Reflection

              My portfolio highlights some of the many opportunities to learn and grow throughout my master’s program at the University of South Carolina. I worked with some amazing people in my cohort to develop group projects, conduct a full internship, and challenge my creative side. The portfolio gives a glimpse into how I applied what I have learned.

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              Throughout the program, I have discovered where both my strengths and opportunities lie. Much of the reason I sought to complete the program was because I wanted to learn more about Instructional Design Theory, like ADDIE, MRK, and Dick and Carey. I’ve worked in an L&D role within my organization for the past 7 years without a formal degree in the field. I have been exposed to the field through my research and becoming an ATD member, but I knew the M.Ed. Learning Design and Technologies would really help to tie elements together. Learning more about website development, needs analysis, formative evaluation, and accessibility has helped me grow as an instructional designer.

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              This program has allowed me to think through learning opportunities and better connect with stakeholders. Looking back at when I began this program now, I feel more confident in the conversations I have in business and in personal conversations on learning and what it takes to develop engaging and effective learning experiences. My engagement in the program has allowed me to think critically about elements I may not have considered before, like accessibility and effective evaluation. 

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              I have a great desire to learn and to help others learn. This is why I chose to take a different career path, which ultimately landed me in this master’s program. As most are, I was challenged by being a student, a parent, and a professional all at once, but I still had the drive to do well in the program and absorb as much information as possible. I do believe that the program is well-structured and provides the essential resources needed to complete the program 100% virtually. 

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              Learning from others within the cohort through group projects and discussions proved to be a very supportive part of this program. Sometimes, I find peer-to-peer learning just as valuable as learning from complete texts or resources. It was great to learn about what others were doing in their field and how they apply their learning. There are such different experiences from those who are in a K-12 environment and those in a corporate environment, and it was so interesting how diverse the submissions were in our discussions and projects. Hats off to all the professors who took the time to make sure that we stayed connected and had resources available when we needed them. If I had to do it all again, I certainly would. I don't doubt that there is much more to learn and engage in!

 

 

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