.
Thank you Matt!! There was a lot of soul-searching I did when I realized that the content I was teaching is not reaching out to all my students last year and I started making many changes since this last september. Integrating culturally relevant material has brought back voice to my class and students feel heard when I do it. I am also very compassionate to many of my students who come from uprooted backgrounds and so, have started developing identity and agency in my class.
I absolutely loved the way you framed your EC&I 834 journey through the lens of Moana’s story—what a creative and heartfelt way to reflect! It really shows how much this course helped us navigate unfamiliar waters and discover strengths we didn’t know we had. I related so much to your comment about stepping outside your comfort zone with technology; I felt the same way, especially when diving into LMS setup and digital storytelling.
Your growth is so evident, and I appreciate how honestly you shared your highs and hurdles. One question that came to mind as I read: How do you think you’ll carry that same adventurous, open mindset into other areas of your teaching beyond course design?
Thanks for sharing such an inspiring reflection!
Thanks Allysia!! I do think adapting the course and its content beyond the walls is something I am looking at and will focus on Indigenous student wellbeing in every aspect of what I do. That is going to be my focus. I am also intending to curating the curriculum to grade level with an emphasis on specific development of activities that show progression of skills.
This reflection is absolutely stunning—so heartfelt, poetic, and rich in purpose. Your metaphor of Moana’s journey is incredibly powerful and beautifully woven throughout. It speaks volumes about your growth, your courage, and your deep commitment to your students and their identities. Your voice as an Indigenous educator shines through with strength, authenticity, and care. Thank you for sharing your voyage with us—it’s truly inspiring. 🌊🌺💙
Thank you Sonia for your kind words!! It has been amazing to be part of this course and I have learnt a lot!! I reaize that being an Indigenous educator has a depth that links strength to adversity and your resolve to overcome challenges.
Aradhana, your reflection is absolutely beautiful—so poetic and powerful. Framing your learning journey through the lens of Moana was incredibly moving and fitting. The way you tied your growth with storytelling, cultural relevance, and student empowerment truly highlights the depth of your teaching philosophy. I especially appreciated how you spoke about restoring identity through education and how technology, when used with care, can amplify traditional knowledge rather than replace it. Your voice as an Indigenous educator shines brightly, and your commitment to equity, empathy, and culturally responsive teaching is inspiring. Thank you for sharing your heart and your voyage with us—mahalo, wayfinder. 🌺
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words—they truly touched my heart. 🌺 I’m so grateful that my reflection resonated with you. Framing my journey through Moana felt deeply personal, and I’m glad that connection came through. I carry a deep responsibility to honour culture, identity, and voice in the classroom, and your encouragement affirms that path. Mahalo for walking alongside me on this journey. 🌊✨
This was such a heart warming summary Aradhana! The blogging confidence gained, as you mentioned, shows itself throughout this entire post. With two Moana obsessed nieces I’ve seen both films quite a lot while baby sitting recently and must say you’ve chosen the perfect example of how it feels to journey into the vast seas of online/blended learning. It is an incredibly daunting task to take on, and you should be very proud for taking those first strides off the sandy beach and into the open water! Take what you’ve learned and sail on, there’s no telling how far you’ll go!
Thanks for your kind words Josh!! We, as a class, watch movies every friday afternoon once a month and moana just came to us last month. It was accidental that I started viewing her path as comparable to mine but it did help to draw parallels. I love her dignity and purpose alongside her strength. Thanks for being part of this journey!! I learnt a lot from the two of you, you and Rhett!!
This reflection is nothing short of beautiful Aradhana.
Your metaphorical connection to Moana’s journey is creative and incredibly meaningful. I appreciate your dedication to developing a culturally relevant course prototype and your courage to move from hesitant curiosity to confident creator.
You wove identity, culture, technology and storytelling into your reflection making you a wayfinder for your students.
Mahalo for inviting us on this incredible voyage. lol!.
Thank you Adedeyo!! I am not sure but I think that it was you who told me after my summary of learning to add music and I took that feedback and added a music bit there. I have attempted a culturally relevant Course prototype because I understand the erasure of culture from these kids lives and I am eager to reintroduce it in their lives, slowly but surely. Mahalo for being part of this journey!!
Thank you for sharing your journey. I agree with you that the class collaborations was the backbone of the course. I was privileged to be with you in a couple of those breakout rooms and you demonstrated initiative.
It is refreshing to know that from the beginning you aimed to design a responsive and culturally relevant prototype. It is more refreshing to know that you achieved that at the end of the course.
Well done and I wish you nothing but the best as you continue in your journey as an educator