Doctorate of Education in Learning Technologies - Personal Statement Example

Doctorate of Education in Learning Technologies Vision for Technology in Learning Settings In light with the experience I have had in various learning settings as indicated in my Resume, it is indisputable to affirm that my vision pertaining to technology in learning and / or education settings revolves around the ability to have every student utilize various technological aspects for the sole purpose of improving their mode of gaining knowledge and associated aspects that are essential by 2020. Apparently, it has been documented that the development of technology in learning dates back to the past century – 20th Century when technology experts realized that learning did not absolutely depend on classrooms, teachers, desks, papers among other issues. In fact, these experts began referring to the then learning environment as traditional and as such wanted to supplement and enrich the environment with new ways that were meant to present learning content in a better, and advanced manner. As such, exploration of the technology that was purposely meant for education pursuits suggested that it was possible for technology to teach. Further research affirmed that the process of learning comprised of the link between existing knowledge to knowledge that had newly been acquired through numerous conclusive professional adventures. As a result, the adventures suggested that technology was better placed in facilitating learning, presenting new knowledge and supporting the task of making connections between the known and the unknown. It is for undoubted reasons that educational technologies today, are continually expected and demanded as essential components in the modern classroom. As such, the professional relationship between teachers and students in reference to educational technology has gained continuous passion although it has both pros and cons. Apparently, the inception and rise of the Internet in several parts around the globe especially during and after the World War II has exposed the efficiency of technology in learning facilities through the delivery of necessary content because experts have continually argued that individuals learn best through experience. Similarly, learning success relies on the quality of the presented content and the instruction strategies that have been employed in the presentation. For instance, Scholar Thomas Edison predicted that there would come a time when books in learning facilities would be replaced with motion pictures as the teaching medium. Although the prediction did not come to pass, enormous educational technology was realized. One illustration of the education technology entails the Internet’s proliferation that has continued to extend our reach with access to new information and knowledge. In the same way, the world is faced with challenges pertaining to overload of information and differentiation between credible and less credible sources. It is indispensable to argue that several scholars have worked hard in coming up with tangible ideas in relation to this debate. According to Ann Holum and Jan Gahala who are continuously utilizing their doctoral work on the field of educational technology, the most critical issue is the use of technology to enhance literacy instruction. In particular, Ann argues that the use of interactive media to improve the skills of understanding in children was the main issue that compelled her to engage more on the researching and integrating technologies in K-12 literacy settings. For these reasons then, the technology has nudged literacy instruction beyond its oral and print based tradition to embrace online and electronic texts and multimedia. In addition, computers have continuously created new opportunities for writing and collaborating. Furthermore, the Internet has proved the impact of technological influence on how people read, write, listen and communicate through the construction of global bridges for students to communicate, and more so in changing the way in which information is absorbed, processed and used. Consequently, just like other diverse research that has been carried out across the world, the educational technology has received mixed reaction for educators. Some have embraced technology with enthusiasm while others have claimed that it could result to health complications. Nevertheless, as policy makers and educators ponder on the meaning of literacy in the digitalized society, an array of literacy definitions is emerging such as information literacy, digital literacy, new literacy, computer literacy, computer- technology literacy, media literacy, and critical literacy. Of most importance is that, educators must incorporate research, practice, and professional development towards integrating technology into literacy instruction. To begin with, educational researchers and practitioners have affirmed that the new technologies of learning are likely to be found not in technologies themselves but in ways which technologies are used as tools for learning. For instance, rather than students using the traditional ways of reading through the assistance of computerized equipment that have reading comprehension software, they create written reports through the use of Internet for research, then write down through the use of word processing software and hype media software to add images. Thus, there has been continuous making of sense in the research on technology and literacy although it has not been without challenges of innovations commonly known as the moving target problem and the scarcity of comprehensive literacy studies. Secondly, this debate has demonstrated educational technologies that have given support to students in relation to reading development. For instance, these reading skills include audio books, electronic books, online texts, electronic talking books and programmed reading instructions. It is worth noting that these developments are not static because this section of development keeps generating new ideas as technology becomes more sophisticated. Right now, the technologies that are in use include voice-activated reading software and the software that entails culturally mediated instruction. One common illustration of sophisticated development is the project LISTEN, a computerized reading tutor for children. Thirdly, educational technologies have also incorporated technologies that support writing development such as word processing, desktop publishing, Internet communication, multimedia