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Not an Expert Yet: Continuing My Journey into Formal Evaluation

At the beginning of this course, I described the word “evaluator” as sounding very formal, almost like someone standing with a clipboard waiting to judge everything being done wrong. That was honestly how I viewed evaluation at first. I knew I had experience asking questions, building relationships, supporting projects, and helping teams stay focused, but I did not see those skills as formal evaluation skills. In my first self-assessment, I rated myself a 3 out of 6 because I felt I was not starting from zero, but thinking back, seven weeks ago, I really was closer to a 2 if I was being honest with myself. I had useful crossover skills, but I did not yet understand how to apply them within a formal evaluation process. At the end of this course, I would place myself at a 4 out of 6 as an evaluator. I am still not an expert, and I would not pretend to be one. However, I now have a clearer understanding of what evaluation actually requires. More importantly, I can see how my existing skil...

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The Future of Online and Blended Learning

The year 2035 may seem distant, but time moves quickly, and the future of online and blended learning will take many different forms. Its evolution will depend on several key factors, including the specific learning environment—whether K-12 education, higher education, or the corporate sector. Each setting presents unique challenges and opportunities that will shape the future of digital learning. From a global perspective, as seen in the challenges faced by Makerere University in Uganda (NTVUganda, 2022), the adoption of online and blended learning varies based on technological accessibility and government support. Additionally, the readiness of an organization or institution plays a crucial role. At its core, online and blended learning require a financial investment, which must be carefully considered when determining if it is the right direction (Simonson & Zvacek, 2019). Given my experience in the financial industry within the corporate sector, I will focus on how online and b...