Portfolio Samples

Defining Online and Blended Learning

For a decade, online and blended learning environments have been a big part of my teaching and learning experiences. Even before the pandemic, my students and I utilized various online learning technologies and platforms while working together in a traditional classroom environment. A blended learning environment allows learners to access course content at home using an online learning platform. Learners can also access a conventional classroom environment where face-to-face interaction and engagement with the instructor and their classmates support and facilitate independent distance learning. Students in today's classrooms utilize technology in almost every aspect of their daily lives and expect to expand upon these interactions in school. Conceição & Howles assert, "Value means a learning experience that is flexible, convenient, relevant, and affordable and that provides the skills needed to be a high functional member of the workforc...

Take Off! Ready for the Future!

My long-awaited choice to embark on a new career in learning design and technology is finally here! As a classroom teacher for the past seventeen years, I thought I would stay in the classroom forever. I loved working with students and finding creative ways to intertwine technology into their learning, and I enjoyed creating lessons that helped my students master curriculum standards. One of my last years of teaching was online in 4th grade. I jumped at the opportunity to be an online teacher because I spent the past five years studying and piloting various EdTech in my classroom as a Google Ambassador for my campus. Being an online teacher helped me realize my love of learning design. I researched ways to reach my students remotely using technology while also finding ways to make course content online engaging and relevant for my 4th graders. Learning designers help facilitate an environment that is most optimal to a student's needs because they can access learning from anywhere a...

My Future Aspirations in Becoming a Learning Designer

For the past 17 years, I have been a public-school teacher, and I loved teaching and working with students; however, I found my real passion in creating learning experiences for my class and learning new ways to engage and challenge my students. These interests led me to try new technology in my classroom and work with district partners to pilot new technologies with my students. While having this opportunity, I was also able to train and support other staff members who wanted to incorporate more technology into their lesson planning. After experiencing these teaching and learning experiences, I realized my passion was not only in exploring innovative teaching practices and technologies in my classroom but also in supporting others in my field and exploring these modern teaching methods collaboratively. These teaching and learning opportunities eventually led me to the realization that designing instruction, creatively working with technology, and supporting adult learners was my dream...

Natalie Walraven

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