William Immonen
Professional Development Statement
I have chosen the LDT research Master's program, as it will allow me to focus on my affinity for technology, as well as help me prepare for one of my later goals of attaining a Ph.D. Eventually, I plan to become President of a University. Since joining the Learning, Design, and Technology Research Master’s program in Fall 2014, my focus has been on gaining a firm foundation of learning, design, and technology oriented theories. These theories will provide evidence for sound judgment that will be evident in better administrative decisions later in my career. The objective has been to gain working knowledge into the uses of technology in the educational arena, while learning how to properly design and become a more efficient conveyor of practical innovation. After graduation, I will continue to develop my skills through to a more rigorous degree by embarking down the path toward attaining a Ph.D.
Coursework
In the fall semester of 2014, I took the following courses:
· EDIT 6170 Instructional Design with Dr. Branch
· EDIT 6190 Design and Development Tools with Dr. Rieber
In EDIT 6170, I discovered how to implement the ADDIE approach in instructional design. EDIT 6190 provided me with the opportunity to learn several different types of technology, as well as related theories in the field. I was also able to design a tool for use with the safety program, which I presented to the UGA Office of Emergency Preparedness. Unfortunately, they had just purchased and just began implementing the roll-out of their software to do many of the same things mine did.
In the spring semester of 2015, I took the following courses:
· EDIT 6150E Introduction to Computer Based Education with Dr. Kopcha
· EDIT 6190 Design and Development Tools with Dr. Rieber
After taking EDIT 6150E I learned about the 4 C’s (Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Creativity), gaming, web 2.0, and mobile learning in a classroom context. This particular instance of the class allowed me to see one method for utilizing gamification for a course. EDIT 6190 allowed me to pick up on general trends in the field such as DBR research and I learned how to fill out the IRB.
In the summer semester of 2015, I took the following courses:
· ERSH 6200 Methods of Research in Education with- Dr. Raczynski
· ERSH 6300E Applied Statistical Methods in Education with Dr. Lee
ERSH 6200 introduced me to multiple methods for research, primarily focusing on quantitative methods with the occasional qualitative method. This course was one of the most useful in preparing me to be able to properly develop and implement research in general. In ERSH 6300 I learned the meanings behind all the numbers and figures in the statistics used in research as well as how to apply those to research using statistical tools like SPSS and R.
In the fall semester of 2015, I took the following courses:
· EDIT 6400E Teaching Learning Technology with Dr. Knapp
· EDIT 7550E Management IT Projects with Dr. Clinton
· EPSY 6800E Foundations of Cognition for Education with Dr. Glynn
EDIT 6400E presented the opportunity to look at questions such as: How do people learn? What motivated people to learn? How can we help people learn? How can technology assist teachers and learners in reaching this goal? I learned a topical overview about the psychological theories such as behaviorism and constructivism and how they can be used. I also learned about the current uses of such theories in the US educational system, from a generalized level. In EDIT 7550E I was introduced to the SPICE paradigm for project management. This course allowed me to put the principles into action for our client, Seed Life Skills, in analyzing and setting them up for success through our project for them. EPSY 6800E introduced me to theory, research and practices that are relevant to cognitive processes and education.
In the spring (current) semester of 2016, I am taking the following courses:
· EDIT 7990 Topical Seminar in Learning Design, and Technology with Dr. Kopcha
· EDIT 7000 Master's Research with Dr. Mativo
· EDIT 8990 Doctoral Seminar with Dr. Choi and Dr. Hill
In EDIT 7000 I am researching robots in education for an upcoming conference and will write an article to submit to the Journal of STEM. EDIT 7990 is going to give me the opportunity to explore and apply technology integration theory in real situations. In EDIT 8990 I am learning what is required for the doctoral program 1st year review as well as prepping for my portfolio examination at the Master’s level.
Research
Choosing an Educational Robot
I am currently working with Dr. Mativo and Dr. Hill on researching robots for classroom use. This information was presented at the ITEEA conference in Washington, DC in March 2016. The goal was to provide information that would be useful for K-12 teachers to use for deciding on which robot suits their needs best.
Career Goals
I have spent more than eight years working in the technology field, working with faculty, staff and students in a technology support role. I have had the opportunity to work with a multitude of technology and learn many new things. Currently, I serve in the role of IT Professional Specialist for the College of Education at The University of Georgia. In this role, I oversee technology support in River’s Crossing, make suggestions for upgrades and ensure the faculty, staff and students are up and running to the best of my ability.
After completing my Master’s, my goal is to get accepted into the Ph.D. in Higher Education program. I believe that my background in IT, as well as earning a Ph.D. will help set the foundation that I may build upon to maneuver into junior positions that will eventually lead to the senior level positions I have in mind.
Sample Jobs
I selected this position because it incorporates my past work experience with the new knowledge from the M. Ed. in LDT. I believe this will be a logical next step from my current position. This type of position will prepare me to begin using those leadership qualities and skills which I strived to cultivate during my Master's.
I selected this position because of my background in IT, which I believe would be an enjoyable position in facing the problems from a high level rather than the minute. I believe that the combination of my experiences would help me make better decisions from a higher administration position, as I have seen the consequences on the support side of some of those decisions.
I selected this position because I have a desire to steer a university toward the future in both research excellence and technical excellence. I believe working to get the support for these higher educational institutions is a valuable use of time and would also be rewarding. I hope that my experience in almost all areas of an institution will allow me to understand the impact spanning the gamut of people involved will help provide a strong foundation in this area.