Self-Assessment
My first year in the LDT doctoral program has been exciting and a little scary. The coursework has given me an opportunity to explore my research interests and think critically about my focus. My advisor, Dr. Nancy Knapp, has been a supportive and guiding voice as I work to find my place in the field. She has given me opportunities to assist with her grading, as well as collaborating on a Teacher Quality Grant that has since been accepted. My assistantship has also allowed me to work with Dr. Kopcha and the LDT faculty in redesigning and marketing the LDT Masters and Specialist programs.
Coursework
My coursework has helped me explore and focus my research interests while connecting them to theory and research literature. EDIT 9990 with Dr. Hill expanded my knowledge of seminal theories in the field, while EDIT 9990 with Dr. Kopcha helped to refine my research focus on quality online professional development.
EDIT 8190 has offered some insightful readings and opportunities to work with design tools. Dr. Rieber has been flexible in letting us choose design tools that interest us rather than being limited to a set group of tools presented in the class. EDIT 8990 has given me insight into what it means to be not only a doctoral student, but a scholar in the field, as well as what to expect from myself, my professors, and the program. Sometimes looking so far ahead can be overwhelming, but it is necessary.
Research
I am still in the early stages of research. My interest has changed, and I have only recently been able to clarify my focus on quality online professional development My first opportunity in this area was collaborating with Dr. Knapp on the 2016/2017 Teacher Quality Grant application which has been accepted. Since we now know this have been accepted, I look forward to working with her on that in the coming year. This work will allow me to develop and deliver online professional development to media specialists across the state.
Assistantship
The opportunity to have an assistantship has allowed me to work closely with the LDT faculty and another doctoral student to redesign and market the LDT Instructional Technology Masters and Specialist programs with a focus on the K-12 teacher. My experience as a student in the Specialist program gave me insight in what worked and what could be improved. This work allowed me to present a poster at SITE about our redesign process.
Other Thoughts
The idea of getting my PhD has been in the back of my mind for a number of years, but now it is becoming a reality. Some days I still cannot believe I quit my job and came here. On those days, I also step back and make it a point to appreciate this awesome opportunity. There have been struggles, but Dr. Knapp, other LDT faculty, and my classmates are always right there encouraging and supporting me. I know I am where I belong, and I want to make the most of this experience.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, I plan to focus on the following:
Coursework
My coursework has helped me explore and focus my research interests while connecting them to theory and research literature. EDIT 9990 with Dr. Hill expanded my knowledge of seminal theories in the field, while EDIT 9990 with Dr. Kopcha helped to refine my research focus on quality online professional development.
EDIT 8190 has offered some insightful readings and opportunities to work with design tools. Dr. Rieber has been flexible in letting us choose design tools that interest us rather than being limited to a set group of tools presented in the class. EDIT 8990 has given me insight into what it means to be not only a doctoral student, but a scholar in the field, as well as what to expect from myself, my professors, and the program. Sometimes looking so far ahead can be overwhelming, but it is necessary.
Research
I am still in the early stages of research. My interest has changed, and I have only recently been able to clarify my focus on quality online professional development My first opportunity in this area was collaborating with Dr. Knapp on the 2016/2017 Teacher Quality Grant application which has been accepted. Since we now know this have been accepted, I look forward to working with her on that in the coming year. This work will allow me to develop and deliver online professional development to media specialists across the state.
Assistantship
The opportunity to have an assistantship has allowed me to work closely with the LDT faculty and another doctoral student to redesign and market the LDT Instructional Technology Masters and Specialist programs with a focus on the K-12 teacher. My experience as a student in the Specialist program gave me insight in what worked and what could be improved. This work allowed me to present a poster at SITE about our redesign process.
Other Thoughts
The idea of getting my PhD has been in the back of my mind for a number of years, but now it is becoming a reality. Some days I still cannot believe I quit my job and came here. On those days, I also step back and make it a point to appreciate this awesome opportunity. There have been struggles, but Dr. Knapp, other LDT faculty, and my classmates are always right there encouraging and supporting me. I know I am where I belong, and I want to make the most of this experience.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, I plan to focus on the following:
- Focusing and refining my researchable questions about quality online professional development
- Becoming more knowledgeable in the literature on technology, design, and integration in general and its uses for and the subject of professional development in particular
- Working closely with Dr. Knapp on the development and delivery of the online professional development funded by the Teacher Quality grant
- Publishing at least one article focused on online teacher education and/or professional development
- Continue my involvement in professional activities that benefit me, my scholarship, and the academic community; For example, I plan to attend and have presentations proposed for AECT and GAETC in the fall