composing and online publishing. Apparently, these technologies have become common and effective in most learning settings in the United States, and other parts of the world were technology has dominated. Moreover, there has been a close relationship between technologies that support writing technologies and those that support research and collaboration skills done by students. In general, the future of educational technologies become more brighter by the day particularly in most learning settings, a situation that compels me to continue giving my contribution with the hope of achieving more in this field. Experience in Learning Technologies I have sound experience in researching, developing, implementing, and assessing curriculum for various education programs. In addition, I have participated in all life cycle steps of ADDIE Instructional Design Model and as such, I am highly adept at conducting technical research that is geared towards developing templates, documents, audiovisual aids, course guides and at the same time, being a Lead Instructor for teacher training programs such as CBEST, multiple subjects CSET and RICA exams, I have acquired extensive knowledge in Andragogy principles, and the applications of adult learner teaching strategies. Equally, the over 12 years’ experience in this field has given me adequate expertise in analyzing program feedback and outcome in the use of Statistics to enhance training materials and design, broad working knowledge of Curriculum and Instruction, Psychology and the Biological Sciences. Nevertheless, these experiences would not be possible without the knowledge of Microsoft Word, Power Point, Access and Outlook among other Competences and Skills that I have acquainted myself with. Apparently, my longest employer has been Academic Choice Educational Services in Yorba Linda , CA where I have given my contribution as the Senior Instructional Designer and Lead Instructor for the past one decade. My interest towards education technologies can be traced during my time in high school, where I shined in Biology, Physics and Mathematics. I realized that for more to be achieved in this field, there has to be advancement in technology, and that meant that contribution from interested groups and individuals was crucial. As such, I decided to further my education on biological sciences in your institution so that I could strengthen the basic knowledge I had previously gained. Soon after completion of the degree, I realized that it was indispensable to focus more on the technological issues and that meant that I was supposed to master on issues relating to curriculum and instruction for learners, a degree that I later pursed. I am applying for Doctoral program in Learning Technologies in your institution because I want to be among the few leaders who are competing towards the constantly evolving world of technology. I am certain that this 55 –unit program will build my competencies in new media, knowledge creation and collaboration and emerging technologies. Additionally, I will receive increased training in conducting formal research, and evaluation and support through the program and dissertation process. Currently, I am holder of a BA in Psychology from California State University in Fullerton, CA where I graduated with 3.7 GPA. I then joined Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA where I graduated with 3.6 GPA. After completion, I furthered my education through an MA in Education, Curriculum and Instruction Emphasis, Chapman University Orange, CA where I graduated with 4.0 GPA. Apparently, it was during my education endeavors that I received numerous awards and honors. These awards include; Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction, Mark Colombano Memorial Scholarship, Nature Science Division Scholarship, National Dean’s List Publication, Dean’s List GPA recognition, and Academic Honors for the degree in Biology and Psychology. My primary goals in relation to this Doctorial program will entail making contribution in the field of technologies in learning settings. To begin with, I intend to become more adept at identifying the needs of learners in the designated learning facilities. Secondly, I want to develop my competencies in using educational media and programs. Thirdly, I intend to collaborate with other instructional designers, and trainers within the field. Similarly, I purpose to develop my knowledge particularly in technologies within education, increase my ability in evaluation tools and as a result become an expert in Learning Technologies. My influence to purse this Doctoral program has been motivated by works and contributions from Individuals such as Edyth E. Young, Ann Holum and Jan Gahala and Peggy Grant who are program directors and researchers in Content Literacy, Learning Technologies among other areas in this field. Moreover, I have also read books such as Journal of Literacy Research, Research in the Teaching Technologies, and Interactive distance learning in Prek -12 settings; a handbook of possibilities and Handbook of research on educational communications and technology. It is for undoubted reasons that these individuals and books have played a huge role towards my urge in making maximal contribution to this field. I can ascertain that for the period of time I have been working in various projects and institutions, my leadership skills have been a source of admiration from my junior and other stake holders especially on various projects that I have supervised. I am conversant with the fact that the world is now a global village and the competition for placement is also limited. Moreover, I am enthusiastic of studying alongside some of the brightest and most ambitious people in the country. Upon earning the Doctorate, I will join the elite club that entails people with valuable qualification, since the course is infamous for offering broad networking opportunities. I am delighted for the excellent reputation of your school for a number of reasons. First, I am an alumnus in the Institution where I gained my first degree. Second, my conversations with numerous colleagues who have been in the institution in the past and those who intend to further their education have deepened my interest in attending. I am aware that this faculty has excellent facilities pertaining to the program and has for the last few decades been rated as being at the top rant in the state. I hope you will give me an opportunity to continue my studies in your reputable institution. Sincerely, Read More