Reflections
The last two years of my life have been both challenging and rewarding. The time I have dedicated to learning through the University of Colorado, Denver has served me well, and I am certain that this experience will continue to open up new opportunities for me in the world of Information and
Learning Technology as well as in the field of EFL. Throughout this program, there has been great emphasis on the learning that is done through reflection. As such, this page offers me yet another opportunity to learn as I reflect on this learning experience as a whole.
Learning Technology as well as in the field of EFL. Throughout this program, there has been great emphasis on the learning that is done through reflection. As such, this page offers me yet another opportunity to learn as I reflect on this learning experience as a whole.
Technology
One of the things that stands out in my mind when evaluating this program, is the huge amount that I've learned in regards to technology since starting. I think back to the first week of the first semester, when I created my first ever blog. I had never even used a blog before entering the program, but by the end of the first semester, not only was I able to post reflections on a blog, but I was teaching my students how to use blogs to enhance their own learning. Also, I remember many a night when I got sidetracked in a huge number of worlds, online. At one point we talked about exploratory learning and I can speak first hand on the huge benefits of such a concept.
I have searched many hours through the thousands of Web 2.0 tools that have value in education. Tools that help EFL learners record themselves and post it on a website so that I can evaluate their work, things like YackPack, a formerly free tool, stick out in my mind. From learning to use Moodle in the first semester, to learning to use Ning in the 4th semester, and then learning of alternatives like Joomla and Elgg, respectively, in semesters to follow, stand out in my mind. Presentation tools, like Voicethread, Slideshare, Jing, Adobe Connect, of course PowerPoint, and many more have all become staples in how I make presentations now. Blogs, Wikis, podcasts, RSS feeds: These are all tools I am comfortable with. Two years ago, I never used any of these, nor did I even a see need to. Thanks to my professors and fellow cohort members, and of course the many hours of studying, I know there is a need to implement elearning.
Research
Part of how I know this is through the long hours of research I did throughout the program. Included in that research was conducting needs analysis. From citing our points in discussion forums online, to citing authors from our readings in our design documentation for media projects, to accessing libraries, servers, journals and websites from around the world for citations on full blown research projects, this program put a strong emphasis on conducting solid research. It has paid off. Once I felt intimidated by the very word, "research." Now I welcome it. It used to take me weeks to put together a research paper. Now I can write a ten page research document in just over a day. Once again I thank the team of professors that was put in place to train me, as well as my peers in the program for aiding in this learning process.
EFL
From the very start of the program, my aim was to become a better EFL professional. This program provided a platform from which I was able to continuously launch instructional content that helped improve my abilities as an EFL instructor in Korea. I look back to before I started this program. I had debated whether or not I should get a Masters in Linguistics or in TESOL. Those are the logical choices for EFL professionals looking to further their knowledge of their field. While I feel that those are fields that are essential to the growth and development of EFL professionals worldwide, I also feel that by learning how to implement instructional technology into those fields, I have carved a niche for myself in Korea and throughout the world. Having focused most of my Masters studies on creating instructional materials for use in my classes in Korea, while researching information regarding instructional design and English language acquisition, I feel that I have been able to maximize my time as a learner while at the same time take huge steps as an instructor.
People
It goes without saying that none of the things I learned would be possible without the people associated with the University of Colorado. People learn from other people. It's one of the most valuable things to know. And I have learned immeasurable amounts from my instructors, classmates, guest speakers, and from the authors that I read. I'd like to take a moment to give an extra special thanks to Joni Dunlap for teaching me...well by teaching me what a great teacher does. Joni was a huge part of my success in the program and her encouragement and timely feedback will stay with me forever. I'd like to also thank Tiffany Espinosa, who helped me develop my skills in the art of Action Research. And, while I know Dave Young is no longer a staff member at UCD, I'd like to thank Dave for his initial conversation with me at Starbucks, without which I would have likely never gained the excitement to enter the program in the first place. Jennie Liesge, thank you for always being supportive and most of all for setting an example of doing the impossible, managing a family, a full-time teaching job, and a full time Master's degree. Lastly, I'd like to thank Jesse Elam, whose excitement and passion for using technology in the field of EFL feeds into my own. I'm looking forward to continuing to learn with and from Jesse for a long time. Once again, thank you everyone!
