Personal Course Reflection

Reflections of IT 648

Telecommunications in Education, IT 648 has taught me a lot of valuable instructional technology skills that I already have started to incorporate throughout this course and as well as other courses this semester. The main component I believe I have gained from this course is a basic understanding of different technological tools as well as how they can enhance student learning by integrating these tools within the curriculum of a course. I have always enjoyed incorporating technology within my lessons and presentations however after taking this course I realize I mainly utilized them for “Edutainment” or visual purposes. Technology in fact can enhance visual presentations and entertain participants and/or students however to really impact student learning and achievement, technology integration is necessary.

Personal/ Course Strengths and Challenges

This was the very first fully online course which presenting some learning adjustments for me. Though it took me only a few weeks to adjust to online presentations, course discussions, and assignments initially I thought the course would be similar to every other course I took. I found my strong points within the class to be the ability to independently work, learn from my peers, learn how to utilize new technology tools, and have the opportunity to engage in intense discussions with my peers. I really enjoyed the flexibility I had within the course to work at my own pace, and develop projects based off of course supplements and resources. I believe this experience provided me an opportunity to develop professional skills and work habits that will make me successful in the future. I also enjoyed reviewing peer projects and weekly discussions with my peers. What surprised me most in this course was the relationship I developed with my peers. Though we never met each other, I would often think how each would respond to discussion questions. I enjoyed debating topics with them and viewing their assignments. I learned a great deal about the technologies we utilized and gained creative ideas of how to improve my own work through my peers. Finally, I have gained a confidence in my ability to quickly interact with new technologies. While I was unfamiliar with each of the tools we worked with I was able to quickly pick up the skills needed to successfully complete my assignments. This gave me the confidence that, if given a new technology to incorporate within my career, I would be able to step up to the task and help develop meaningful content that would impact student achievement. I enjoyed the opportunity to experiment with these technologies and hope to continue to learn new technologies throughout the rest of my program!

Course strengths would include intense work assignments, meaningful discussion based applications, and communication with my professor. Though I felt overwhelmed with assignments on multiple occasions, I really felt the assignments given in this course were relevant and meaningful and impacted both my educational experience and my appreciation for technology tools that can be used within education. Each project gave me an opportunity to personally grow but also discover how these tools can be utilized by reviewing previous projects, peer projects, and constructing personal projects. I also appreciated the in-depth responses and communications between my peers within the course and myself. Each week our class was given specific questions to discuss within a threaded discussion board. Not only did these questions make me research new topics and develop personal and professional opinions on computer-based technologies but also the opportunity to read my colleagues’ perspectives and constructive comments on my perspective. This assignment generally took a good deal of time each week but I feel the learning achieved through collaboration and communication with my peers was quite remarkable. I appreciated their feedback and learned a great deal from each of them.

Finally I really enjoyed the open communication between my professor and the class. Each week we were sent a list of learning activities, current projects and discussion questions. While these interactions were both appreciated and welcomed I really enjoyed two specific communications, which were a summative post to our weekly discussions and personal feedback on our assignments. Each week after all students had completed their individual and peer posts, the professor would create a post highlighting great thoughts and suggestions that occurred and give a summative wrap up to the discussion as well as best practices associated with that question. I looked forward to viewing these posts each week and felt it was a great way for the professor to engage within the conversations without guiding or controlling the output of the discussions. Online courses can also be challenging when students do not get feedback in regards to completed assignments and projects. The professor within the course gave great feedback in regards to the strengths exhibited as well as some suggestions for further development within each activity we participated in. This allowed me to gage where I stood within the course and how I could improve my skills within each technology tool we worked with. I enjoyed receiving this personalized feedback and appreciated the time the professor took to provide each student with this information. 

Areas of improvement for me would be developing better programming skills. Some of our projects allowed us the ability to work with code. I found myself at times frustrated with the limitations of the free technologies such as limited background, templates, etc. as well as the inability on my part to figure out how to alter such items to create and design pages (both Web pages and Blogs) the way I imagined them to look. As far as the course goes there are no challenges I saw as I really enjoyed the course. I believe one enhancement to the course would be supporting each technology with a research based resource list supporting the use of the computer-based tools we utilized within the course. Though we were given lessons and additional resources to enhance our knowledge on each tool, I would have enjoyed the ability to see what the research says about each tool we utilized. Additionally, there was some subject content (ex: Wireless and Satellite technologies) that were particularly challenging for me. If possible it would be great to have face-to-face, synchronous Q&A time, or synchronous video to discuss these types of technologies to develop a better understanding of them.  

