Fall 2013

CEP 811

Adapting Innovative Technology to Education

Craig McMichael

Technology and instruction go hand in hand, each informs the other. This course challenged us to think through how technology impacts the instructional processes by exploring creative learning experiences for students. We layered the TPACK (Technology, Pedagogy, and Content Knowledge) framework on top of creativity and purposeful lesson design. This was my first introduction to TPACK as an instructional model and it challenged me to consider where my own strengths and weaknesses lie as I developed as a teacher.

Spring 2014

CEP 815

Technology and Leadership

Dr. Joshua Rosenberg, Dr. Ben Gleason

On the surface, we explored effective technology leadership. At a deeper level, we were challenged to develop our own philosophies of leadership through reading and discourse as a group. Insight into the mindset of effective leaders helped me work well in my own contexts because I was able to understand and empathize with their goals in the bigger picture as well as my role within those organizations. I felt challenged by leadership principles explored from outside the perspective of public education, but those outside voices provided a variety in thought and execution that has helped me work better within my leadership roles.

Spring 2014

CEP 812

Applying Education Technology to Practice

Michelle Hagerman

This course focused specifically on how technology plays a role in solving difficult problems of practice. Throughout the course, we explored different technologies and considered how our practice should adapt as those technologies are incorporated. The course culminated in our work to solve a "wicked problem of practice" using technology. Having the chance to define and explore solutions to difficult problems provided a safe space to share creative ideas which might have otherwise gone unidentified.

Fall 2014

CEP 891

Computational Thinking and Problem Solving

Dr. Aman Yadav

As an elective, this course taught us the foundations of computational thinking - a method of framing problems, so their solutions can be represented as steps or algorithms. I was exploring computer programming as a hobby and this course introduced me to problem-solving techniques which helped me develop my own skills. As an educator, I learned to break large, abstract problems into smaller representative pieces, some of which could be solved by creating new systems of thinking or operating.

Fall 2014

CEP 818

Creativity in Teaching and Learning

Dr. Punya Mishra, Dr. Rohit Mehta

Creativity is a critical skill for teachers and students alike. It is also something which is perceived as innate rather than developed. This course had us explore the role of creativity in creating teaching materials and assessment of learning as well as methods for how to develop creativity in ourselves and our students. As a science teacher by training, I felt challenged offer more ways for creative expression of knowledge by my students.

EDST 680 (Ball State University)

Staff Development to Strengthen Curriculum

Dr. Jill Bradley-Levine

After moving into an instructional coaching role, my time was devoted to developing and nurturing staff through programs of professional learning. Through this course, I had a chance to review and apply research-based practice centered on building robust professional development opportunities which would lead to change in practice at the classroom level. My final project was a micro-credentialing program which could be used in place of traditional professional development to track, expose, and elevate teachers who developed skills and competencies through professional learning.

Summer 2019

EDST 676 (Ball State University)

Research on Impacting Student Learning

Dr. Karen Ford

As teachers, it is easy to make decisions based on intuition rather than evidence. This course was based on the principles of Action Research, where we identified a potential area of improvement and then used data collection and interpretation to make decisions. My action research centered on the efficacy of professional development as measured by usage in periods of time following the training. Upon completion, I was able to go to district leaders and successfully advocate for a change in the way we approached professional learning to drive implementation beyond basics and truly affect change in the classroom.

Spring 2023

CEP 800

Learning in School and Other Settings

Madison Allen, Kyle Shack

"Learning" and "schooling" are two discrete processes which are often conflated. This course explored the process of learning from cognitive science and social perspectives and asked us to consider our own theories of learning and how we rationalize our beliefs with practice. This course culminated in a written Theory of Learning based on our own experiences and growth as educators. My theory drew connections between the power of positive experiences, the dignity of all people, and how classrooms can be a force for equity.

Summer 2023

CEP 820

Teaching and Learning Online

Dr. Anne Heintz

Teaching nearly always requires some form of online engagement, whether for assignment submissions or for the entire interaction for the course. In Teaching and Learning Online, we explored various modes of engagement in the online learning space and looked critically at systems and structures which will influence our practice in the classroom. While I'm not teaching in a virtual space anymore, the principles of considering the medium of instruction hold true. I am more equipped to thoughtfully consider the mode of instruction and interaction to ensure student success.

Summer 2023

CEP 807

Capstone Seminar

Dr. Matthew Koehler, Megan Harris

The final course of the Masters of Educational Technology program, the Capstone Seminar asked me to gather my best evidence of application and reflect on learning over my time in the program. This website is the culmination of my academic work to this point. It represents 10 years of formal education mixed with public and private sector education work. My career path has provided a variety of experiences which influence everything from my design choices to representations of my best work.