What I Have Learned
Formal Education
University of North Texas Toulouse Graduate School (MS Computer Education and Cognitive Systems)
June 2010 - Present
On a beautiful autumn walk I talked myself into persuing my Masters Degree. This was not a simple undertaking. I first had to research the schools that matched my career aspirations. I then had to apply to the schools I was interested in. I then scheduled, studied for and took the GRE. Then the waiting started. Who would accept me in their Masters Program? Texas A&M's acceptance letter came first and I was elated. Then UNT's acceptance letter came and a decision had to be made. As hard as it was (and a wee bit cool), I crafted a letter turning down Texas A&M. Now I have a story to tell my grandkids.
University of North Texas Toulouse Graduate School Classes
Web Authoring
Course to aid education and training professionals in creating Web-based materials and application utilizing internet resources. Integration of text, graphics, and multimedia elements in a web environment.
Analysis of Research in Educational Technology
Interpretation, analysis and synthesis of current research in educational technology for the purpose of integrating research methodology and application to educational environments.
Advanced Web and Media Development
Development of Web and Media systems using advanced methods and programming and scripting. The instructor chooses the language(s) to be used during the course. Past languages have included Flash, Java, Perl, PHP/HTML, and others.
Multimedia in Technology Applications
Study and analysis of the use of the computer to deliver instruction. Topics include design, development, and review techniques for CAI, current trends in CAI technology and lesson development with an authoring language.
Human-Computer Interaction
Study of the human as an information processor. Computer interface design that takes into consideration human capabilities and limitations. Educational implications of system input/output facilities. Impact upon instructional system design.
Instructional Systems Design I
The design of instructional systems is examined through research reports on the theoretical assumptions of learning and analysis of learning systems as they apply to the development of educational and instructional training programs.
Instructional Systems Design II
Advanced study and application of instructional design principles and models for real world settings. This course covers the development of instruction ranging from face-to-face training to digital and online learning technology systems. The course builds upon theory and research studied in instructional systems design. Also covered is group management of instructional design processes.
Learning and Cognition
The study and analysis of models of cognitive systems including acquiring, manipulating, storing, interpreting and using information; special emphasis on the unique interactions between human information processing and computer-based processing as they apply to the instructional environment.
New Technologies of Instruction
Selection, utilization and evaluation of media technology, and techniques used in the instructional programs of education and industry. Includes hands-on digital audio and visual processes.
Readings Seminar in Computer Education and Cognitive Systems
Broad reading in a defined area of technology interaction. Requires the critical evaluation of sources with particular emphasis on methodology and application to educational environments. CECS majors must take this course during the last 6 hours.
Technology Based Learning Environments
This course focuses on the process of design, implementation and evaluation of the content and context of teaching and learning in technology-based learning environments. The course will cover an array of technology-based learning environments that may include web-based learning management systems, 3-D immersive environments, and others.
June 2010 - Present
On a beautiful autumn walk I talked myself into persuing my Masters Degree. This was not a simple undertaking. I first had to research the schools that matched my career aspirations. I then had to apply to the schools I was interested in. I then scheduled, studied for and took the GRE. Then the waiting started. Who would accept me in their Masters Program? Texas A&M's acceptance letter came first and I was elated. Then UNT's acceptance letter came and a decision had to be made. As hard as it was (and a wee bit cool), I crafted a letter turning down Texas A&M. Now I have a story to tell my grandkids.
University of North Texas Toulouse Graduate School Classes
Web Authoring
Course to aid education and training professionals in creating Web-based materials and application utilizing internet resources. Integration of text, graphics, and multimedia elements in a web environment.
Analysis of Research in Educational Technology
Interpretation, analysis and synthesis of current research in educational technology for the purpose of integrating research methodology and application to educational environments.
Advanced Web and Media Development
Development of Web and Media systems using advanced methods and programming and scripting. The instructor chooses the language(s) to be used during the course. Past languages have included Flash, Java, Perl, PHP/HTML, and others.
Multimedia in Technology Applications
Study and analysis of the use of the computer to deliver instruction. Topics include design, development, and review techniques for CAI, current trends in CAI technology and lesson development with an authoring language.
Human-Computer Interaction
Study of the human as an information processor. Computer interface design that takes into consideration human capabilities and limitations. Educational implications of system input/output facilities. Impact upon instructional system design.
Instructional Systems Design I
The design of instructional systems is examined through research reports on the theoretical assumptions of learning and analysis of learning systems as they apply to the development of educational and instructional training programs.
Instructional Systems Design II
Advanced study and application of instructional design principles and models for real world settings. This course covers the development of instruction ranging from face-to-face training to digital and online learning technology systems. The course builds upon theory and research studied in instructional systems design. Also covered is group management of instructional design processes.
