Final Project

Hello-
Below are the artifacts for the Technology Integration Unit Project.
Enjoy

1. Prezi with demo videos-
https://prezi.com/mwy48y2sbhuf/technology/#

2. Lesson Plan-
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-XE7mRCFtTraWwteHlrUzBJbzg&authuser=0

3. Multimedia Presentation-

Article Review #3

Article Review: Using Technology to Bridge the Cultures Together in a Multicultural Classroom

In the article, the authors address the importance of the use of multimedia in the classroom to help increase creativity, innovative problem solving, and improve communication between other students.  Using technology in the classroom allows for the teacher to incorporate a variety of learning styles.  The technology will help bring different cultures together that are all in one setting, the classroom.

There is a need for teachers of the new classrooms to find new approaches and resources to help with learning of the multicultural students.  Technology will allow the learners the opportunity for equal communication and interdependent learning experiences.   Using the technology will increase the needed language skills that the learner will need in and out of a school setting.  Multimedia will effectively facilitate learning on several different levels from collaboration to individual learning styles.

Essentially regardless of cultural background all learning styles are possible, it is the communication that is needed to be able to reach all learners.  Over the years as technology has developed it has been possible to customize the learning environments to help with language acquisition of the multicultural limited English students.   By creating a cooperative learning environment it is encouraging students to participate with their learning and creating an environment that increase communication amongst their peers and self-confidence.  Technology can also be used for individual learning, as it can be designed for the specific learners levels.  The teacher facilitates the use technology by guiding the learners to the right site for new experiences in learning.  Finally technology can help with the learning of new content concepts that are hard for the students to visualize may be easier to understand using technology.

The use of technology will help foster the learning of new language learners in the classroom.  Using different technology resources will support the learners by creating new experiences for their creativity and their imagination.  Teachers will be able to provide meaningful ways for the learner to participate by creating meaningful learning environments.

As a teacher in a school with a very diverse population, many that are English language learners I find that technology can actually be difficult at times to use in the classroom.   As the group I teach are refugees who have not had technology, until now.  So I do think that it depends on the experiences the learner has had prior with technology on how successful it is used in the classroom.  I do know that when I use technology with the students that have been in the country for at least two years there is less of a learning curve, but the newer  the student it can be somewhat difficult.  However, if the students are in the right setting, that is a smaller class such as ten students or less, than the use of technology has a higher success. 

Reference

Hollenbeck, J. & Hollenbeck, D.  (2009). Using technology to bridge the cultures together in the multicultural classroom.  Retrieved from: http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED519991.pdf

Article Review #2

How do teachers determine which technology to use in the classroom?  That is one of the questions that Ronald A. Berk provides answers for in his article “How do you Leverage the Latest Technologies, including Web2.0 Tools, in your classroom?

This article provides different strategies for integrating technology in the classroom for 21^st century learners.  The strategies are based on the generation of learners that have been named the Net Generation (Net Geners), born between 1982 to 2003.  This generation has never known a world without technology.  However that does not mean that this group knows how to use these tools for learning effectively.  It is important that teachers understand how this group uses technology and how they think before applying technology in the classroom. 

This generation of students is no better or inferior to other generations, their world is just more connected than previous. To be able to understand how to connect with technology we need to understand their learning characteristics to be able to better leverage the use of technology for learning. Below are 10 specific characteristics that have specific implications for the use of technology in the classroom by these learners (Beck 2010) .

1. TECHNOLOGY SAVVY
2. RELIES ON SEARCH ENGINE FOR EVERYTHING
3. INTERESTED IN MULTIMEDIA
4. CREATES INTERNET CONTENT
5. LEARNS BY INDUCTIVE DISCOVERY
6. MULTITASK ON EVERYTHING
7. COMMUNICATES VISUALLY
8. EMOTIONALLY OPEN
9. PREFERS TEAMWORK AND COLLABORATION
10. PREFERS TYPING TO HANDWRITING

The preceding characteristics are typical of most Net Geners according to the surveys (Becker 2010).  It is essential that teachers understand these characteristics to connect with the students.  The author provides a great “Memory Jogger” of technology teaching strategies that a teacher can use to connect with the characteristics of the learners. Below is a brief summary of the of a few of  the strategies that were suggested to work with the characteristics of these learners.

