Statement of Professional Goals

My goal is to use my technical skills and experiences in a university or secondary school setting, to provide services and resources, to support student learning. I have always been interested in using computers and technology to connect people with other people and with information. In 2001, I graduated from Tulane University with a degree in Information Technology. I gained a lot of technical skills and knowledge at that time.

I worked for six years as an Assistive Technology Specialist at Oklahoma State University. My work with Student Disability Services allowed me to see firsthand how technology can facilitate student learning. I worked with students, faculty, and outside vendors to make sure students with disabilities could access the same information and learning opportunities other students were provided. As the AT specialist, I had to figure out ways to help students overcome learning challenges, by finding the best way to utilize technology for their benefit.

Technology is not always the answer to problems, but it can be a useful tool when used appropriately and intentionally. I would like to increase my knowledge of the connection between technology and education so that I can help all students learn, those with and without disabilities. The graduate program in Educational Technology at Oklahoma State University will allow me to learn more about how technology can be integrated into educational settings. I can use that knowledge to direct how I apply my technical skills to strengthen instruction and learning.

I became interested in this program earlier this year after a brief conversation with Dr. Sanogo about my interests in graduate school. She suggested I look online on the Educational Technology website and also talk to Dr. Thompson or Dr. Stansberry. After meeting with Dr. Thompson the following week, I was impressed with the research interests of Dr. Thompson and Dr. Stansberry. I was also impressed by the many opportunities for technology to be integrated into classrooms in different ways. I applied for the program in Fall 2015 semester and I got accepted and got accepted for the Spring 2016 semester. I took courses that I believe gave me opportunities to deal with real-world situations on how to use technology to facilitate learning and also to develop learning modules.

After being in the program for two years, my goal shifted from using technology to support student learning to use technology as a tool to help facilitate student learning. I understood better the meaning of facilitating learning when I first started the program. I also understood better the purpose and goal of this program and why the courses in the programs are thought the way they are thought. With my goal has been shifted from IT-minded to more of a facilitator for student learning, I see myself working in a university or school setting providing help and support with technology but with a clear understanding of providing technology to facilitate learning.