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Surgical Technology Educators Program - S.T.E.P.
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Contributions to My Learning Community
Contributions to My Learning Community Self-Assessment Score: 95 Throughout this course, I have actively contributed to my learning community by engaging in discussions, revising my work based on instructor feedback, and connecting course concepts to my ongoing innovation initiative, STEP – The Surgical Technology Educators Program . After reviewing the self-assessment marking guide and reflecting on my participation throughout the course, I believe a score of 95 accurately r
Mar 144 min read


From Assignment to Ownership
When I first began the Applied Digital Learning program, I did not fully understand what it meant to have authentic ownership over my work. Coming from a clinical background without a formal degree in education, I often questioned whether I truly belonged in a graduate program focused on learning theory, instructional design, and leadership. That quiet uncertainty shaped my earliest innovation work. My initial innovation proposal focused on blended learning, not because it
Mar 94 min read


The Seven Survival Skills and the Future of Surgical Technology Education
In his influential talk, 7 Skills Students Need for Their Future , Tony Wagner (2009) argues that traditional education models are no longer aligned with the demands of the modern workforce. He identifies seven “survival skills” essential for success: critical thinking and problem solving; collaboration across networks; agility and adaptability; initiative and entrepreneurialism; effective oral and written communication; accessing and analyzing information; and curiosity and
Feb 222 min read


The Seven Essentials of Life Skills — And Why They Matter in STEP
The concept of the Seven Essentials of Life Skills — confidence, competence, connection, character, contribution, coping, and control, highlights the foundational attributes necessary for long-term personal and professional success (Optum, 2019). While often discussed in the context of child development, these essentials extend far beyond adolescence. They are leadership competencies. They are educator competencies. And they are urgently needed in surgical technology educati
Feb 222 min read


From Planning Innovation to Becoming an Innovator
As I reflect on the work I have completed on my innovation project, the most significant growth for me has been the development, and evolution, of the innovation plan itself. What began as a more conventional idea focused on blended learning ultimately shifted into something far more meaningful: a structured leadership and onboarding framework for surgical technology educators. That pivot happened when I recognized a significant and unmet need within my professional community
Feb 63 min read


Contribution to My Learning and the Learning Community
(Combined Reflection – EDLD 5313 & EDLD 5318) Numerical Score for EDLD 5313: 95 Numerical Score for EDLD 5318: 88 Completing EDLD 5313 and EDLD 5318 simultaneously strengthened my development as a self-directed learner and helped me bridge the gap between learning theory and instructional practice. Both courses supported the continued development of my STEP Program Director training model, and the synergy between them allowed me to deepen my thinking while applying new str
Dec 9, 20254 min read


EDLD 5303 Applying Educational Technology: ePortfolio - Final Compilation: Reflections on My Graduate Journey
My journey in the Applied Digital Learning (ADL) program has been one of transformation, innovation, and growth. As an educator and...
Mar 6, 20254 min read


A Guide for Transitioning into Leadership Roles as a Surgical Technologist:
A focused surgeon in the operating room prepares for a procedure, exemplifying professionalism and dedication to patient care. The role...
Mar 6, 20254 min read


The Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Surgical Technology Education
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly transformed many industries, and education, particularly surgical technology education is no...
Mar 6, 20253 min read


The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into higher education
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into higher education has become a focal point of discussion, particularly with the rapid...
Mar 5, 20253 min read


The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership and Its Impact on Faculty and Staff Satisfaction
Emotional intelligence (EI) has become a defining characteristic of effective leadership, particularly in higher education, where faculty...
Mar 5, 20254 min read


The Power of Voice in COVA Learning: My ePortfolio Journey
In the world of digital learning, personal expression plays a crucial role in shaping how we interact with knowledge, ideas, and...
Mar 5, 20254 min read


The Role of Feedforward in Leadership: A Personal Reflection
A dimly lit city street at night, featuring a prominent white arrow pointing forward, symbolizing direction and movement. Leadership is a...
Feb 26, 20255 min read


Embracing a Growth Mindset in Leadership
Leadership, at its core, is more about inspiring growth, shared visioning, and the building of dynamic trust-based communities of...
Feb 22, 20255 min read


Integrating Technology in The Classroom for The Digital Age
Traditional K-12 classrooms are undergoing a significant transformation as educators integrate technology to create dynamic learning...
Feb 16, 20254 min read


The Purpose of My ePortfolio: Enhancing Professional Development for Surgical Technology Educators
In the ever-evolving field of surgical technology education, program directors and educators play a crucial role in shaping the next...
Feb 16, 20254 min read


EDLD 5303: Exploring Digital Resources
In the early stages of the Applied Digital Learning (ADL) program, we are introduced to various digital tools designed to enhance our...
Feb 2, 202520 min read


The Journey of Building My ePortfolio for Surgical Technology Educators
Embarking on the journey of creating an ePortfolio has been a fascinating blend of challenges and rewards. I started this journey three...
Jan 25, 20257 min read


Reflection on Contributions to Learning and the Learning Community: EDLD 5304 & EDLD 5315
Reflecting on the course journey in EDLD 5315 and EDLD 5304 has been a valuable personal and professional development experience....
Dec 8, 20244 min read


Reflection: Self-Differentiated Leadership and Crucial Conversations in Organizational Change
As I consider my innovation plan to address the high turnover rate of surgical technology program directors, I recognize how critical...
Dec 3, 20243 min read
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