• Incorporate technology meaningfully into lectures, in-class and out-of-class assignments, activities, and demonstrations.
• Provide assignments that draw on students search engine skills, but give guidance and structure on how to maximize the value of the search
• Use music, videos, video games, other games, ect. That is student favorites in lectures and assignments
• Provide students to create their own blogs, micro blogs, and wikis
• Plan games, simulations, improvisations and role-playing in a virtual environment
• Consider students to multitask in the learning environment
• Include graphics, images, and visual representations in your presentations
• Use hybrid or blended methods to encourage interaction and opinion sharing
• Allow students to pool existing knowledge to share online
• Encourage students to take notes using PC’s/Macs or handheld devices

It is important to recognize that the classroom has changed and that it is gearing more towards a learner-centered environment, and the teacher is becoming more of the “guide on the side”.  Once the teacher has surveyed the characteristics of their students then the teacher will be able to use the strategies above to an advantage in the classroom setting.

I really enjoyed this article as it provided me with a reminder of how the 21^st century learners are different from other generations.  Though I was born on the cusp of this generation technology was very limited in the classroom.  As a teacher of 13 years now I have seen a dramatic difference in the way students learn compared to now and then.  I so find that I must use these strategies in the classroom to provide my students with the best possible learning environment.

Reference:

Berk, R. A. (2010). How do you leverage the latest technologies, including Web 2.0 tools, in your classroom? International Journal of Technology in Teaching and Learning, 6(1), 1-13.

Article Review # 1

Article Review #1

The Importance of Learning Philosophies on

Technology Selection in Education

In the first part of the article it is discussed the nature of the learner and the nature of knowledge.  It is said that we are all born with a blank slate, tabula rasa.  However, the author is quick to point out that the idea of a blank slate is flawed.  That genetics do play a part in the development of an individual’s brain.  From the birth to adulthood we are all active participants in learning, rather than passive learners.  It is essential to understand the nature of knowledge to understand learning. 

The three learning philosophies and the social interactions that are framed within each that are explained in this article are the following, Socratic Method, behaviorism, constructivism. Though all three are fundamentally different all include social interaction.  It is the social interaction that is examined closer and a connection is made with different technologies to support each learning philosophy in the classroom.  In the classroom the behaviorist social interaction is very important, but would primarily be a teacher to student exchange.  The constructivist social interaction would be with the More Knowledgeable Other or the teacher. In this view the individual ideas would become shared ideas in a group.  Finally the social interaction that occurs in the Socratic Method is between peers and teachers to find the answers, this method is structured but ultimately it is the student who comes to the answer, not the explanation of the teacher. It is important that teachers actively select a learning philosophy to use rather than going on intuition, experience, or advice. 

Technology is referred to as contemporary digital technologies that can be used to support teaching.  The technologies include computers, the internet, and hardware, software, and infrastructures.  Technology allows for a quicker way to communicate and should be thoughtfully used in the classroom.  The behaviorist would use the technology in the classroom to reach a broad audience in a short amount of time.  A teacher can have a very large audience with no worries of time and distance.  Teachers would be able to offer richer artifacts and new forms of assessments that can be used and saved at later times for review by students.  The constructivist use of technology would be centered on blogs, wikis, discussion forums, social networks, and video conferencing.  Constructivist would have greater resources than the others.  The Socratic Method would use technologies would use real time, rapid response technologies such as webinars, live chat, and twitter. 

While there are a great number of technologies available, there are also disadvantages.  Some of the disadvantages include learner and teacher access to the technology, the ability to use, potential for distracting the learner, and the cost.  Disadvantages that can occur for the behaviorist are distractions and the variety of points of view that are available on the internet.  The constructivist would have to deal with the style of interaction, it would be very different that the classroom.  The Socratic Method would likely encounter difficulty with the taking part in meaningful and timely discussion due to the media used. 

It is necessary for the teacher to discuss and encourage meaningful interactions to be successful with the technologies. Teachers should adopt a learning philosophy to integrate into their teaching practice and include exploration and experimentation on a continuous basis. 

Social interaction is becoming more and more important in the classroom.  I know that my appraiser looks for how the students are interacting when visiting my classroom. This article provides teachers with different options to support social interaction in the classroom with meaningful learning.  In my opinion this article can be a very useful resource for teachers to pin point which learning philosophy is being used in the classroom when integrating technology.  I think that it provides great examples of relevant technologies that most all of us now have in our schools.  The explanation of the disadvantages I found really helpful, it gave me a bit of a warning of what can happen.  What I found to be the most intriguing part of the article was that the author suggest that we adopt a learning philosophy and develop it in our classroom.  Rather than going with the flow, pick one a stick to it!  I’m not sure how I feel with that, because I find that I use more than one.  However, one of the author’s purpose of the article was for teachers to “amplify” their teaching philosophy.  It is definitely food for thought!

