The Adventures of Lani Tak - Educational Technology and Instructional Design Edition is my new blog where I can share any interesting information or my own personal experiences during and after my pursuit for a Master's in Instructional Design and Technology. It is modeled after my life blog The Adventures of Lani Tak which is mainly about food and my travels.
My Other Blog!
I could not think of a more appropriate topic for my first blog post than my decision to apply for a Master's in Instructional Design and Technology degree through California State Fullerton. When deciding to return to school, especially after years of no homework and limited funds, you have to think hard and long about if you think it will be worth it. You think about the future demand for the field and the current popularity of it. You need to consider if the quality of the knowledge you will gain from the program will be worth your time and money. Finally, you have to think about if and when you graduate, will you regret it?
When I was mulling over my application and my personal statement, someone told me, "An investment in yourself is never a bad one." Then another one gave me a refrigerator magnet with text on it that read, "A year from now what will you wish you had done today?"
Magical Magnet!
All the support I was receiving reminded me of a conversation I had with someone about 6 years ago. My friend asked me, "So what are your future plans?" I explained to him that I wanted to figure out a way to help teachers incorporate technology into their instruction. He looked at my strangely and said "Good luck with that!" Having that reaction come from a former teacher, I felt like it was a silly dream and I really blew it off. And no matter how much I still wanted to pursue this dream, I was faced with the unending and depressing debt I incurred from supporting myself through my Bachelor's degree.
Years later, after working in different levels of K-12 schools, I witnessed flaws not only in implementation of technology, but also the design of the programs the teachers were using. The quality of programs and learning tools available left much to be desired. I wanted to gain the knowledge to actually design tools that could be used for classroom instruction. Through knowledge of successful instructional design, I wanted to be a part of the revolution that was making education more accessible, engaging, effective, and interactive. Instructional Design and Technology was where I needed to be.
Luckily, the only program I was interested in applying in was the MSIDT program at California State University, Fullerton. Fully offered online, perfect for anyone trying to keep a job to pay for their educational fix. There are many programs available, but the MSIDT program was rated high in value with a great fast-track plan.
I was fortunate enough to be accepted into the program and will be finishing in May 2016. I have to admit that the program is challenging, but I already feel that I am gaining valuable knowledge that I will be able to apply to my future career whether in public or private sector. Additionally, I am grateful to have made many wonderful professional connections and personal friends through the program.
Victory Selfie!
A year from now (actually in 8 months) I will be ecstatic to say that I earned my Master's in Instructional Design and Technology at California State University, Fullerton!
