To the UTRGV M.Ed. Educational Technology Faculty,
Prior Experiences
After graduating from college in 2013, I found myself at a crossroads, unsure of the direction I wanted to take in my career. Initially, I had pursued an undergraduate degree to become a physical therapist, but by the end of the program, I realized that path wasn’t the right fit for me. To give myself more time to figure out my next steps, I accepted a position as a College Advisor through Texas A&M University. I was assigned to two high schools in the Rio Grande Valley, where I developed a passion for working with students and collaborating with coworkers and university recruiters. Over two years, I discovered that my passion for serving students and my organizational skills made teaching a natural next step. This experience was the catalyst for my career in education, and I haven’t looked back since. I found my calling in serving my community as an educator, and with the completion of a Master of Education in Educational Technology, I believe my role can expand even further. After graduation, I plan to pursue a position as an instructional designer for an educational institution or company, where I can support a broader range of learners and help increase their capacity to produce critical thinkers and problem solvers.
Program Experiences
One of my favorite courses in the EdTech program was EDTC 6323: Multimedia Principles. I gained a deep understanding of Mayer’s Multimedia Principles and learned how critical it is to design lessons that avoid overwhelming students’ cognitive load. The projects in this course allowed me to directly apply these principles to my instructional materials. As I reflected on some of my past lessons, I realized that I had unintentionally contributed to cognitive overload for my students. This prompted me to revisit and revise my Chemistry and IPC lessons, implementing multimedia, contiguity, coherence, signaling, and modality principles to improve the learning experience for future learners.
Another standout course was EDTC 6341: Self-Directed Learning, which emphasized the importance of student-centered learning. I had the opportunity to experience self-directed learning firsthand by mapping my learning path for the course. It was empowering to take ownership of my education, and I thoroughly enjoyed the Ubiquitous Learning and Instructional Technologies course I completed on Coursera as part of this journey. I collaborated with peers, discussing effective technologies for various learning contexts through discussions and peer review. Although I enjoyed this self-directed approach, it required a great deal of self-discipline and a strict routine to stay on track and meet the deadlines I had set.
In EDTC 6321: Instructional Design, I was introduced to the ADDIE model, and although I initially felt overwhelmed by its complexity, the course’s structured breakdown of each phase made the process manageable. By the end of the course, I had successfully created my first instructional unit, which felt like a major achievement and affirmed my choice to pursue this program. I have since adopted the ADDIE model as my preferred approach to instructional design due to its comprehensive nature and flexibility across different learning environments.
The e-learning module I developed in EDTC 6325: Educational Communications was a pivotal project that required me to plan and build an instructional solution from the ground up. This experience allowed me to tackle every aspect of the design process, from identifying instructional problems to assessing learner needs and evaluating outcomes. This project significantly expanded my skills, and by the end, I was surprised by how much I had learned and achieved.
EDTC 6351: Web-Based Multimedia in Instruction also resonated with me. The course projects allowed me to explore a variety of tools, such as Canva for creating infographics, Screenpal for screencasting, and Powtoon for video creation. My proficiency with these tools grew throughout the program, and I’m proud of the progress I’ve made in creating engaging multimedia materials.
Lessons Learned
Reflecting on the past nine months in the EdTech program, I see substantial growth in both my skills and knowledge. Comparing my work from the beginning to now, the progress is undeniable. One key lesson I’ve learned is the value of thoughtful planning when designing instructional solutions, particularly through the ADDIE model. As a classroom teacher, I was accustomed to creating lessons on the fly, often under tight time constraints. However, completing each phase of the ADDIE model has shown me the benefits of careful, deliberate design. I now appreciate the evaluation phase as a crucial step in refining instructional materials, and I’ve come to value feedback from subject matter experts and peers as a way to improve my work.
Additionally, I’ve learned the importance of research-backed educational theories in instructional design. Concepts like constructivism, experiential learning, the zone of proximal development, and Mayer’s multimedia principles have become central to my approach. I’ve come to realize that effective instructional design must be grounded in these theories to create meaningful, student-centered learning experiences. This insight has influenced not only my instructional design projects but also my lesson planning as a teacher. I am now much more intentional about presenting content in ways that minimize cognitive overload and maximize student engagement.
One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned throughout the program is the importance of balancing professional, academic, and personal life. As a full-time classroom teacher with a demanding schedule, I often felt physically and mentally exhausted after work. However, I committed to dedicate time each evening to my studies. During the spring and summer modules, I managed to establish a routine, but the challenges intensified during Fall 2024 Module 1 when I encountered health issues and dealt with significant changes at my school district due to a state takeover. Despite these obstacles, I persevered, and I am immensely grateful for the support of my family, peers, and professors, who helped me successfully complete the program.
To those considering this program, I encourage you to take the plunge and embrace the journey. The EdTech program offers countless opportunities to explore innovative technologies and instructional design practices, and although it may be challenging at times, the growth and satisfaction you will experience are well worth the effort.
Future Goals
Earning a Master’s degree has been a goal of mine since I began teaching in 2015. However, I struggled to find the right program that aligned with my passions and career goals. I had nearly accepted that this goal might remain out of reach but, in a conversation with a friend who served in her hometown’s school board about transitioning out of the classroom, the topic of educational technology came up. My curiosity was instantly sparked. I went home that day, started researching programs and job prospects, and the more I learned about UTRGV’s EdTech program, the more I realized it was the perfect fit for my interests and professional aspirations. With the support of my family, I took the plunge—and what a rewarding journey it has been!
While I still need to complete one more course for my E-Learning certificate, my future plans involve securing an instructional designer position within an educational institution where I can apply the knowledge and skills I’ve gained throughout this program. I am confident that, with my advanced education and certifications, I will find a role where I can help create impactful learning experiences and contribute to the advancement of instructional practices. Until then, I am committed to continually improving my instructional design skills and applying the wealth of knowledge I have acquired over the past nine months.
In closing, I am incredibly proud of myself for pushing past doubts and completing this Master’s program. Despite feeling overwhelmed at the beginning and even thinking, “There’s no way I can do this,” the program provided appropriately challenging and practical applications of instructional design and educational technology that I know I will carry into my professional work for years to come.
Sincerely,
Megan Arellano