References

Hickey, G. g. (2014). The Importance of Learning Philosophies on Technology Selection in Education. Journal Of Learning Design,7(3), 16-22.

Teaching and Learning with Web 2.0 Tools

My final reflection on Web 2.0 tools for teaching and learning is very positive.  Incorporating these tools into the classroom is very important for the teachers and students.  Technology is here to stay and will only become more prevalent in education and the classroom.  With that being said after researching for the past few weeks different Web 2.0 tools I feel that the advantages are stronger than the disadvantages for using in the classroom.

Advantages of Web 2.O tools:

•  Increase student engagement
• Social networking encourages discussion outside of the classroom
• Available anytime 
• Sense of ownership

These tools will allow students and teachers to learn in their own environment by collaborating, finding authentic audiences, providing different expressive capabilities, and new opportunities.  In the future I will look for such affordances as mentioned above.

Currently there are only a couple things that can and at time do hold me back from technology, lack of technology and internet connections.  But those two are few and far between these days due to the increase usage of tablets and smartphones. 

In the future I plan to continue to use technology in and outside the classroom; the only thing that I will avoid is technology that does not allow for learning.

Vanity Search Revisited

This time around I do have a footprint! Compared to Week 1 and Week 7 my footprint has become a more evident and is expanding.  I used my username for a search rather than my first and last name, as I figure the username is more important.  Also I am still transitioning between maiden name and married name, so I am difficult to locate. 

As an educator two things have occurred to me as my footprint becomes more evident. 

1. I must still be aware of what I join, what I use, and what I post as I can be traced.
2. Now I am becoming a part of a much larger community of educators that ideas, tools and lessons can be shared.

My students will also become a part of a larger community that I must explain what a digital footprint is and how important it is to be aware of it, and also they will be able to share with other students outside of the classroom, building, state, and country.

Personal Professional Development

http://www.wreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Web-2-0-benefits-of-e-learning-wreporter.jpg

The reflection for this week asks the question- How will I implement personal professional development in Web 2.0 and learning?

How I truly see myself implementing professional development is through my curiosity and interest of the technology and possibilities that are out there. I want to know more, and I want to be able to share with others, whether it is my students, my colleagues, or friends. I believe having that desire to know more and want to explore is what is going to help my plan.  I will do research, I will explore, I will take chances, and I will share, I will take classes, I will play, and  I will think about the my future and the future of technology in and outside the classroom.

Here is my current Personal PD Plan:

Diigo

http://learningworksforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/diigo.png

This weeks adventure was to explore Diigo, a social bookmarking site.  Diigo allows the user to bookmark, tag, share, annotate, and collaborate.   I had never heard of this site before until this class. Once I created my account I explored the site, and watched a few videos to help with navigation of the site and understanding of the features that are offered.  

In my opinion Diigo is awesome!  I wish that I would have know about this site earlier in my studies. The features that I find really useful are the annotating, saving, and sharing.  What great about it is that I can access from any device and it will have all my information...thats why it is the BEST!

Aggregating Pages

This week’s adventure was to explore Protopages and Netvibes. Here are my findings about this week’s adventures and of course a few opinions here and there.

This adventure started early in the week so that I would have enough time to explore.  I started off by exploring each site and page setup.  After a bit of playing around with each interface I found that the Protopage would work best.  I choose the Protopages, because I found it easier to navigate.  I went back today to check out the Netvibes, and it wasn't as difficult to understand as it seemed on day one. I'm guessing the experience of creating the page in Protopage, has made it understandable. I did do a check to see if there was an app available, and as of right now I found Netvibe to have an app. Maybe at the start of my examining of each I should have checked that out?

Overall I enjoyed learning a new tool.  I see this as a great tool to be used as a form of organization and simplifying all my pages and sites to one.   

 http://www.protopage.com/mckrisrob

The Twitter Adventure Continued....

Over the past couple weeks I have been exploring twitter, well at least reading a lot tweets made by my classmates.  So what I have discovered through this adventure is that I am not as "plugged in" as I thought I was with social media.  I find myself really having to take an extreme effort to take part in Twitter.  Yes-I do have a smart phone, a tablet, and a desktop readily available to me, it is just not catching on that quick.