Future learning goals

My future learning goals include taking as many instructional technology courses that I can, developing a knowledge base on technologies I am starting to utilize, and completing individual research projects incorporating instructional technology theory and practice. Each semester as I continue to learn more about technology I appreciate the diversity as well as the numerous types of computer-based instructional technologies currently within education. I hope to continue to develop a base understanding of applications, hardware and software to give me a good foundation to build a technology career upon. I would also like to look into taking some computer science courses to expand my knowledge on computer programming, as I believe it would be a resourceful tool and knowledge base for me to have.

Currently I have not conducted any individual research on any technology-based tool. I believe another way for me to learn more about some of the tools utilized within the course would be to conduct research on the benefits/ challenges of incorporating it. Similarly with some of the current technologies being utilized I see a lack of research being conducted at the University level to determine whether or not collegiate student learning is being impacted by technology-enhanced education. It is my intention to start investigating how technology can enhance student learning as my major is higher education administration and I now see the importance of administrators having such knowledge bases.  

Classroom Integration

There are many ways I intend to implement these technologies within the classroom. The first way is to educate students on proper resources on the Internet. This would include web searching activities and introducing students to alternative Google search engines. I also hope to incorporate a cross content blog incorporating discussions utilizing not only my subject area but also various disciplines. I believe making cross discipline connections is essential to student learning and provides a type of cohesiveness to the content being taught. It will also allow my students the ability to engage in meaningful discussion with one another and invite others to share within that educational experience. Furthermore I see how integrating WebQuests, video, and online presentations can enhance student learning and increase student motivation and engagement. 

Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions

Each week we were assigned a discussion question of which we were to respond to. As mentioned in my personal reflections I found the threaded discussions within my class to be very beneficial and useful in student learning. I enjoyed reading other peer posts as well as thinking critically about how I would answer the discussion questions. Listed below are the questions asked each week along with my answers to each.

 

Week One:

Professor’s Question Week One:

Discuss how you can use the Web in teaching, training, and learning. What are the advantages as well as the limitations and pitfalls of Web-based instruction? 

Styron’s Post Week One:

The web to me is similar to an individual’s motivation and determination. Walt Disney once stated, “If you can dream it, you can do it!” Though some tasks will be particularly easy to accomplish in comparison to others as the web continues to evolve the capabilities of its use continue to increase. Think back to the beginning of the World Wide Web when it was first made accessible to the public in the early 1990’s. Then look at it capabilities now. In just two decades we have seen not only the use of the web increase but also the functionality and usability of it expand.

Common uses of the Web would include:

Teaching:

•Students how to research information

•Furthering education’s accessibility to those in remote locations or at a distance

•Collaboration among schools and classes using video conferencing technologies

•Providing audio, visual, and hands on learning opportunities that students can progress through at their own speed

Training:

•Virtual reality experiences which allow students to make decisions and experience what the outcomes from those decisions

•Allowing individual’s the ability to progress through trainings per their own needs

•Having the ability to immediately reference training materials

Learning:

•Exploring historical sites and virtual tours allowing students the ability to visit places they might never have seen.

•Engaging in virtual learning environments which allow students to communicate with individuals throughout the world

•Developing productivity skills that will be essential for individual’s to succeed in the business world

Though these are just a few examples of many, the Web has allowed us to become a smaller world. In regards to Web-based instruction the Web allows us the ability to quickly access information, reference materials and correspondence that would otherwise be beyond our scope, and network with people throughout the world. It also allows individuals who might be in remote locations the ability to gain education, resources, and tools without having to leave their homes. With the enhancements of video, audio and synchronous learning students can receive the comparable instruction to those students in face-to-face courses.

The disadvantages I see would be to those who do not have the resources to gain access to the Web as well as individuals with disabilities. For example, one dilemma we face here in Mississippi is the accessibility to DSL, Cable and Wireless Internet. Some of our students still operate on dial-up, which makes it extremely hard for faculty who wish to incorporate multimedia into Web-based instruction to do so. On the student side this entices frustration, as downloading buffer times can be overwhelming. Secondly I know it is hard to foresee every obstacle or situation that might arise however, much consideration was not given to individual’s who might need assistive devices or help accessing the Web. Many students with disabilities lack the resources, knowledge or understanding of what a web-based course entails making it difficult for faculty at a distance to successfully deliver content as well as challenging for the students.