Learning and Cognition
The study and analysis of models of cognitive systems including acquiring, manipulating, storing, interpreting and using information; special emphasis on the unique interactions between human information processing and computer-based processing as they apply to the instructional environment.
New Technologies of Instruction
Selection, utilization and evaluation of media technology, and techniques used in the instructional programs of education and industry. Includes hands-on digital audio and visual processes.
Readings Seminar in Computer Education and Cognitive Systems
Broad reading in a defined area of technology interaction. Requires the critical evaluation of sources with particular emphasis on methodology and application to educational environments. CECS majors must take this course during the last 6 hours.
Technology Based Learning Environments
This course focuses on the process of design, implementation and evaluation of the content and context of teaching and learning in technology-based learning environments. The course will cover an array of technology-based learning environments that may include web-based learning management systems, 3-D immersive environments, and others.
TCC Training Certificate Program
Tarrant County College Training Certificate Program- January 2006 - May 2008
Education was now in my blood. I looked back at all of my successes and they took the form of Teacher, Coach, Counselor. It was time for me to put credentials behind my natural talent. Tarrant County College offers a training certificate program that follow the core competencies of The International Board of Standards for Training, Performance, and Instruction. Upon completion of the six classes, the student earns three certificates: Instructional Designer, Instructor and Training Manager. I received all three in the spring of 2008. details:
Certified Training Manager
Students will learn how to manage the training function or department with
emphasis on leadership, communication, and correlating the training function with company goals. This series is for those who are responsible for corporate training and want to promote the training function within their organization.
Certified Instructional Designer
Students will learn how to use systematic design and development techniques for their training programs and to manage all phases of a training project. This series is for those who want a comprehensive procedure on which to base their curriculum and development processes.
Certified Instructor
Students will learn how to lead learners through instructional material with an emphasis on effective teaching techniques. This series is for those who want techniques for achieving maximum credibility while delivering dynamic training and minimizing classroom problems.
Education was now in my blood. I looked back at all of my successes and they took the form of Teacher, Coach, Counselor. It was time for me to put credentials behind my natural talent. Tarrant County College offers a training certificate program that follow the core competencies of The International Board of Standards for Training, Performance, and Instruction. Upon completion of the six classes, the student earns three certificates: Instructional Designer, Instructor and Training Manager. I received all three in the spring of 2008. details:
Certified Training Manager
Students will learn how to manage the training function or department with
emphasis on leadership, communication, and correlating the training function with company goals. This series is for those who are responsible for corporate training and want to promote the training function within their organization.
Certified Instructional Designer
Students will learn how to use systematic design and development techniques for their training programs and to manage all phases of a training project. This series is for those who want a comprehensive procedure on which to base their curriculum and development processes.
Certified Instructor
Students will learn how to lead learners through instructional material with an emphasis on effective teaching techniques. This series is for those who want techniques for achieving maximum credibility while delivering dynamic training and minimizing classroom problems.
Bachelors Degree
Northwood University - June 2004 - May 2005
An Associates Degree was not going to satisfy my hunger. I found a private university tucked away in the dense forrest of Cedar Hill that offered an accelerated degree program for working adults. Four days a week after working an eight hour shift, I would drive 40 miles south to attend 5 hours of lecture and group projects. I also attended weekend classes to shorten the time I spent attaining my Bachelors degree. I graduated Magna Cum Laude in May of 2005.
An Associates Degree was not going to satisfy my hunger. I found a private university tucked away in the dense forrest of Cedar Hill that offered an accelerated degree program for working adults. Four days a week after working an eight hour shift, I would drive 40 miles south to attend 5 hours of lecture and group projects. I also attended weekend classes to shorten the time I spent attaining my Bachelors degree. I graduated Magna Cum Laude in May of 2005.
Associates Degree
Tarrant County College - January 2000 - May 2004
I returned to school as a full time working adult, working the midnight shift at American Airlines, coaching youth baseball and raising my three children. It took me four years to complete my Associates Degree but I did and that was the start I needed in my academic career. I graduated in 2004 with High Honors and was selected for the Deans List the only semester I was eligible because of course load.
I returned to school as a full time working adult, working the midnight shift at American Airlines, coaching youth baseball and raising my three children. It took me four years to complete my Associates Degree but I did and that was the start I needed in my academic career. I graduated in 2004 with High Honors and was selected for the Deans List the only semester I was eligible because of course load.
Software I am familiar and comfortable with
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Dreamweaver
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe FLASH
- Adobe Acrobat
- iMovie
- GarageBand
- BlackBoard
- Moodle
- Schoology
- Microsoft Word (Intermediate)
- Microsoft Excel (Intermediate)
- Microsoft Access (Intermediate)
- Microsoft Powerpoint (Intermediate)
Stand alone classes
- Technical Writing
- 7 Habits of Highly Effect People
- The OZ Priniple
- Project Management Fundamentals (New Horizons Computer Learning Systems)