Today when I got to work I logged on to Twitter via my desktop, with hopes that I would really be a participant rather than a bystander.  I did tweet something rather useful, but than my day moved on.

Now I don't want anybody to think I do not like Twitter, and it may sound that way, but I do like it! It is quick, fast, easy to share, and you are easily connected...I just need to keep exploring..Let the adventure continue!

YouTube Adventure

This week I went on an YouTube adventure.  I went on search for videos related to Web 2.0 tools and learning, plus a few extra things that I came across.  I enjoyed this adventure, as a teacher I am always looking for videos to help with teaching.  Whether I share with my students or use as part of my learning/research process, there are many out there.  The important thing is to make sure that the content you are viewing is relevant to your need.

When I was searching I found myself filtering to find videos that were no more than a year old. Since the topics that I was to search for are constantly having updates, I thought it would be important to search for newer videos.  I did find it was easy to find current videos on Twitter, but many of the videos for Web 2.0 and learning were several years old.  My thought on the lack of newer videos on the Web 2.0, maybe because it is so common now, whereas 5 years ago it was in its early/moderate stage of developing.  Just a thought-

I will leave you with a video from my playlist that makes me happy:-)

Twitter Adventure

This week I was suppose to go on a Twitter Adventure.  I'm embarrassed to say, my adventure has not happen yet...but it will! I promise!

Vanity Search

When asked to do a Vanity Search I became very curious.  What is out there about me?  Do I have a digital footprint? Or how big is my footprint.  Well I would say my foot print is very small!  I was somewhat surprised, but then I thought about it and continued to search.  Mostly what I found were incorrect addresses from when I was in college living in Denton which was 15 years ago.  I found a few old photos from when I was in my twenties, and that’s about it.  I was surprised how many people have the same name as me and spelled the same!  

So why is my digital footprint so small?  It’s an easy answer though I do participate in social media I am very cautious of where things go.  I know it is because of my profession.  I make sure I disable all that I can so that I will leave as little trace as possible, but enough that I can participate.

A digital footprint can be as big as you want and as small as you want, but it takes knowledge about the subject matter to be able to control.

Tech Play #4

I choose to explore Cubify Sculpt for this week’s tech play. I found out about this software through an email for an annual art contest that I participate in with my students. The contest is Scholastic Art and writing Contest.  Scholastics Art’s will introduce teachers to different software for free for the students to create and submit entries for the contest. A few years ago they had an entry for a video game using the software Gamestar.  I had never heard of the software, but at the time I taught an animation class and thought that it would be great experience.  We learned the software, and the entire class submitted, and we had gold medal winners.  This year they are providing for free the software Cubify Sculpt.  I was excited to finally see something that would work for my ceramics class.  So I thought that I would give it a try and see if it would be useful for my students.

My Findings on Cubify Sculpt:

The software is 3-D simulation software for modeling out of clay.  The software has a very easy interface for learning, and came with a couple of tutorial videos for getting started. The videos were very easy to understand and follow.  

I really like the software; it provides a very challenging creative process.  Unlike working from life the students really have to grasp the concept of 3-D, in the round.  When I was experimenting I found it to be difficult at first trying to manipulate the space, but after about a week of practicing I started to get the hang of it. The major challenge that it provides for the students is that they must go in with a plan.  Software like this provides the students with a 21 century challenge in technology, they have to think, learn, plan, try, try again, and finally create.  It takes the students through different levels of learning.  

To use this in the classroom, I would need to spend at least a week teaching the basics of the software. From there I would have them create step by step simulations so that they can get the hang of the software, and create something with an end result given. Then from there I would let them create on their own.  I think it is a great software that would interest and challenge students.  Our campus has a STEM pathway, so I could see a connection between this and the engineering pathway. 

Tech Play #3

For this weeks Tech Play I explored the following tools: Prezi, Pottery, Haiku deck and Draw Animate.

I enjoyed playing with all the tools. I did find that a few were more practical for the classroom than others.

Perzi-

I liked how user friendly the tool is and how you can be really creative with a presentation. I found no dislikes with the tool.

Haiku Deck-

This is also a presentation tool like Perzi. I found it to be not exciting visually, but I think for a younger audience it may work.

Pottery-

This tool I enjoyed, but it is not really reality when throwing on a wheel. With that in mind I would say it may be useful for students that are special needs working on motor skills. Using your fingers you are able to control/create a piece of ceramics that mimics that concept of the wheel. The free app didn't offer glazing options, so that is definitely a negative.