Week Two:

Professor’s Question Week Two:

What are the major components of a Web course if you are asked to design and develop one today? What tips and suggestions you would share with your colleagues when designing an effective Web site for teaching and learning?

Styron’s Post Week Two:

Dr. Yuen actually gave some great tips to remember in developing a Web-based course which served for me as a guideline to the tips that I wish share with my colleagues:

Determining the needs- Identify you target audience, their knowledge level, the learning outcome you expect for them to accomplish, etc. This will be important for every lesson and will guide you through the building of your online course.

Estimate the development cost, effort and implication- One of the biggest challenges with building online courses and implementing technology is the cost associated with completing such tasks. One needs to identify whether or not it is even feasible to develop an web-based course. It would be beneficial for you to seek out your Learning Enhancement Center or Technology Department to learn what resources are currently available. If technologies are not available or your institution lacks the funding needed to provide adequate software you may want to research open source software that is available which cost nothing to utilize.

Decide on an instructional goal- What purpose will your technology play in educating your student? Will it be a primary tool or used as an enhancement to course content? Determining your instructional goals as well as the goals your technology will plan in achieving these goals is essential in building an web-based course.

Browse existing online curricula for ideas- Have you ever heard of the saying, “Don’t reinvent the wheel?” Time is a precious commodity to teachers therefore do some research and evaluate whether or not there are sources of information online that you can utilize (obviously giving proper credit where needed).

Find online resources to achieve the course objectives- Look at the content you wish to teach as well as the learning objectives you seek to achieve and determine whether or not there are adequate resources online for your students to meet these objectives.

Organize and arrange the information- Web-based courses that are not well-organized and arranged will be a disaster for your students to navigate. Consider what student’s need to be able to readily access (grades, course assignments, discussions, etc.) and ensure that you are laying your content out accordingly.

Construct the pages- Once you have determined the layout of the information and your instructional goals building the pages to meet these needs will be next. As you continue to develop web-based courses you will want to make sure you build an organized way to house these pages so that it is easy for you to find and make modifications as need be.

Implement online students assessment and methods, and class management procedures- After reviewing your course objectives determine how to evaluate and assess student performance within the web-based course.

Test, Refine, and Update the pages- This is probably one of the most important pieces of the entire Web-based puzzle as there is no quicker way to kill motivation and student interest than with faulty links, inaccurate information or slow web pages. It will be a continuous process for the instructor to test, modify and refine their web-based pages as needed.

I would also add understanding the software from a student’s perspective would be beneficial in building your web-based course. Many times what seems natural and easy for you to understand can be confusing for your students. It would be beneficial if you shared these pages with colleagues or graduate assistants asking them to navigate through the pages and provide feedback as to how they look. Secondly, it is very important that you understand the software being utilized. This will help you understand how to fully utilize the software but also assist your students should they experience problems along the way. In a web-based course not only are you a teacher you sometimes are students only link to trouble-shooting computer problems.

When building effective web-based lessons for teaching and learning Dr. Yuen (2008) also suggests identifying instructional goals, motivating the learner, understanding the technical environment, requiring active involvement, and providing guidance, feedback, and administrative information (Slides 16-21).

Reference:

Yuen, S. (2008). Web-based Instruction. Presented in IT 648 online course at The University of Southern Mississippi.

Week Three:

Professor’s Questions Week Three:

Discuss the dangers associated with using the Internet and the strategies teachers can use to minimize risks.

Styron’s Post Week Three:

The Internet in my opinion has been one of the primary tools in helping our nation become a global community allowing students to have resources at the tip of their hands. However with such benefits also come certain risks that must be accounted for. For example, if a teacher develops a website dedicated to a specific course for his/her students, they must be aware of privacy laws that are in existence. One law in particular would be the Family Educational Rights Privacy Act, commonly referred to as FERPA. FERPA protects student information that must be kept confidential. Examples would include social security numbers, grades, and particular contact information. Teachers should avoid posting such information as it can breech student rights and, in a worse case scenario, place them in harms way of Internet stalkers or identity theft criminals.

Furthermore especially within the P-12 setting teachers should provide students with guidelines for Internet etiquette and safety precautions. The Internet is a social network which allows anyone with an Internet connection to connect with individuals from around the world. Some criminals will try to lure children into traps asking for parental credit card information or arranging a time and place for the student to meet them. These situations are extreme but are still prevalent in today’s society. One way of minimizing this risk would be to establish a secure site where only teachers, students, and/or parents can obtain accessibility. Within this site networking tools can be provided which will ensure that the proper people are communicating with students.

