Self Assessment
My initial year within the Learning, Design, and Technology program at The University of Georgia has been successful and motivating. As I continue to complete coursework and participate in various research opportunities, my fascination with the study of LDT and how it applies to a variety of contexts grows. Within my EDIT 2000 courses I always preach to my students that learning, design, and technology encompass all facets of life in one way or another. I have been fortunate to participate in research with the RoboSTEM research group at the University of Georgia with my advisor, Dr. Kim. I have contributed to collecting and analyzing data, recruiting participants, and revising research methodologies. While working with the RoboSTEM research group I contributed to data collection for a paper in review and two conference proposals. Additionally, I have gained relevant knowledge on how to structure my dissertation pilot study as a result of participating with this research team. I had the privileged of working with Dr. Kim, Dr. Rieber, and the Department of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences on a grant project to promote the integration of the Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE) Program into public school curriculums. I was able to observe and contribute to the design process of a prototyped intervention module and internalize many of the design thinking concepts Dr. Rieber introduces in the EDIT 8190: Design Studio course. Finally, I was able to write a conceptually paper focused on connecting computational thinking concepts and mathematics instruction.
The requirements of the program align with my ability to be a full-time student. Completing coursework and teaching while focusing on my research interests has been a fulfilling and challenging academic experience. I cherish the feedback provided to me by faculty members and fellow classmates. Attending and presenting at conferences has been an eye-opening endeavor. It allows me to articulate my research interest in a way that makes logical sense to individuals outside of our department. EDIT 9990: Foundations of LDT allowed me to gain confidence in writing the first article in which I have taken the lead on. I am pleased with the progress I made during this first year.
My advisor, Dr. Kim, encouraged and guided me through my initial year within the program. I have been provided a variety of opportunities in both research and practice to establish myself as a young researcher. I feel fortunate Dr. Kim makes time to meet with me on a regular basis and keeps me on track with my own research while probing me to strengthen my epistemological stances. I look forward to working with Dr. Kim to finalize my conceptual paper, make iterative changes to my pilot study design, and further our research within the RoboSTEM project. My research focus would not be clear without Dr. Kim and the rest of the faculty member’s support within the department, without them I would not feel as successful during this initial year.
I have aspiration of completing the program in four years. The program of study I have proposed will allow me to develop fully as a researcher and scholar, as well as refine my skills and knowledge of LDT and mathematics education. I hope to strengthen my knowledge of research methodologies over the course of this program by working with a variety of research groups. The possible cognates I have chosen consist of EMAT 8440: Critical Issues in Mathematics Education, EMAT 8020: Advance Study of Mathematics Teaching and Teacher Education, EMAT 7010: Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary School, ETAP 8420: Pedagogies of Teacher Education, and ETAP 8120: Social Constructivist Approaches to Understanding Classroom Motivation. This list of possible cognates will be narrowed down or evolve into electives as a result of committee confabulation. The additional EDIT electives I plan to take will expand my outlook of the field and strengthen my knowledge base of instructional technology.
I look forward to the next three years in the LDT program. I believe the course work and advisement received over my tenure at The University of Georgia will prepare me has as a qualified educational researcher and practitioner. I will be sure to carry and build upon the experiences and insights I have gained during my first year as I progress through the program.