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Welcome to my Master of Art in Educational Technology (MAET) Showcase! This page showcases my growth and development during my graduate level courses at Michigan State University (MSU). Though I initially was a candidate of the Master of Art in Special Education, my transition to the MAET Program has allowed me to redefine my love for education. I have been challenged and encouraged to be more intentional and to realign with my teaching philosophy.
The artifacts that I chose for my Showcase fall into three categories: Technology, Service, and Education and Learning. These topics highlight the main areas I focused on during this program. The artifacts below have shaped my perspective and given me useful tools to bring into my teaching.
Technology
Technology
My Educational Technology coursework has directly shaped my teaching. I use Nearpod to engage students in solving linear equations with interactive tools and real-time feedback, a strategy I refined through my studies. I also apply instructional design principles from my coursework to enhance Google Slides, creating digital seating charts, schedules, and structured learning activities. These tools improve organization, accessibility, and student engagement, making my classroom more interactive and effective.
TPACK and the Art of Sandwich-Making: A Lesson in Adaptability and Innovation
During this project, I applied critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability as I tackled my professor's challenge to integrate TPACK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge) into the process of making a sandwich. Initially, I struggled to connect technology with sandwich-making, but I leveraged analytical reasoning to break down the task and explore its deeper implications. This experience reinforced my ability to think creatively, adapt to unexpected challenges, and use resourcefulness to develop alternative solutions—skills that are essential for both educators and students navigating technology-enhanced learning environments.
Enhancing Math Instruction with Interactive Technology: Engaging Students Through Nearpod
Through my Educational Technology coursework, I developed skills in interactive lesson design, formative assessment, and differentiated instruction. I apply these by using Nearpod to engage students in solving linear equations through virtual manipulatives, interactive slides, and real-time quizzes. This allows for instant feedback and targeted support, ensuring students develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. You will be able to preview the lesson by toggling through the images to your left.
Optimizing Classroom Management with Google Slides: Enhancing Organization and Engagement
Leveraging my expertise in instructional design and digital accessibility, I have optimized Google Slides as a dynamic tool for classroom management. By integrating digital seating charts, interactive small group schedules, and embedded break timers, I enhance organization, facilitate smooth transitions, and support student self-regulation. This approach demonstrates my proficiency in technology integration, visual design, and accessibility while fostering a structured, student-centered learning environment that maximizes efficiency and engagement.
Service
Service
My Master’s coursework has directly influenced my service at Nolan Elementary-Middle School, where I apply trauma-informed teaching, adaptive learning platforms, and data-driven instruction to support students facing academic and social challenges. As a flag coach (2022-2024), I used video analysis and digital collaboration—strategies from my graduate studies—to enhance performance, just as I use technology to refine instruction in the classroom. Whether through tutoring via FaceTime or leveraging social media for engagement, my experiences in coaching and teaching reflect my commitment to using technology for mentorship, equity, and student success.
Full Circle: Empowering Students Through Technology and Trauma-Informed Teaching
One of the most impactful aspects of my teaching journey has been applying my expertise in educational psychology, technology integration, and data-driven instruction directly in my classroom at Nolan Elementary-Middle School—the same school I once attended as a student. Since returning as an educator in 2021, I have navigated significant demographic shifts that have exacerbated academic deficiencies, trauma, and exposure to violence, making learning more challenging for many students.
Through trauma-informed teaching, I foster a supportive environment that acknowledges students' experiences while maintaining high academic expectations. My proficiency in adaptive learning platforms enables me to differentiate instruction, using technology to create personalized, engaging learning experiences that strengthen both academic proficiency and digital literacy. Additionally, my analytical skills allow me to interpret student data, identify learning gaps, and adjust instruction to provide targeted support.
Despite these challenges, I remain steadfast in my commitment to leveraging technology, research-backed strategies, and innovative pedagogy to create equitable learning experiences. While the school may have changed since my time as a student, my mission remains the same: to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed.
0937A110-5123-43A0-92AC-5DC8CD4038D2.mov**You will find the flag feature at 3:33.
