As I wrap up this course, I’ve been reflecting on the experience—not just what I created for my final project, but what I learned along the way, and how it’s reshaped the way I think about teaching, learning, and accessibility.
I started the course with a fair bit of confidence, especially around the technical aspects. I’ve had experience with LMS platforms like Brightspace, blogging, and creating interactive content with H5P. I thought, “Okay, I know my way around this stuff.” And while that was true to a point, what I quickly learned is that knowing how to use tools is different from knowing how to teach effectively with them.
What really excited me about this course was the focus on pedagogy. We weren’t just checking off a list of tech tools. We were diving into the “why” behind the design, the theories that support good teaching, and how to make learning meaningful for everyone.
One of the things I appreciated most about the course was how it modeled the kind of learning it was encouraging. The structure wasn’t top-down. It was collaborative, reflective, and built around student choice. We were invited to take responsibility for our own learning. That made a huge difference.
There was also a real sense of freedom in the assignments. We were able to pursue projects that were relevant to our own work and learning environments. For me, that meant creating a Brightspace tutorial using H5P, something I could use in a real-world context and that aligned with my own goals of increasing learner accessibility.
Another highlight for me was engaging with my peers. I want to take a moment to say how much I appreciated being part of everyone’s learning journey. Even though I didn’t reply to every blog post, I did read through many of them, and I found so much inspiration and insight in what others shared. It was encouraging to see the diversity of projects, perspectives, and approaches, and it helped me expand my own thinking.
Peer feedback was a challenge for me to be honest. Opening up your work for critique can feel vulnerable, and offering constructive feedback to others can bring up its own kind of self-doubt. But in the end, it was one of the most valuable parts of the course. Reading others’ work and offering feedback pushed me to reflect more critically on my own choices. Sometimes I found myself thinking, “Oh, that’s a great idea, I could incorporate that,” or, “That approach might work better than mine.” It created a space for growth that I didn’t expect, and I’m grateful for it.
So, thank you to everyone who made this course what it was. To all my peers, thank you for the blogs, the feedback, the ideas, and the vulnerability. Being part of this community of learners has made a lasting impression, and I’m excited to carry what I’ve learned into my future practice.
Hi Matthew – great video! I completely agree with your statement, “I didn’t feel like this Summary of Learning was something to check off a list, but more of a cumulation of synthesizing the content.”
Also – how did you make the character look just like you?!
I’m not sure of Animaker still allows custom characters, it may have been some thing grandfathered in as I’ve had an account for quite a few years
Sure, it was all about the journey and processes involved. I agree with you that the course helped model the kind of learning that a teacher would want in the classroom, focusing on how our pedagogies can be modified in an online space. You really nailed the point on the issue of accessibility with genuine intentions to remove barriers. Truly, the course is not about ticking boxes but designed to practically build our approach to designing online learning from the back-end perspective. Thanks for your deep reflection on your learning process.
Matt, your reflection really captured the spirit of EC&I 834 and the journey so many of us went through this semester. I appreciated how you tied together the personal growth and professional learning that happened along the way—it’s clear this course helped you build not just a prototype, but a whole new lens for approaching teaching and learning. Your willingness to embrace feedback, try new tools, and focus on learner needs really stood out.
One question I’d love to ask: What’s one element of your prototype that you’re most proud of, and why?
Great job wrapping everything up with such clarity and intention!
That’s a good question. The element I’m most proud of was troubleshooting the translator, finding a solution, and making the decision to move platforms, even though it was disruptive.
Hi Matt!! Your reflection is an exemplary capture of the spirit that this course provides. The shift from simply using tools to truly understanding how to design meaningful learning experiences with them is admirable. You have highlighted the importance of pedagogy and community, and your honesty about the vulnerability of giving and receiving feedback really resonated with me. Wishing you all the best as you continue to bring accessible and thoughtful learning to others!