The last risk I can think of is the increased risk of plagiarism and poor information sources. Teachers should educate students on proper sites to obtain information from as well as constantly teach proper MLA or APA requirements for plagiarism and paraphrasing. I believe that if teachers started teaching these type of lesson at an early age by the time students got to college faculty would see less of these types of incidences occurring.

Week Four:

Professor’s Question Week Four:

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Interactive Video (IVN) in education? What are your opinions about the use of IVN in teaching and learning if you have taken IVN classes at USM? Discuss how you can use video conferencing technology in education.

Styron’s Post Week Four:

Per Dr. Yuen’s resources, some of the advantages of using Interactive Video networks is that this technology allows a video element within nontraditional classroom settings, the ability for diverse medias to be implemented, collaboration and immediate feedback and connects students with external resources (advantages can be found at: http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/vidconf/Using.html).

Though there are many benefits associated with the incorporation of technology teachers who are considering IVN technologies should also weigh the risks associated. Video lagging, audio delays, and image pixilation might present challenges during use (disadvantages can be found at: http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/vidconf/Using.html). There are many preventative measures teachers can take providing students with best practice information to ensure the smoothest implementation possible.

I have never taken an IVN course before and have very limited knowledge on productivity, efficiency, student success, Universal Design compliances, etc. I assume that its primary function is to serve as an enhancement to distance education courses. If I had to utilize IVN technologies within my classroom I believe I would try to connect my class to resources they otherwise would not be able to utilize. For example, maybe a formal discussion can be arranged between four history courses across the United States. This would bring additional perspectives, regional experiences and networking capabilities within the classroom for my students. Furthermore I think it would be beneficial to also incorporate International IVN experiences building International relationships and perspectives, landmarks and monumental visual experiences to life.

Week Five:

Professor’s Question Week Five:

Discuss the advantages, obstacles, issues and opportunities facing wireless technology in education.

Styron’s Post Week Five:

Wireless technology has both advantages and disadvantages that school district’s should consider when determining whether or not to invest their limited funding on. Some of the advantages include accessibility, and flexibility (Yuen, 2008, Slide 6). Wireless technologies tend to be highly accessible allowing students to utilize Internet resources throughout school areas. Wireless technologies make this possible by allowing laptop computers to connect without having to be confined by wires. They also allow school districts flexibility within their integration of computers. Some schools utilize mobile carts with computers for their students. These computers would not provide students with Internet if they were not equipped with wireless technologies. This allows the school to bring computers and technology to individual classrooms for students to utilize.

Some of the disadvantages include costs, time, interference and tech support (Yuen, 2008, Slide 7). Wireless Internet tends to be more expensive then installing wired networks so, as technology budgets continue to remain small, completing a cost analysis to determine whether or not wireless is cost efficient would be necessary. Time allocation is also a consideration when discussing wireless technology. Time would include the time spent to setup the network as well as the time to train faculty and students. This can be very expensive and the lack of not providing training for staff and students would result in major challenges and frustrations as well as the students and teachers not utilizing the technology itself.

Again, it is up to the administrators, school leaders and technology specialists to determine whether or not wireless technologies would be a good fit within their school district. Without conducting proper research, completing a budget analysis and determining whether or not these technologies meet the needs of the school funding for wireless technology would be a waste of technology resources.

Reference:

Yuen, S. (2008). Wireless technology in education. Presented in IT 648 online course at The University of Southern Mississippi.

 

 

Assignment 7

Online Presentation using Slideshare

Our online presentation required us to chose a topic related to telecommunications in education and create an online presentation using Slideshare. This presentation was to be presented in APA format including at least ten references and consisting of at least 15 slides. I chose to present on Virtual Learning Environments. Within the last two years I have had an increase interest in VLE's as well as the potential benefits they could provide students in higher education. I found this assignment to be fun and very beneficial to my educational experience. I never realized prior to this class that is was possible to present a PowerPoint presentation online. I really enjoyed learning how to make my presentation available online and am looking forward to incorporating audio in  my future presentations. 

