In Electronic Assessment for Teaching and Learning, we focused on the foundational theories of assessment. The course included a critical examination of methods for assessment (e.g., portfolios, rubrics, surveys, tests, self-evaluations), and digital tools that allow educators to gather information, analyze, and make informed pedagogical choices. One type of assessment explored was game-based. For a social studies lesson on Jane Adams and the Hull House, I developed a text based game exploring her life. The course helped me establish assessment best practices for me both professionally and for the rest of my degree program. 

In Teaching Students Online, we focused on strategies for constructing and implementing online curriculum. This included exploring different forms of content and student managment systems. Much of my work in this course was centered around developing my digital Neighborhood Development Project unit. This cross-curricular, project-based learning unit ties Social Studies, Teaching Tolerance, and Math (Common Core) standards for 3rd graders. The project website details the resources and process of the project. 

In Teaching for Understanding with Technology, we focused on the application and integration of productivity tools and web-based resources in educational settings to improve teaching and learning. An example of my learning in this course was through the exploration of a new technological experience with the use of the Adafruit Circuit Playground Express. The exploration of this technology and how I could implement it in my classroom led me down a path of a 21st century lesson plan, and personal technological growth.   

In Learning Technology Through Design, we focused on the design of educational tools and software for how this impacts the learner. We also looked at the stylistic aspects and iterative design process for educational tools. As an example from my coursework, addressing my problem of practice involved improving my K-2 computer science curriculum through the use of an age appropriate website that could be explored. Developing a testing protocol, curriculum outline, and supporting website provided the tools I needed to improve my K-2 student's educational experience. 

In Psychology of Learning in School and Other Settings, we focused on learning as an active, socially-mediated construction of knowledge in school, home, community, and work settings. Looking deeper into what is learned, how it is taught and learned, and what learners bring to the setting. An example from this course used the psychological construct of schema, to create an interactive newsletter as a professional development resource for teachers on prejudice. 

In Applying Educational Technology to Issues of Practice, the culminating project of the course was addressing a complex professional problem. We focused on the identification, implementation, and evaluation of technology-based solutions to educational issues in school settings. The guiding question that I looked to address was, "How do we ensure equity in remote learning?" In this course, I created an Equity in Education survey and an analysis of it's results in the form of an interactive power point. 

In Technology and Leadership we focused on professional development strategies, project management, planning and evaluation. We also looked at the ethical and social implications of technology integration. At the time of this course, I was a K-8 Computer Science Teacher in Chicago Public Schools. Focusing on classroom education, I created resources for educational growth through projects such as an interactive infographic and a global vision for education. 

Approaches to Educational Research focused on alternative methods of educational research. Identifying researchable problems in education and developing a research proposal. Applications of descriptive and inferential statistics for analyzing and critiquing published studies. Developing a qualitative interview on political views of educators provided thought provoking data about the current political climate. However, the most impactful experience from the course was my research and exploration of an Arduino microcontroller. An Arduino Exploration blogpost details my experience and process for my learning.   

Educational Technology Capstone is the Culmination of the Master of Arts in Educational Technology degree program. This course focused on the assessment and synthesis of educational technology knowledge and skill development throughout the program. The creation of this website portfolio stands as the artifact for the summary of my experiences. The Essays contained within this website, synthesis the work done in the program. 

Adapting Innovative Technology to Education focused on the application of instructional principles and methods to educational problems in the classroom. We looked deeply into the development of technological applications through the means of interactive, multi-sensory, and innovative approaches. The exploration of new technologies and programming languages enhanced my ability to overcome new obstacles.