Professional Development
Since starting the IT program, I have changed career paths and am now working as a BusinessObjects Administrator. Upon changing jobs, I quickly saw how concepts from Instructional Technology (IT) can play a role in any career field. I have been able to apply concepts from the program to aid in my own on-the-job learning, as well as using them to create computer-based-training modules and documentation for coporations that we work with. I have also found that concepts and theories that I am learning in the IT program will be useful in encouraging training plans as part of software upgrades for corporations.
For example, I have had an opportunity to create a series of computer-based training modules for a large corporation. I was given a series of PDF handouts that new employees received and was asked to convert them to flash videos with a program called Wink. I remembered learning in the Media vs. Method debate that there are no learning benefits to the delivery method, but that the least expensive option is ideal. I asked why they wanted to convert to videos. They explained that an administrator was delivering the training and they did not have a formal trainer. The videos would allow new employees to receive training on demand. In this case, the instruction was already designed and they wanted me to do the conversion as quickly as possible. However, I was able to make revisions and suggestions based on what I learned in the IT program. In IT510 I learned that instruction should be detailed. I noticed in their PDF files that some information was missing and assumed. I also pointed out that simply delivering the information would not guarantee a knowledge transfer and that the employees should perform activities (generative strategies) to help them make connections.
In my job, I will also have opportunities to deliver presentations at user group conferences. I recently submitted an abstract to present how companies can utilize a training plan along with their software upgrade proposals to improve performance and adoption. If accepted, information I have learned in the IT program will serve as a foundation for my presentation.
Once I have completed the IT program, my next goal is study and prepare for certifications in SAP BusinessObjects. While studying for the certifications, I plan to utilize skills, such as writing as a learning technology, to aid with my own learning.