The author reflects on completing their master's degree program at Ashford University. They were initially doubtful that they could succeed in an online program but have now realized how it has helped them grow as a student and future educator. The program inspired the author to continue learning and equipped them with knowledge of e-learning, technology in education, and skills like creating effective presentations. Through discussions and assignments, the author learned to consider different perspectives and communicate their ideas clearly. They would recommend Ashford University to others and are glad they pursued their degree to help inspire future students.

1. Reflection Paper 0
Capstone Reflection Paper
Ms. Latorya Hedgepeth
Ashford University

2. Reflection Paper 1
Billy Wilder an Austrian-born American motion-picture scenarist famously stated the
quote that “Hindsight is always twenty-twenty” (Wilder, 2011). This quote is hits very close to
home now that my time at Ashford University (AU) is drawing to a conclusion. I knew that the
process ahead would be difficult yet I was full of optimism and hope at the future that a master
degree would afford me for a chance to have a better life. I was not sure that I could succeed at
AU because all of my classes were held online and with students and instructors from around the
world needless to say this placed a lot of doubt in my head that I could even be a successful
student at AU. Now that my education at AU is over I realize how this process had made me a
better student and future educator and trainer. It has inspired me to continue learning and
improving daily for my education started at AU but it is only the beginning and not the end.
I came to attend AU by accident as that I had never considered pursuing my education
future than my undergrad degree which I received at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU). I
had dreams of pursing my political science degree by securing a government job and eventually
going to law school. Unfortunately I graduated at the start of the 2008 global financial meltdown
and with future job prospect dash and a bout with uterine cancer in the coming year all
culminated in epiphany that I did not want to be a lawyer or some worker bee stuck in a cubical
for the rest of my life. I wanted to make a difference and with my passion for history and civics
and with my natural tech savvy ability I decided to become a teacher and this help me make the
final push to attend AU and receive my MALT Teaching and Learning with Technology degree.
During my time at AU I learned a lot about myself and how to interact with other
students from around the world. I learned about e-learning, web 2.0, and other new and emerging
technologies that will shape how individuals will learn in the future. In having to compile several
of my works to place in my E-Portfolio I found it difficult to decide on just what to use as to best

3. Reflection Paper 2
show that I had master all the learning concepts and theories that AU had asked me to master. In
the end I decided to include several PowerPoint presentations that I created for several different
courses that demonstrate my mastery of creating effective trainings and understanding of how
students learn best with technology. While these presentations depict only a slim portion of what
I was able to learn here it most accurately portrays how far I have come as a student.
I can not underestimate the power that the written word has and I learned a lot through
the many online discussion board in each course. Every discussion pushed me to consider others
opinions and opposing theories each week and allowed me to use divergent thinking in order to
come up with possible new solution and ideas previous not in my current world view. The
written assignments as well pushed me to further my written communication skills and focus
them so that my point is clearly expressed and remained on topic. I find that it was the
culmination of the weekly discussion, textbook readings, and various assignments along with the
friendly and supportive teaching and administrative staff that helped me to reach my goals at AU
and I would recommend any one to attend. I know that what I have learned here will continue to
inspire me and the students that I someday hope to be teaching and for that I am glad that I
attended AU.

4. Reflection Paper 3
Bibliography
Wilder, B. (2011). Billy Wilder Quotes. Retrieved October 2011, from Think Exist:
http://thinkexist.com/quotation/hindsight_is_always_twenty-twenty/152958.html