​Image Background

The background image of this portfolio comes from the plaza stones in Florence, Italy where my entire family was able to visit last year while I was in school. Although the trip came in the hectic middle of my projects, I was able to work ahead and while I was in Italy for those two weeks. The point of the stones is that they remind me so much of all the body of knowledge and art found in Florence. At the Piazza della Republica I stood on the same stones that Michaelango may have stood upon (or at least in the same spot!) The galleries, churches, and historic buildings remind me of all the knowledge given before me and how like that knowledge, I am building my own stones and plaza of knowledge. There is so much to learn and pass on to others.

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Learning Reflection

The collaborative aspect of the UCD online program serves many purposes. It provided me with a chance to work with the very best professors who engaged their students with enriching and thought-provoking projects and discussions. I was able to design interactive eLearning courseware that is state-of-the-art.  The critique from other MA students helped to hone my skills and to see what I could not see before me. The discussions were enlightening, providing the stimulus for new ideas and conversation about the subject matter and life. They were an important part of my evaluation process.

The hands-on skills I have learned will help me professionally to design, deliver, and facilitate interesting and valuable learning products and knowledge components for the web. I learned many Web 2.0 techniques and software applications while experiencing many technologies, some of which are incorporated into my portfolio.  I know my learners will interact and be involved with my online courses to successfully transfer knowledge. I have used emerging technologies and continue to keep a watchful eye toward ever-changing trends in education and eLearning.



 



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​Concluding Remarks

I must mention the valuable resources I have used online: blogs, RSS feeds, podcasts, videos, and websites such as Lynda.com, YouTube, Apple iTunes, Adobe Live Events, Adobe Online Events, Adobe Education Exchange, Adobe EdTech Blogs, Adobe Developer Connection, White Papers, Educator Articles, and Adobe TV have all been enormously helpful. My textbooks through Kindle on the iPad have been a lifesaver of time and effort.

While involved in the entire Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate (ADDIE) process throughout my projects, I have learned to create effective messages, presentations, job aids, webinars, websites, online courses with LMS, Action Research, written eLearning Trends Reports, and managed projects.

I have learned to cooperatively work with management, staff, subject matter experts, and peers. Some of the products created in doing so lead to front-end analysis, research, graphic design, layout, prototyping, multimedia production, alpha and beta testing, surveys, quizzes, tests, exams, and much in the way of documentation, reflection, reporting, and publishing while keeping the LEARNER in mind and central to the entire process.

Through my UCD ILT eLearning MA experience, I can now teach online, develop courses, provide instructional and performance supports, create online learning and training programs for K-12, higher education, and corporate environments, and act as a consultant for new learning solutions. I have evolved into a Learning Futurist and eLearning Guru!