Applied Digital Learning Journey Synthesis

My name is Kimberly Davis.  I am a speech pathologist turned compliance specialist. I started the Applied digital Learning program, as a way to get my masters and switch career fields. Along the way I learned so much about the program, picked up new skills and colleagues, and well just grew in totality

Where I Started:

In my first class of the program 5304, Leading Organization Change we had to choose our Why? Initially it started with me finding the need of special need kids and the gaps that we see after they graduate high school. Although I am still passionate about that, as I continued to a program I thought about my student “Eric”. Eric likes to talk to everyone he comes in path with. If I’m speaking honestly, no one knows what Eric says, just okay buddy or maybe we can understand one word. As a speech pathologist, I often wondered why there was no Augmentative and Alternative Communication device for “eric”.  As I would observe my students I saw the tremendous gaps. The students using AAC’s were often excluded or did not participate for various reasons. I became even more passionate for those students and my innovation plans and projects become how to implement AAC devices in a classroom.

Who Was Involved:

This journey has included my professors, my classmates, my family, and honestly my students and their families, especially the ones that I thought would benefit from my plans.

The Highs and Lows of the Learning Process:

Highs? Seeing everything finally click, building my innovation plan around AAC integration, and realizing I could turn my own experiences into something powerful. Lows? The moments of doubt, the overwhelming workload during tough personal times, and the days where active learning felt like too much emotional labor. I would always say im not technologically advanced. I spent hours and time crying over how to make things work not realizing I overcomplicated something very simple. As silly as that may sound. I now look back at that low, because the hours it took for me to do something now takes roughly 5 minutes.

How I Felt Throughout the Process:

Throughout this ADL process, it was definitely mixed feelings. I have felt excited, frustrated, empowered, stressed, but mostly proud. Every new assignment reminded me that learning doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.

What I Have Created:

I’ve created a full AAC innovation plan, a multi‑year implementation roadmap, research‑based solutions, professional development frameworks, and an ePortfolio that reflects who I am as a learner and leader. Wow, I didn’t even realize I did all that until I see it written out!

What I Have Accomplished (Course Goals):

I’ve pulled COVA, CSLE, learning theory, instructional design, and even measurement strategies to shape how I learn and lead. Throughout the program, I’ve designed blended learning experiences, created authentic assessments, and made sure everything actually connects to real work, not just theory. A lot of my choices were grounded in what I do every day in SPED and AAC, so it never felt disconnected from reality. I also leaned on leadership frameworks to help me think about how change happens on a campus or across a district. All of these pieces worked together to push me to be more intentional, more reflective, and honestly more confident in my practice. It’s been a whole journey of blending what I know with what I’m still growing into.

What Worked:

Looking back at my experience in the ADL program, I can honestly say a lot has worked well for me, especially the parts where I had full ownership over my learning. The COVA approach pushed me to stop waiting for permission and start creating real solutions that matter, like my AAC innovation plan. What worked the most was the freedom to design, implement, and reflect in a way that connected directly to my daily work. (Torres, 2013) talks about how great leaders “shape their future rather than reacting to it,” and that mindset lined up perfectly with how I approached my projects in this program.

What I Could Do Better:

If I could do anything better, it would be managing the pacing of my writing and collecting stakeholder input earlier. I sometimes waited too long to pull in teachers, paraprofessionals, or families, even though they’re the ones living the day-to-day realities of AAC implementation. I honestly can admit I may have waited a little bit too long to complete assignments. Torres emphasizes that leaders need the courage to “step into the unknown” and stop relying on old patterns. For me, that means letting go of the idea that I have to perfect something before sharing it. Collaboration earlier in the process would’ve made my work even stronger. What I could’ve done better is trust my ideas sooner instead of waiting for validation.

What Lessons I Have Learned:

The biggest lesson I learned is that leadership is not about doing more but moreso about doing differently. The ADL program taught me to be intentional, reflective, and strategic. (Torres, 2013) asks leaders to consider, “Where are you looking to anticipate change?” For me, it’s in how technology can reshape SPED services, especially AAC access, communication equity, and teacher readiness. This field evolves fast, and I’ve learned to look ahead. That can be done by anticipating shifts in assistive technology, district compliance expectations, and the way digital tools can help nonverbal students communicate.

Where I Am Now:

I’m finally in a place where everything feels connected. My work, my why, and the bigger vision I’m building toward finally line up in a way that makes sense. It feels like the fog has lifted, and I can actually see where I’m going. There’s confidence and clarity here that I didn’t have before, and it feels good to move with purpose now.

What I Plan to Do Next:

My next move is to take my AAC implementation plan and bring it to life across the entire campus. I want to build out more training so teachers, paras, and families feel confident using the devices every day. I’m also planning to refine my action research so the data actually tells the story of student growth. Strengthening my personal learning network is a big part of this too, because the more I stay connected, the better I get. And of course, I’m still shaping my ePortfolio into a professional home I’m genuinely proud of. It’s all about creating something sustainable, meaningful, and ready for real impact.