One of the things that stands out in my mind when evaluating this program, is the huge amount that I've learned in regards to technology since starting. I think back to the first week of the first semester, when I created my first ever blog. I had never even used a blog before entering the program, but by the end of the first semester, not only was I able to post reflections on a blog, but I was teaching my students how to use blogs to enhance their own learning. Also, I remember many a night when I got sidetracked in a huge number of worlds, online. At one point we talked about exploratory learning and I can speak first hand on the huge benefits of such a concept.
I have searched many hours through the thousands of Web 2.0 tools that have value in education. Tools that help EFL learners record themselves and post it on a website so that I can evaluate their work, things like YackPack, a formerly free tool, stick out in my mind. From learning to use Moodle in the first semester, to learning to use Ning in the 4th semester, and then learning of alternatives like Joomla and Elgg, respectively, in semesters to follow, stand out in my mind. Presentation tools, like Voicethread, Slideshare, Jing, Adobe Connect, of course PowerPoint, and many more have all become staples in how I make presentations now. Blogs, Wikis, podcasts, RSS feeds: These are all tools I am comfortable with. Two years ago, I never used any of these, nor did I even a see need to. Thanks to my professors and fellow cohort members, and of course the many hours of studying, I know there is a need to implement elearning.
Research
Part of how I know this is through the long hours of research I did throughout the program. Included in that research was conducting needs analysis. From citing our points in discussion forums online, to citing authors from our readings in our design documentation for media projects, to accessing libraries, servers, journals and websites from around the world for citations on full blown research projects, this program put a strong emphasis on conducting solid research. It has paid off. Once I felt intimidated by the very word, "research." Now I welcome it. It used to take me weeks to put together a research paper. Now I can write a ten page research document in just over a day. Once again I thank the team of professors that was put in place to train me, as well as my peers in the program for aiding in this learning process.
EFL
From the very start of the program, my aim was to become a better EFL professional. This program provided a platform from which I was able to continuously launch instructional content that helped improve my abilities as an EFL instructor in Korea. I look back to before I started this program. I had debated whether or not I should get a Masters in Linguistics or in TESOL. Those are the logical choices for EFL professionals looking to further their knowledge of their field. While I feel that those are fields that are essential to the growth and development of EFL professionals worldwide, I also feel that by learning how to implement instructional technology into those fields, I have carved a niche for myself in Korea and throughout the world. Having focused most of my Masters studies on creating instructional materials for use in my classes in Korea, while researching information regarding instructional design and English language acquisition, I feel that I have been able to maximize my time as a learner while at the same time take huge steps as an instructor.
People
It goes without saying that none of the things I learned would be possible without the people associated with the University of Colorado. People learn from other people. It's one of the most valuable things to know. And I have learned immeasurable amounts from my instructors, classmates, guest speakers, and from the authors that I read. I'd like to take a moment to give an extra special thanks to Joni Dunlap for teaching me...well by teaching me what a great teacher does. Joni was a huge part of my success in the program and her encouragement and timely feedback will stay with me forever. I'd like to also thank Tiffany Espinosa, who helped me develop my skills in the art of Action Research. And, while I know Dave Young is no longer a staff member at UCD, I'd like to thank Dave for his initial conversation with me at Starbucks, without which I would have likely never gained the excitement to enter the program in the first place. Jennie Liesge, thank you for always being supportive and most of all for setting an example of doing the impossible, managing a family, a full-time teaching job, and a full time Master's degree. Lastly, I'd like to thank Jesse Elam, whose excitement and passion for using technology in the field of EFL feeds into my own. I'm looking forward to continuing to learn with and from Jesse for a long time. Once again, thank you everyone!
