Graduate Coursework
Spring 2011
CEP 815 Technology and Leadership
Instructors: Andy Saltarelli, Sara Beauchamp-Hicks, Punya Mishra, and Nick Sheltrown
This course introduced many new technologies, such as the use of RSS feeds, social bookmarking, online document sharing, and Prezi presentation software. The second component of the class was on what makes for an effective leader. These two concepts were tied together in a way that focused on how technology can impact teaching and leadership effectively.
Practicum on Blended Learning
Instructors: Andy Saltarelli, Sara Beauchamp-Hicks, Punya Mishra, and Nick Sheltrown
This course introduced many new technologies, such as the use of RSS feeds, social bookmarking, online document sharing, and Prezi presentation software. The second component of the class was on what makes for an effective leader. These two concepts were tied together in a way that focused on how technology can impact teaching and leadership effectively.
Practicum on Blended Learning
EAD 861 Adult Learning
Instructors: Robert Hayden and Julie Brockman
EAD 861 exposed me to the multitude of adult learning theories through an extensive and varied reading list. In small group format, these theories were applied through a problem based learning approach. With my group members, I evaluated a number of case studies and determined how to best meet the needs of the students in each case. The final paper for the course, linked below, stretched my views on what constitutes an adult learner, motivational theory, what it means to learn, adult development, learning theory and how all of these concepts affect my own practice as an educator.
EAD 861 Capstone Essay
Summer 2011
EAD 801 Leadership and Organizational Development
Instructor: Bets Ann Smith
This class further expanded upon effective leadership and its role in organizations. Different levels of leadership were emphasized, from teacher to administration. This course looked closely at the adaptive work required of a successful leader through Leadership Without Easy Answers by Ronald Heifetz.I had the opportunity in this class to look at different concepts in leadership, including distributed leadership and within-school variation through discussion and case studies. Further, I had the opportunity to create an action and reflection plan to handle within school variations. The course ended with a look at Better by Atul Gawande and the impact this book has on leadership.
Critical Review of Better
Instructor: Bets Ann Smith
This class further expanded upon effective leadership and its role in organizations. Different levels of leadership were emphasized, from teacher to administration. This course looked closely at the adaptive work required of a successful leader through Leadership Without Easy Answers by Ronald Heifetz.I had the opportunity in this class to look at different concepts in leadership, including distributed leadership and within-school variation through discussion and case studies. Further, I had the opportunity to create an action and reflection plan to handle within school variations. The course ended with a look at Better by Atul Gawande and the impact this book has on leadership.
Critical Review of Better
EAD 860 Concepts of the Learning Society
Instructors: Steven Weiland and Nick Sheltrown
Concept of the Learning Society focused on learning in a variety of settings, not inclusive to the classroom. Hypermedia allowed the use a variety of resources, including websites, online exhibits, instructor lecture notes, videos, texts, and full length films.In the self-paced format, I explored different contexts of learning and spent time reflecting upon these as I wrote essays discussing them.
Essay on Multiculturalism
Instructors: Steven Weiland and Nick Sheltrown
Concept of the Learning Society focused on learning in a variety of settings, not inclusive to the classroom. Hypermedia allowed the use a variety of resources, including websites, online exhibits, instructor lecture notes, videos, texts, and full length films.In the self-paced format, I explored different contexts of learning and spent time reflecting upon these as I wrote essays discussing them.
Essay on Multiculturalism
Fall 2011
CEP 802 Developing Positive Attitudes Towards Learning
Instructor: Evelyn Oka
This course delved into motivational theories, ranging from behavioral to intrinsic motivational theories. The concepts of effort and ability were discussed. The coursework allowed the application of what was learned directly in the classroom through a variety of projects, ending with the culminating project, the design of a motivational intervention for selected students. In this class, I became confident in my capability to reach students at different levels of motivation and ability.
Motivational Design Project
Instructor: Evelyn Oka
This course delved into motivational theories, ranging from behavioral to intrinsic motivational theories. The concepts of effort and ability were discussed. The coursework allowed the application of what was learned directly in the classroom through a variety of projects, ending with the culminating project, the design of a motivational intervention for selected students. In this class, I became confident in my capability to reach students at different levels of motivation and ability.
