Dear Educational Technology Faculty,
My name is Mary Hollars and I am excited to share my journey with you. My journey started in 2000, with the beginning of pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. Unfortunately, life took a turn and my learning was put on hold. It wasn’t until 2009 that I was able to continue my learning journey. I had found a new passion in education and decided to pursue a degree in Early Childhood through 6th grade. Before and during attending school, I gained experience in emergency dispatch and retail management. I eventually graduated in 2013 from Stephen F. Austin’s online degree program with a degree in education and began working for a local school district. I have previously taught second and third grade. Currently, I am in my eighth year with the district and my third year as a fifth-grade science teacher. During my first seven years as a teacher, I experienced many changes with one being the increase of technology use in the classroom. I have always enjoyed working with technology in the classroom, but this experience brought out a new passion. In the last few years, my district has motivated us to use different applications and programs in the classroom. Meetings have consisted of self-paced modular training for various applications such as Canvas, Google Applications, Flipgrid, and Youtube. This encouragement is what led me to realize I have a passion for technology and my decision to pursue a Master's Degree in Educational Technology with certificates in E-Learning, Technology Leadership, and Online Instructional Designer. I have always been passionate about learning, whether in college or in development courses that have helped me to obtain new information.
My second module introduced me to the importance of research in education, collaboration, and good leadership in Instructional Technology. EDTC 6320 was a good starting point for me in understanding the true meaning of Educational Technology. My peers and I researched and collaborated together on a presentation that detailed the history of Educational Technology, the pursuant of the education involved, and potential job prospects. We worked together as a collaborative team to develop an instructional solution to a proposed problem and creating the final product to be presented. I began the development of my e-portfolio and LinkedIn profile. I also had the opportunity to join a professional association called TCEA, Texas Computer Educator Association, and discover the potential of future learning opportunities through their association. My second module also contained EDTC 6321, Instructional Design. I was introduced to a reliable model for developing instructional units. The ADDIE model has suited me well in many courses when developing projects or institutional units. The module was spent developing four different parts of an entire instructional unit, starting with researching the target audience and finalizing the product with a summative evaluation. I refer back to my first developed instructional unit when needed, to encourage myself to continue to learn and grow.
My third module consisted of EDTC 6323, Multimedia/Hypermedia. This course allowed me to reference the ADDIE model once again and the development of a reusable learning object. I experienced the development of a design document report, which included the development of a budget, honing skills on developing performance objectives, and an evaluation for learners to complete after completing the lesson. This was my first time developing a platform to house an instructional unit entirely on my own. Prior to this course, the only time I had used Google Sites to house an instructional unit was in 6320 with a small group.
In June of 2021, I began EDTC 6351 Web-Based Multimedia in Instruction. We started with the creation of an Infographic. I enjoyed researching the information needed and putting it all together in a readable format. This then leads to creating a multimedia-rich microlearning object. I started with the creation of a storyboard, mapping out the narration for the microlearning object, screenshots that would model sections of the object, and creating a timestamp of how long each part of the microlearning object would take. Our objective was to include pertinent information for our learners to accomplish the learning goal, rehearse the lines so that when creating the video it would flow smoothly, and have the total time to complete the microlearning object in between three to five minutes.
The Fall of 2021 was spent completing EDTC 6332, with a focus on identifying an instructional need, developing an instructional solution, developing and organizing a platform, developing instructional resources and assessments, and evaluating the final product. The instructional solution I developed was to assist new educators or returning educators to our district in using Canvas for learning in the classroom. Many of my new fellow educators were needing assistance in using Canvas and did not have the opportunity to attend training before the start of school. The instructional solution provides them with the opportunity to obtain skills in utilizing Canvas in the classroom at a time and date that is most convenient for them.
Overall, I learned the importance of time management, identifying instructional needs, collaboration, guidelines on the development of instructional solutions, and evaluation. As a Graduate student, the possibility of added responsibilities can play a factor in the completion of projects. Most instructional units require appropriate time commitments to ensure goals are being met. While most are online and self-paced the time dedication behind the development of these instructional units can be demanding. Future graduate students must be prepared to reorganize schedules and evaluate timeframes to make necessary adjustments to ensure success in learning.
To begin any instructional unit, one must follow the ADDIE model. The ADDIE model outlines the steps by adequately identifying an instructional need, designing a strategy to address that need, developing an instructional solution, implementing and evaluating the solution before releasing it to all learners. Once you have identified your instructional need, develop a way to get to know your target audience. Your instructional solution needs to be developed with the learners in mind. Use a design plan to map out each aspect of your instructional solution and refer back to your previous projects. Doing this allows you the opportunity to grow. Each step is important and includes a chance for the developer to continuously review the instructional unit while it is being developed. The feedback received creates the opportunity for continuous improvement of the instructional solution.
Research and explore the various technology applications and tools available. The opportunities for integrating technology are endless. Through the courses where I was developing instructional solutions, I was able to learn about best practices on many different aspects of technology. When creating a multimedia learning object, be sure to script and rehearse what you are going to say. Visuals of your slides or screen will help you to develop the appropriate flow and narration in the script of your multimedia learning object. This ensures your narration flows smoothly and within an appropriate timeframe. Be current on best practices by reviewing modules provided in courses, discussion boards, research, and zoom meetings. The use and development of any technology application or tool needed to be used properly to ensure proper placement for your learners. If you choose to use Google Sites to house instructional units, explore all the different ways interactivity can be integrated and other different tools can be integrated.
Be willing to collaborate and learn from others. Some of my most memorable learning opportunities were gleaned from group projects and discussion boards. Do not isolate yourself from the chances of learning from others or your professors. The professors are willing to advise and answer all questions, but you have to ask. Be ready to create a learning community and develop friendships along the way. Online learning can at times feel like you are on your own, but if you engage with others in your module then it can become more enjoyable and your chance of learning something new will increase. Your learning will not stop with the completion of your Master’s program. Keep striving to learn new skills and knowledge by engaging in learning communities and researching current trends.
As a teacher, I am constantly creating learning experiences for students in the classroom. The opportunity to learn how to develop instructional units through the use of the ADDIE model has helped me to change how I develop lesson plans, learning experiences for my students, and target learning goals. The generation we are molding will continue to advance in technology skills and applications, so I am excited to be able to share and learn more about best practices and applications of technology in the classroom. My district continues to offer opportunities to gain new knowledge in various technology applications, so I will continue to learn and share these resources with my students. I plan to develop a few instructional units to target skills where students are struggling in science. This will allow them to learn concepts they struggle with inside a new format at their own pace, while continuing to follow our current curriculum outline. I now understand the importance of a balance between visuals, texts, and narration when presenting information to my learners. Educational Technology has helped me to redevelop the way I present information to my classroom learners.
Since learning the importance of being involved in a learning community, I plan to continue engaging in blogs and online discussions to keep current with best practices. I plan to eventually start my own blogging journey, but until then will participate in blogs already available. I do use social media frequently, so I can continue to develop learning communities through current applications.
My learning experiences have opened up many new possible opportunities for me. I eventually hope to obtain a position with my district as an Instructional Technologist or possibly in another field that allows me to continue the development of my newly acquired knowledge and skills in Educational Technology. Until then, I will apply the knowledge I have gained in my classroom to allow for new opportunities for growth in learning for my students. I hope to possibly one day pursue a doctorate degree in Educational Technology, but need to take some time to reevaluate the commitments and responsibilities held at this time. My children have had the opportunity to watch me learn and grow and I hope my journey inspires them to pursue their dreams and become lifelong learners.