To view my presentation on Virtual Learning Environments, please click here: http://www.slideshare.net/tigerjenn11/virtual-learning-environments-pdf

 

Assignment 6

Personal video message using Eyejot

Following our WebQuest assignment we were required to make a video message using Eyejot. This assignment required that we had a video camera and microphone attached to our computer. The objective of our video was to create a 1-3 minute video introducing us to our classmates. Of all our assignments, this was personally one of my favorites! The technology was really easy for me to use surprisingly the difficult part for me was knowing what to say and keeping it within the time limit! Once I created my class video, I immediately sent video messages to my family and friends and have received some back! I think this is another alternative way to communicate with students and individuals via technology tools and am excited to have learned how to incorporate this tool. 

To view my video message to my classmates, click here: http://www.eyejot.com/mview/964C1EE75E9A43ADB2A5C91063723E664907D7F48C50AD1A927005287990C200

Assignment 5

Developing a WebQuest using Google Pages

Our next assignment was to create a WebQuest activity for a particular grade level. I chose to create a lesson for a ninth grade American History class. The objective of this assignment was to create a successful WebQuest activity incorporating the seven main components of a WebQuest which are introduction, process, task, resources, evaluation, conclusion, and teacher’s notes. Though I hate to admit it, the most difficult part of this lesson was recalling the American Revolution and the materials needed to successfully deliver this particular lesson. I really enjoyed the creative aspects WebQuests allows because you are actually giving the students a task that you want them to be able to complete using Web technologies. I think the creativity and individuality this project allows will create an environment where students can actively participate in the lesson and complete it based on their strengths. 

To view my WebQuest, click here: http://jennstyron.googlepages.com/americanrevolutionwebquest

Assignment 4

Personal timeline using circaVie

Our next class assignment was to create a personal timeline using circaVie technology. The objective of the timeline was to tell a story including at least 7 pictures. I chose to create a timeline featuring some of the beautiful landmarks I saw during my year out on in Portland, Oregon. Once I created an account on circaVie, it was really easy to create my timeline. I added pictures according to my visits, added notes, and posted them to my timeline. I really enjoy the ability an online timeline allows and can see incorporating such activities within my classroom. Here students could post a chronological timeline of historical events, a personal timeline showing progress on projects, college trips so that other students can view campuses, etc.

To view my timeline, click here: http://www.circavie.com/timelines/f9d8f364-ec02-51d4-8583-6e5ef81e3a62

Assignment 3

Personal website using Google Pages

This assignment called for us to create our own personal websites using Google pages. This is not the first time I have ever created a webpage however it was the first time I did so using Google pages (previously used Dreamweaver to build sites). Our web pages needed to consist of the following components:

·      Each page should end in a "signature," informing the user of the last date of modification to the page, your name, and your email address with an email link.

·      Each page should make use of a background color or background image; and should have information about the author, title, and description.

·      Your Web pages should have headings, a list (either a bullet list or numbered list), horizontal lines, and background color.

·      The pages should have headings, a list (either a bullet list or numbered list), horizontal lines. Also, the pages should have hypertext links between the three pages including links to specific points within each page using targets.

·      The pages should make use of images and links, as appropriate. You must have at least one scanned image on one of these pages.

·      At least one table be used on one of these pages.

·      Basic formatting should be used (i.e., heading, lists, fonts, colors, etc.)

·      Proper spelling and grammar should be used.

The main reason we were asked to create this website was to develop website building skills, create a personal space online dedicated to highlighting personal information, and to understand how to utilize free software (open source software) should we need it in the future. I enjoyed making my own site and the learning objectives behind this assignment however using Google pages was particularly challenging and frustrating to me. Having previous experience with Dreamweaver I was frustrated by the limitations of background colors, designs, layouts, and fonts. Furthermore Google pages did not work with my primary browser Safari so many of the changes I made did not format correctly so I had to use Firefox to redo these pages. Overall, I am glad I gained a new knowledge base on free applications Google provides to users and built a personal website. 

To view my webpage, click here: http://jennstyron.googlepages.com/home. 

Assignment 2

Creating a Blog using Blogger.com

This assignment allowed me to create a personal Blog. The assignment had two objectives the first was to post an introduction about myself (background, education, experiences, interests, and etc.) and the second objective was to create an introduction to my Blogfolio. My Blogfolio was created at the end of the semester and encompasses a review of all assignments completed within IT 648, Computer-based Instructional Technology course I took at The University of Southern Mississippi. I used Blogger.com to create a free web blog.

I logged into Blogger.com, created an account, picked a design template and started creating my Blog. I was surprised to see how easy creating a blog could actually be! Once I looked at my peer’s blogs I found that you could insert links, pictures etc. I was able to incorporate many components within this page and automatically post it to the Internet. This will be a great resource when teaching because it will allow me the ability to provide my students with a web space dedicated to content based discussions. I enjoyed this assignment and am eager to continue blogging throughout the rest of my doctoral work! 

