My Applied Digital Learning Journey

Growing Through Choice, Voice, and Authentic Learning
By Ayla Rightenour | Teaching in Bytes

Where I Started

When I started the Applied Digital Learning program, I knew I wanted to help my students learn and communicate better, but I didn’t have a clear direction yet. I only knew that our school was overwhelmed by too many apps, emails, and messages being scattered everywhere. I felt like there had to be a way to make things easier, but at the time, I didn’t know what that would look like.

This program gave me space to explore that problem instead of just rushing to solve it. That freedom was uncomfortable at first, but it also became the place where my thinking started to change.

The Moment Things Shifted

The turning point for me happened when I realized that I didn’t have to build something perfectly finished in order for it to be meaningful. School Sphere started with one simple idea: communication in schools should feel connected and clear. I didn’t have a full plan. I didn’t have a working model. I just had a purpose.

Once I understood that the project could grow over time, I stopped trying to force it into a neat box. I allowed myself to learn as I built it. That shift made everything else possible.

What I Built Along the Way

Each course added another piece to the bigger picture. Instead of separate assignments, this program helped me build something that actually connects back to my work and my school.

Innovation Proposal & Literature Review (EDLD 5305):

I defined the real communication problem and researched solutions that support clarity, consistency, and accessibility.

Organizational Change Strategy
(EDLD 5304):

I learned how to guide change by building trust and shared purpose instead of just pushing new tools.

Professional Learning Plan
(EDLD 5389):

I designed hands-on professional learning that lets teachers experience the value of School Sphere instead of just hearing about it.

Instructional Design Plan
(EDLD 5318):

I created a learner-centered structure using outcome-based planning to support real classroom use.

Media Project
(EDLD 5317):

I developed a podcast episode that tells the story of why School Sphere matters.

COVA Reflection
(EDLD 5320):

I documented how this program changed how I think, lead, and teach.

All of these pieces now live together as one connected project instead of separate coursework.

Highs and Lows of the Journey

There were moments where I felt confident and inspired, and there were times where I wasn’t sure if I could actually pull any of it together. Working in a Title 1 school means resources are limited and time is tight. Some weeks, progress felt slow.

But I learned that progress doesn’t have to be fast to be meaningful.

The most important thing I gained during this process was confidence in my own voice. I learned that I can design my own learning, my own tools, and my own direction. I don’t need a script to follow anymore.

What I Learned

Real change takes patience and steady steps

Reflection is part of growth, not something extra

Leadership means modeling curiosity, not perfection

Students respond when they are trusted to make choices

This program helped me see how learning happens when it is personal and purposeful. I used to worry about doing things the "right" way. Now I focus on doing them in a meaningful way.

Where I Am Now

School Sphere is still in the planning stage, and I’m okay with that. I have a clear vision, documented research, a leadership approach, a professional learning plan, and a design layout. I can communicate it with confidence now.

My next step is to share the concept with my principal and district technology team. My goal is to gather input, adjust where needed, and eventually look at pilot or grant possibilities.
Even if the timeline is slow, the purpose is steady.

What Comes Next

I plan to continue developing School Sphere and building authentic learning environments in my classroom where students have more ownership over how they show learning. I want to encourage creativity, problem-solving, and expression, especially in robotics and digital creation.

I also want to keep growing as a teacher who leads by modeling curiosity, flexibility, and reflection.

Visual Summary Timeline

References

Covey, S., McChesney, C., & Huling, J. (2012). The 4 Disciplines of Execution. Simon and Schuster.

Harapnuik, D., Thibodeaux, T., & Cummings, C. (2018). Choice, Ownership, and Voice Through Authentic Learning Opportunities. https://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=7291

Thomas, D., & Brown, J. S. (2011). A New Culture of Learning: Cultivating the Imagination for a World of Constant Change. CreateSpace.