Motivational Design Project
ED 800 Concepts of Educational Inquiry
Instructor: Steven Weiland
This class explored different types of educational inquiry and theory. The four domains of inquiry were explored, including teacher research, theories of intelligence, history and biography, and ethnographic participant observation and and reflection. Many different perspectives were considered, including those of Vivian Paley, Howard Gardner, and Mary Catherine Bateson. The course was self-paced and included many forms of hypermedia. At the end of each unit, I wrote a reflective essay considering each form of inquiry and how it related to the many provided resources.
Summary of ED 800
Instructor: Steven Weiland
This class explored different types of educational inquiry and theory. The four domains of inquiry were explored, including teacher research, theories of intelligence, history and biography, and ethnographic participant observation and and reflection. Many different perspectives were considered, including those of Vivian Paley, Howard Gardner, and Mary Catherine Bateson. The course was self-paced and included many forms of hypermedia. At the end of each unit, I wrote a reflective essay considering each form of inquiry and how it related to the many provided resources.
Summary of ED 800
Spring 2012
CEP 817 Learning Technology Through Design
Instructors: Kristen Kereluik and Punya Mishra
In CEP 817, I had the opportunity to learn how design is an essential component of teaching. Elements of good and bad design were discussed, as well as the ramifications of each. The culminating project for this course was a website designed for students in my Pathology course. I worked diligently to create an esthetically pleasing, functional, well-designed learning tool for my class. After the initial launch, student feedback indicated that the website was an important tool to their understanding of the unit on oral cancer.
Oral Cancer Unit Website
Instructors: Kristen Kereluik and Punya Mishra
In CEP 817, I had the opportunity to learn how design is an essential component of teaching. Elements of good and bad design were discussed, as well as the ramifications of each. The culminating project for this course was a website designed for students in my Pathology course. I worked diligently to create an esthetically pleasing, functional, well-designed learning tool for my class. After the initial launch, student feedback indicated that the website was an important tool to their understanding of the unit on oral cancer.
Oral Cancer Unit Website
EAD 866 Teaching in Postsecondary Education
Instructor: Ann Austin
In this course, I was able to further learn about and reflect upon my practice as a teacher in a postsecondary institution. Learning theories and methods were taught and discussed through a variety of excellent texts. I was able to try new or modified strategies in my class, such as learning through discussion, concept mapping, and graphical organizing. This course made a strong impact on me as I considered what it means to teach in postsecondary education. I continue to carry what I have learned in this class into my own classroom.
Individual Teaching and Short Analysis
Summer 2012
CEP 800 Learning in School and Other Settings
Instructors: Ammon Wilcken, D. Henriksen, and Leigh Wolf
This course stretched my capabilities beyond what I thought I could do. The underlying philosophy was that technology must enhance learning, it cannot be used for technology's sake alone. When used appropriately, however, it can be a powerful tool. I explored situated learning and cognitive apprenticeship in this class through the creation and use of a podcast, digital storyboard, and class wiki.
Digital Storyboard
Instructors: Ammon Wilcken, D. Henriksen, and Leigh Wolf
This course stretched my capabilities beyond what I thought I could do. The underlying philosophy was that technology must enhance learning, it cannot be used for technology's sake alone. When used appropriately, however, it can be a powerful tool. I explored situated learning and cognitive apprenticeship in this class through the creation and use of a podcast, digital storyboard, and class wiki.
Digital Storyboard
ED 870 Capstone Seminar
Instructor: Matthew Koehler
This was the culminating course in the MAED program. The main purpose of this course was to gather together and reflect upon the courses I had engaged in over the MAED experience. Through discussion, writing, and reflection, I was able to take a critical look at my growth through the program and what I have learned and will take away from this experience. In dialoguing with colleagues, I gained new perspectives on what the MAED program meant to my classmates. The class ended with an exhibition of this portfolio with classmates and faculty. In this final experience, I had the chance to celebrate the work I had done, as well as accept constructive criticism to continue to improve. This website is the final product for this course.