Draw Animate-

I thought that this was a fun tool to create a quick animation using just a simple drawing, record a movie, and use an existing movie to edit. The only thing I was not crazy about was the share options, it sends off to either your email, Facebook, or your photos. I think it should be instant in the app.

I really enjoy working with Prezi.  In the classroom I have had my students create presentations with Prezi, what makes it so different than other presentation tools is the creativity that is involved.  When using Prezi it involves using content, and how to present that content in a creative way that makes sense to the viewers. The tool offers so many possibilities for creating, the user must think about the whole idea, it is like creating a movie.  

Creativity tools are important to use because they offer a different challenge compared to the other tools such as: drill and practice, tutorials, instructional games. Creativity tools challenge you to create and share. According to Blooms it is the top spot, you take everything that you have learned and then you create with that knowledge.

Tech Play #2

Here is the link to my eportfolio:
https://sites.google.com/site/mccloskeykristin/

When researching different possibilities for an eportfolio site I found that the google site was the best choice for me.  The google account allows for one big folder that has many subfolders that I can create and all be linked together, but at the same time provide different ways to present content.

I would definitely use this with my students.  I think that google provides a product that is free, and very easy to navigate.  In the past I have used the Google Docs when I was in charge of the Video Yearbook. It allowed students to quickly share information to a common share drive that could be viewed from any location.

Tech Play #1

Begin by describing student work that you might design using blogs. Use the TPACK Model to identify each aspect of the work. 

Content: The project idea I came up with takes what the student created in the classroom and shares with others through a blog.  As I was thinking of this project I kept in mind from the video from last week, there are many possible solutions to this project.  So this what I came up with for now:
Students will create a work of art from direct observation using the concepts of the 4 basic shadows.   The artwork that is produced will demonstrate their understanding of how to illustrate the 4 basic shadows using a shading technique of their choice.  The students will be required to post their creation on the Art Blog for the current school year, and they must include a short reflection (explain) about their work of art. Once posted students will be required to critique (evaluate) 3 other students creations using the correct terminology being studied.

Pedagogy:

This project is supported by Constructivism for the following reasons:

1. Students choice of subject matter

2. Students choice of media

3. Students choice of technique

4. Students develop their own interpretations

5. Students will reflect on their work

6. Students will reflect on peers work

Technology:

The key pieces of the technology  that will be needed for this project will be:

1. Camera or Cellphone with camera 

2. Computer or Mobile device for blogsite

3. Internet Connection

One of the  affordances in this project will be making sure that each student is has what he/she needs available to get the project online (on the blogsite). Another affordance  would be closing the digital gap within my classes for this particular project.  Finally I think the layout design of the blog could be an affordance.  I'm still not very clear on the affordance with technology, I understand the simple concrete doorknob and pencil.  But I think is something I'm going to have to continue to study.    

Other ways that this technology can be used specifically the blogsite is to share lessons with students.  If a student was absent I could post a demo video or lesson so that the students could view from home.  I think that the biggest obstacle would be if students were required to do this work outside of class, the availability of internet, computers, and mobile devices.  I do think that is still worthwhile, because it seems like they are all plugged in somehow!  It always surprises me!

Capstone Video

http://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cI6lYXVKF4

Reflection #7

This section of the textbook addresses new directions and emerging technologies for IDT. For your final post, reflect on how you might apply each of the following in your current or future position in the IDT field:

• distributed or e-learning environments
• reusable design or learning objects
• rich media
•  emerging instructional technologies, such as artificial intelligence, cybernetics, Web 2.0, virtual worlds, electronic games, etc.

The book defines e-learning as a broad term that encompasses all learning involving technology whatsoever, (Reiser 282).   Considering the definition of e-learning I do apply it in my current position.  From when I started teaching 12 years ago to today such many major changes have happened in technology. Twelve years ago I could never tell a student if you need to you can use your cellphone to research ideas for your project. The possibilities are amazing! I'm thankful that devices such as cellphones are easily available for most students. The district I work for in my opinion is still very far behind with technology, in all aspects. I don't think they promote it enough across the content areas, I see it very tunneled to mostly the career and technology courses. Though I do teach a CATE class, I find what is presented to me from the district to be limited, so I research on my own and share with the students.  I try to introduce as many possibilities as  that I know can be tangible for the students that will provide them with a learning experience.

