EDTC 6329 – Selected Topic (Trends)
EDCI 6304 – Learning and Cognition
EDTC 6320 – Instructional Technology
PMCH 6381 – Introduction to Research
EDTC 6321 – Instructional Design
I’m good (and quick) at researching and writing, especially on software- and business-related topics. I’m particularly interested in usability as it relates to online curricula, and pedagogical approaches to teaching and assessing effectively in an online environment.
I can go a number of ways here. My background is in writing for adult learners, and I’ve got quite a bit of experience in corporate settings—so corporate training would be a natural fit. But I’m eager to branch out, too. I’m spending a lot of time these days researching elementary education (pre-K to 6) to prepare myself for my daughter’s education, so this would be an attractive option. On the other hand, I’d also be interested in working with higher grades (particularly college-level) and non-profit institutions (for the experience of working with diverse audiences).
Over the years, I’ve either used or written for publication about all of the following. I’m more proficient at some tools/technologies than others; basically, the stuff I’ve used most recently (for example, PowerPoint, Camtasia, and Flash) is the stuff I’m most comfortable with. I tend to pick new apps up pretty quickly. Acrobat, ADA (section 508), business intelligence, C, C++, Camtasia, Collage, CRM, Dreamweaver, digital music creation and online distribution, e-commerce, e-publishing, Excel, Facebook, Fireworks, Flash, FrontPage, HTML, Internet Explorer, JavaScript, JavaBeans, Java application servers, JBMS, JDBC, Netscape Application Server, Netscape Navigator/Composer, online banking, online shopping, Oracle Application Server, PageMaker, Photoshop, PowerPoint, remote data synchronization, server-side JavaScript, SilverStream, SQL, SyncKit, digital video production and post-production, Web application load testing, Web 2.0 applications (including blogs, wikis, and social networking services), Windows, Word, user interface design, Unix, XML.
Blackboard is the only CMS with which I have experience (both as a student and as an instructor), although I wouldn’t say I’m an expert by any means.
Ideally, I’d like to create a useful learning object that’s put into service by the end of the course. And I’d like to stretch! I’m thrilled with what I’ve learned in this degree program so far, but I’m eager to go further—in terms of learning and applying effective pedagogical principles, working with a SME, and in taking advantage of new (to me) apps where appropriate.
As a freelancer, I’m used to pickup work. I’m also used to collaborating remotely, and I’m a bulldog when it comes to hitting deadlines. A client who has clear requirements—or who is willing to hammer out a set early in the process—would be a dream come true.