Self Assessment

​Performance


I’ve come a long way during my first year as a doctorate student in the Learning, Design, and Technology program.  Like many graduate students, I entered into the program with a vague idea of what I was interested in, and unable to articulate how my interests would shape my future research.  When I was first asked the infamous question of “what are your research interests,” I was intimidated, to say the least.  As my advisor, Dr. TJ Kopcha will confirm, I had extremely broad interests. I’m pleased to say that I am beginning to narrow down my focus, thanks to the faculty and the collaborative nature of our LDT program. 

​

I’ve worked with my advisor to submit a proposal to AECT regarding flipped classrooms.  While it may not be a major milestone, I consider the submission to be a step forward on my research journey.  My graduate assistantship has also helped my performance in the program.  My work in the GA position has allowed me to consult with other school districts regarding technology, effective learning strategies, and 21st century skills.

​

​

​Expectations


The University of Georgia is a research-intensive school.  The faculty, likewise, has made great advances in our field with their research.  When I first came into the program, I did not know what to expect in terms of research.  Even at this point, I struggle with deciding between teaching and research as a future career path.  My intentions are to be closely connected with urban educators in some capacity.  If I will be able to conduct research in these settings, I would gladly take the opportunity.  The faculty is preparing the students of the LDT program to become robust, prepared researchers.  I appreciate the time and energy spent into helping everyone enrolled in the program gain a solid research background. 

​

I expected more outreach between our program and some of the struggling, local schools.  I still manage to consult with local K-12 schools, but only through my assistantship.  In the future, I would like to see more of our LDT students observing and contributing to schools in the area. 

​Coursework


I’ve been satisfied with my coursework and projected path in my area of study.  I would like to see more of a focus on K-12 teaching and learning in my classes, however.  Also, I would have preferred if the University of Georgia had elective courses pertaining to urban education.  I would like to learn more about the struggles of urban educational environments, social justice concerns, and solutions to the perceived problems.  I have been in discussion with faculty from the educational foundations department, where there exists overlap between social justice concerns and urban education.  Also, since my background is not in learning, design, and technology, I believe it would have been beneficial to take a learning theories class during my first year.  My current courses assume a level of understanding regarding learning theory.  In response, I have been independently learning about the different theories in our field.  The independent research has actually helped me to narrow down my research interests.  Overall, I appreciate how the free structure of the LDT program allows me to develop my own, unique learning path.​