I have selected the subtitle “A Journey of Discovery” for my portfolio because I believe educational experiences are journeys, and in the tradition of great travels, the journey is as important as arriving at the destination. The Educational Technology Program has helped me acquire skills in instructional and graphic design, improve my understanding and application of assessment techniques, and identify professional goals.
Thanks to my experiences in EDET 722 and 746, I am more comfortable collaborating to design instruction and have developed new competencies in working within a peer group. My experiences in EDET 722 and 735 have helped me identify the special needs of learners with a view to Universal Design, and helped me to appreciate simplicity. By following the ADDIE instructional design model, I have improved my ability to storyboard and plan instruction and other activities. In EDET 603 and 703, I learned how to animate, developed skills in recording and editing audio and video, and improved my graphic design sensibilities while gaining an even deeper appreciation for those skilled artists in my acquaintance. In EDET 709, I began to apply those newly-acquired technical skills and explored the implications of a variety of learning theories for the design and development of instructional materials.
In my final semester, I completed EDET 755 and 780, courses that required me to analyze and design research for application in business and educational environments. I read research on a variety of topics and utilized skills and information I acquired throughout the degree program to create online coursework. The work in my final semester demonstrates growth from my internship in EDET 650, when I was just beginning to apply the ADDIE design process and create instruction under the guidance of an instructor and mentor.
The artifacts I have selected for this portfolio are some of my favorite projects and activities from the past that are signposts along the path of my planned-for successes. In my current position I will have the opportunity to continue to evaluate the needs of learners, the goals of instruction, and re-design several of the products in response to identified needs and goals. I will also continue to work on my time management skills and plan to be well ahead of any deadlines.
Thanks to my experiences in EDET 722 and 746, I am more comfortable collaborating to design instruction and have developed new competencies in working within a peer group. My experiences in EDET 722 and 735 have helped me identify the special needs of learners with a view to Universal Design, and helped me to appreciate simplicity. By following the ADDIE instructional design model, I have improved my ability to storyboard and plan instruction and other activities. In EDET 603 and 703, I learned how to animate, developed skills in recording and editing audio and video, and improved my graphic design sensibilities while gaining an even deeper appreciation for those skilled artists in my acquaintance. In EDET 709, I began to apply those newly-acquired technical skills and explored the implications of a variety of learning theories for the design and development of instructional materials.
In my final semester, I completed EDET 755 and 780, courses that required me to analyze and design research for application in business and educational environments. I read research on a variety of topics and utilized skills and information I acquired throughout the degree program to create online coursework. The work in my final semester demonstrates growth from my internship in EDET 650, when I was just beginning to apply the ADDIE design process and create instruction under the guidance of an instructor and mentor.
The artifacts I have selected for this portfolio are some of my favorite projects and activities from the past that are signposts along the path of my planned-for successes. In my current position I will have the opportunity to continue to evaluate the needs of learners, the goals of instruction, and re-design several of the products in response to identified needs and goals. I will also continue to work on my time management skills and plan to be well ahead of any deadlines.
It has been almost overwhelming to review the variety of assignments I have completed in what seems like so short a period of time – a little more than two years! I have decided to retain my domain www.ShelbyESimmons.me, and I look forward to reflecting in five or ten years on my personal progress and the changes in technology during the period. I expect the day when students register domains in lieu of purchasing notebooks or foam presentation boards to arrive quickly!
My ultimate goals of research and program development are more realistic now that I am more aware of how to define and achieve instructional objectives and the characteristics of learners. As the field of education continues to explore new instructional methods and media, Educational Technology professionals and instructional designers will use new and existing technologies to personalize the educational experience of learners. I believe that, as is both usual and appropriate, k-12 education will be required to adapt to the new learning preferences of students and the skill and information requirements of employers around the globe. This program has prepared me to be a part of the evolution of education and the development of the instructor as a facilitator of information acquisition and development.
My ultimate goals of research and program development are more realistic now that I am more aware of how to define and achieve instructional objectives and the characteristics of learners. As the field of education continues to explore new instructional methods and media, Educational Technology professionals and instructional designers will use new and existing technologies to personalize the educational experience of learners. I believe that, as is both usual and appropriate, k-12 education will be required to adapt to the new learning preferences of students and the skill and information requirements of employers around the globe. This program has prepared me to be a part of the evolution of education and the development of the instructor as a facilitator of information acquisition and development.
