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Introduction:

 

I applied for the MEd in Learning, Design, and Technology with a focus on research because I wanted the opportunity to learn more about the field and gain hands-on experience in research and design. I came with experience in a small community-focused non-profit as well as experience coordinating an education program at a large research university.

 

When I arrived at the University of Georgia, I met with my advisor and developed a plan to gain real-world experience in research and a strong foundation in LDT theories and methods. I complemented the core coursework of the MEd with additional courses in cognition and an EDIT 9990 seminar on assessing real-world problem solving. I assisted with two ongoing projects, both related to real-world problem solving: one with case-based learning in pharmacy and the other with developing leadership through community-engaged design for PhD students in STEM.

 

Coursework:

 

Spring 2016 - University of Florida

EME 6609  Instructional Design

 

Fall 2016 - University of Georgia

EDIT 9990 Assessing Real-World Problem-Solving

EDIT 9990 Foundations of LDT

EDIT 8990 Doctoral Seminar

EDIT 6190 Design Studio

EPSY 6800 Cognition and Education

 

Spring 2017 - University of Georgia

EDIT 8990 Doctoral Seminar

ERSH 6200 Research Methods in Education

ERSH 6300 Applied Statistical Methods in Education

EPSY 8180 Psychology in Learning and Education

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Summer 2017 - University of Georgia

EDIT 6600 Diversity, Technology, and Learning

EDIT 6500 Educational Video Production

EDIT 6400 Emerging Approaches in LDT

 

In my first semester, the foundations class (EDIT 9990) provided an opportunity to delve into seminal readings and learning theories, the design studio (EDIT 6190) provided hands-on experiences that gave me confidence while providing a deeper understanding of design thinking, and a seminar with Dr. Choi (EDIT 9990) gave me the opportunity to work with two third-year doctoral students to develop, design, and begin to implement an assessment artifact. Throughout the semester I focused on learning more about problem solving, collaboration, and complex thinking.

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Research:

 

Currently, I am a research assistant for Dr. Ikeson Choi assisting with two projects: Case-based Learning in Pharmacy, and Graduate Scholars, Leadership, Engagement, and Development (GS LEAD). Through these projects, I am gaining experience in coding qualitative data, completing a literature review, attending meetings with Co-PIs and SMEs, providing manuscript editing, and understanding what it takes to coordinate a research project. I enjoy the work and appreciate the opportunity to engage in research and learn from experience and observation.

 

I also have submitted a theory/concept proposal to the Design and Development division of the AECT for the 2017 conference.

 

Service:

 

I volunteered full time at the 2016 AECT conference and am an AECT member in the Graduate Student Assembly Division. I plan on continuing to volunteer part-time at upcoming AECT conferences so I can be of service and listen to the many helpful presentations.

 

I also assist with the Case-Based e-Learning Group, part of Research for the Advancement of Innovation in Learning (RAIL). I help manage our lab equipment and schedule, and am currently working on re-designing and updating our website. The website promotes the projects of the group, as well as the publications, awards, and presentations of individual members.  

 

Future Goals:

 

I want to continue to work with the Case-Based e-Learning group, and with the GS LEAD project. Ideally I will continue my research by obtaining a PhD in this field. I look forward to incorporating teaching into my work – with an assistantship to teach an undergraduate class and with co-teaching or assisting in graduate-level courses. I also plan on collaborating with other students on research, and on writing. Particularly, I would like to finish the assessment project I began with two other students in Fall of 2016 and complete a study to present at the AECT 2017 conference.

 

Related to my research interests, I want to create a module for historical thinking and narrow my focus to a specific field or profession, to begin testing it as a problem-solving model. I want to finish a conceptual paper on historical thinking as a problem-solving model as well, and get it published in an academic journal.

 

Additionally, I am interested in publishing for a more general audience, outside of academia, perhaps in a magazine or a blog. I enjoy the TechTrends columns, and would love to contribute to that magazine. I hope to also find time to get involved with community organizations that focus on political and social issues, because I believe that local involvement provides unique learning and teaching opportunities.

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Sample Positions:

 

Director, Media and Education Technology Resource Center

My experience managing a library and community space, working at the University of Florida’s library, running an educational professional development program, and my MEd and research experiences at UGA would all be relevant to this position. I like this position because I enjoy leading teams of people with different expertise and seeing the direct result of our hard work through the excitement of educators and students.

 

Assistant/Associate Professor in Technology, Innovation, and Pedagogy

For this position, I would have to continue my education to the PhD level. This position is a 9-month tenure track position, and under preferred qualifications "an ability to integrate critical perspectives and theories into students’ learning experiences" is listed. With my research agenda focused on real-world problem solving for social responsibility, and my experience and interest in advocacy work and social justice, this position would be ideal.

 

Assistant Professor, Digital Technology and Educational Change

This is also a 9-month tenure track appointment that would require a PhD. The focus of research is open, and several of the listed suggestions relate to my interests such as how youth reason, collaborate, and conduct inquiry.