Bridging Athletics and Education: Coaching, Technology, and Service in Action
Being a flag coach from 2022-2024, while simultaneously pursuing my Master’s in Educational Technology at MSU, allowed me to integrate technology, leadership, and service in both athletics and education. As a Cass Technical High School alumna and former flag team member (2010-2013), coaching was my way of giving back to the community that shaped me while applying the skills I developed in my graduate studies.
We used video recordings to refine routines—first capturing the original choreography, then making edits based on performance feedback, and finally showcasing the final polished routine at competition. This process mirrors how technology supports student learning, allowing for reflection, revision, and mastery over time. Additionally, we had to modify the routine for only two performers, demonstrating adaptability—just as I differentiate instruction in the classroom to meet diverse student needs.
Beyond coaching, I also used FaceTime to tutor team members in math, reinforcing the power of technology for real-time, personalized learning. Our use of Instagram to highlight team progress fostered engagement and motivation, much like how I leverage digital tools in the classroom to enhance student participation. Balancing coaching with my graduate coursework deepened my ability to use technology for collaboration, performance analysis, and instructional support, while also fulfilling my passion for mentorship, service, and educational innovation.
Education and Learning
Education and Learning
My transition from in-person to fully online graduate courses at Michigan State University deepened my understanding of hybrid learning and instructional design. I apply these insights by integrating technology-driven lessons, flexible learning strategies, and intentional information design to enhance student engagement. A slideshow I created on effective design principles—balance, contrast, and accessibility—remains a valuable resource for educators, reinforcing the impact of clear communication in both digital and in-person learning. By combining research-based strategies with adaptable instruction, I create equitable, student-centered experiences that meet learners where they are.
Michigan State University's College of Education: https://education.msu.edu/about
Adapting to Digital Learning: Navigating Online and Hybrid Education
When I first began my studies at Michigan State University, my undergraduate courses were fully in person. Over time, they transitioned to hybrid, and by graduate school, my coursework was entirely online. Navigating this shift required me to apply adaptability, self-regulation, and digital literacy—the same skills my students must develop in their own learning journeys.
The evolving landscape of education has reinforced the importance of intentional instructional design, flexibility, and effective technology integration to support diverse learning environments. Through strategic lesson planning and digital tool implementation, I have developed instructional materials that ensure clarity, engagement, and accessibility in hybrid and online settings. Here is a lesson that I created to provide instruction for hybrid and online classes.
How Does Online Learning Really Work?: https://michiganvirtual.org/blog/how-does-online-learning-really-work/
As online learning becomes an integral part of education, it is crucial to apply critical analysis, instructional design, and technology integration to understand its impact on both teaching and learning. While technology continues to reshape the classroom experience, evaluating the strengths and limitations of both online and in-person instruction is essential.
In this blog, I applied research, digital pedagogy, and strategic planning to propose a balanced approach that leverages the benefits of both digital and face-to-face learning. By integrating accessibility, engagement strategies, and flexible instructional methods, I advocate for a more comprehensive, inclusive, and effective education for all students.
Striking the Balance: Integrating Online and In-Person Learning for Student Success
Mastering information design and visual communication is essential for presenting content in a clear, engaging, and accessible way. To demonstrate these skills, I developed a slideshow presentation that applies principles of layout design, typography, and user experience to enhance comprehension.
In this presentation, I showcased key design concepts such as balance, alignment, contrast, proportion, repetition, and font selection, ensuring that information is both visually appealing and easy to understand. By incorporating real-world examples of both effective and ineffective designs, I applied critical analysis and instructional design to illustrate how intentional design choices directly impact learning and digital communication.
Essential Educator’s Resource Binder: Supporting All Students with Fidelity
Effectively presenting content requires expertise in information design, visual communication, and instructional design to ensure clarity and engagement. To demonstrate these skills, I created a slideshow presentation that applies design theory, user experience principles, and accessibility standards to enhance content delivery.
This presentation highlights key design concepts such as balance, alignment, contrast, proportion, repetition, and font selection, showcasing my ability to analyze, structure, and optimize visual information for better comprehension. By incorporating real-world examples of both effective and ineffective designs, I utilized critical thinking, digital literacy, and audience-centered communication to illustrate how intentional design choices improve learning outcomes in both education and digital communication.
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