When I think of reusable design or learning objects I immediately think of LEGOS, such as simple toy that provide a child with so many possibilities.  One day a castle, the next a firehouse and even a dog house. Learning objects have a very broad range from a chart in a book to creating a chart in a word processing program that can be saved and reused.  I most definitely apply learning objects in the classroom from the straight forward search engine google to teaching specific software.  When I teach Adobe Flash to my students one of my favorite chapters is on objects; creating, storing and the future use of the objects.  When reading about this section I kept that concept in mind.  Objects that are created in Flash can be very simple such as a sun which can be used as is over and over again, but put into to different settings. As innovations in technology continue to develop so will the learning objects which will provide the student with a richer learning outcome.

Rich Media is another term used for digital interactive media.  Digital Interactive Media is one of courses that I teach.  Within this course the students learn how to create and use rich media. I love for students to learn new software and applications that allow the student to create motion and interaction.  I believe that students these days learn best by making and sharing.  I do teach traditional studio classes which are not computer based so students do not get the same experience as the other class.  When incorporating rich media in the studio courses I am usually the one who creates or finds it to share.  I do find that students also learn better when rich media is used in the right context.  

Emerging instructional technologies, such as artificial intelligence, cybernetics, Web 2.0, virtual worlds, electronic games, etc.are just as important to the future as the rich media.  I think that all are interconnected with each other. I love games, I'm not much of the virtual world type of person but I know many that enjoy it.

A few years ago I was able to attend a week long training on gaming software.  I worked with Run 51 and Unity.  I think that was the best training that I had ever attended.  I was able to learn the basics to possibly bring back to the classroom. Unfortunately I was not able to actually bring what I learned back to classroom for the students due to lack of funding for the hardware that I needed to upgrade the computers in the lab.  Overall it was still an experience that I enjoyed. 

As technology continues to emerge more possibilities will be available for teachers to incorporate in the classroom.  I found this list of web 2.0 tools that I thought was great!  Some of these I currently have students use or I use and others are now on my list.  

http://www.edudemic.com/the-35-best-web-2-0-classroom-tools-chosen-by-you/

Reflection #6

This is my 12^th year of teaching with Dallas ISD.  My current job is as a Visual Arts Instructor at the secondary level teaching grades 9-12.  This year my course load is Art I, Drawing, Ceramics, and Digital Art.  My certifications include Visual Arts, Technology Applications, and ESL.  I am enrolled in the Masters in Educational Technology program, with an anticipated graduation in December 2014.  I plan on teaching for at least one more year after this year and then from there I would like to try something new and different. I’m hoping that this degree will open new doors in the field of instructional design or training.  Whether I stay with education or venture out into the corporate world or even healthcare, I will be open to a new opportunity.

After completing the WorkMatrix^TM ,  I would like to work at either the Level 1 or Level 2 but preferably outside the classroom, and my audience would be adults. I would like to either teach adults in an educational setting or train adults to use technology.  I could see the possibility in the future if I were to work for a corporation or healthcare to move to the level of designing or developing instruction.  Currently location is very important for me in my career, however in the future it may be a great opportunity and experience to have. 

I know that if I want to change economic sectors I will need to learn new skill sets.  During my study breaks from this class I research different instructional design jobs and corporate training jobs to see what skill sets I have to learn.  I have started a folder with different jobs that I have printed off outside of education, and checking off skills that I have learned or studied.  My husband thinks it’s kind of funny, but he knows my determination to make a career change.  I have researched the Certificate in E-Learning Instructional Design, which I think would be very beneficial to obtain and would provide extra credentials when searching for a new job.  Many of the jobs require specific knowledge of E-Learning software; this is where I have no training. I have played around with Moodle a bit on my own, but that is about it.  Hopefully one of the following classes will address the skills that I will need to obtain: ETEC 525, 562, or 579.  But if not I am open to finding courses on E-learning software or learn on my own. 

I think it is very important to be part of professional organizations.  I am currently a member of the Texas Art Educators Association and National Art Educator Association.  However, I will be looking to join different organizations that will support my new career path.  I do think as I get closer to graduating it would benefit to join the organizations, as I it could provide networking, job opportunities and more knowledge about the field. A few that I have researched that I think could benefit are the following:

The eLearning Guild-

http://www.elearningguild.com

 Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT)  http://www.aect.org/

 American Society for Training and Development

http://www.astd.org/