Additional blogs I have created can be viewed at:

IT 645: Computers in Education: http://it645jennstyron.blogspot.com/

This blog was created for an additional Instructional Technology course I took at The University of Southern Mississippi.

Personal Blog: http://jennifer-styron.blogspot.com/

I created this blog prior to my course blogs hoping to engage online bloggers within technology-based discussions and ethical questions surround the incorporation of technology in education. I now realize the trick to blogs is that you have to encourage particpation as no one has ever posted to my blog! I did have fun creating it though… 

Assignment 1

Web Searching Assignment using Steve Yuen’s Ultimate Search Page

Our web searching activity was a great initial assignment for this course and comprised three components. The first was to find 5 telecommunications within education. After finding these telecommunications we were to search for 2 classmates, an author of a book, and a professional association and 2 software applications using a universal search engine. This assignment provided us the ability to learn how to effectively search for these types of materials and also that there are multiple search engine platforms besides Google which one can use to located these materials. Steve Yuen’s Ultimate Search Engine was used to locate my materials.                

Findings from my assignment can be found at: http://jennstyron.googlepages.com/Assignment1IT648.pdf

Welcome to my Blogfolio!

This my first ever blogfolio so expect my beginning work to be at a rookie level! I hope that you will enjoy this site as it is dedicated not only to individual learning but also group learning. My colleagues as well as myself are enrolled in IT648: Telecommunications in Education at The University of Southern Mississippi. This course is being taught online by Dr. Steve Yuen and will span across ten weeks of the 2008 summer term. 

My blogfolio was created to give a reflective look at the coursework I have completed within IT 648 featuring personal reflections, assignments and discussions completed during the course. The second purpose of my blogfolio is to help foster individual and group learning between my colleagues within this course and myself. Throughout the semester we were able to review one another's sites allowing us the ability to learn and discuss our findings amongst one another. Links to my colleagues blogs are also posted on my site so that anyone who is interested in checking out their sites will have easy accessibility to do so. 

The blogs you will see posted will be self-reflections on the activities this course  including but not limited to readings, assignments, learning modules and theories studied during the summer of 2008.  The left menu bar of the page will allow you the navigational ability to: learn more about me, view my additional blogs, view colleague's blogs and get the latest news from Apple. I have also included some pictures from some of my experiences as well as some family pictures for your enjoyment. I am looking forward to the new experience of blogging and hope to build experience, knowledge and relationships that will prepare me for a career with technology. Feel free to ask questions, post comments, leave suggestions, or offer feedback. 

Self Introduction

Hello Everyone!

My name is Jennifer Styron. I am a doctoral student at The University of Southern Mississippi. I am pursuing a minor in Instructional Technology and am very exciting about the learning opportunities technology is affording to students throughout the world! I aspire to work in the field helping integrate emerging technologies into curriculum developing and challenging education to take learning to the next level. I hope to work for a visionary organization whose mission is to proactively help increase efficiency, reduce cost, improve accessibility, retention and customer service. I look forward to building relationships with similar companies and collaborating with them on projects and research, together helping our nation lead the way into the 21st century!

I graduated from Northwestern State University in 2003 with a Hospitality Management and Tourism degree. Post graduation I worked as a consultant for my sorority and had the opportunity to travel the midwest and Alaska helping chapters develop women leaders on their campuses. It was a pleasure working with students as well as my sorority, Alpha Sigma Alpha however something was still missing. Upon completion of my position in 2005 I moved to Portland, Oregon where I took a position as an admissions advisor at an online university. It was in this role that I found my passion for the wonderful world of technology and have been hooked since!

I am a huge family person, have a deep appreciation for the arts, enjoy sports and am crazy about traveling!! My favorite place I have visited has been New York. I love the energy, determination, and spunk the city (and its people) has to offer. I hope after I graduate to live close to the area so that I may visit frequently. Chicago could hold the number two spot on my list. I tend to be a city girl however I enjoy the West Coast immensely also which is much different than the city life I generally enjoy. My favorite sports teams are the New York Yankees (obviously), the Indianapolis Colts (lived in Indiana when I traveled for the sorority), and the Phoenix Suns (no reason except I love the team's running game). I always root for the Saints since I am originally from Louisiana and hope to ONE DAY see them win a Super Bowl!