Graduate / Goals Statement - Master of Education with Specialization in Instructional Technology [4]

From the University of South Florida's webpage for Master of Education admission requirements:

"a one-page Goals Statement describing the applicants' motivation for entering the M.Ed. program, what s/he hopes to achieve upon completion of the program, and the number of courses s/he plans to take each semester while in the program."

Below is my Goals statement:

Technology has always been a subject of great interest to me ever since I starting using and working on computers. One of the main reasons why I developed this interest was because my father worked as a software engineer for Lockheed Martin on the space shuttle program. He bought me my first computer when they were not as popular and ubiquitous as they are today leading to an early exposure of computers. This, combined with the extraordinary growth of both the hardware and software fields has meant many new exciting learning opportunities for me. I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Geography at the University of South Florida. I was attracted to this degree because of the technology involved in the field of Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

After I completed the degree, I was hired by the University of Florida at the Citrus Research and Education Center as a GIS specialist. During my time in the position of GIS specialist I found myself using many different technologies to complete required projects. Over the course of a few years I discovered that what really interested me was using technology to solve problems. When an career opportunity came up to take a technology position working for the Pinellas County K-12 school system I jumped on it. It was a great position to learn and apply new technologies and is also where I started to develop an interest in education. One example of the new technologies I was introduced to was Filemaker Pro database software. I was able to use Filemaker Pro's Instant Web Publishing software to develop online training for students as it related to our finance and free enterprise curriculum. This online training consisted of a back end database, front end website, and training videos. After a few years I was able to obtain another technology position in the Research and Accountability department. In this position I was able further refined my understanding and skills in educational technology. Working in a department full of researchers and evaluators, who mostly have Masters and Doctorate degrees, peaked my interest in pursuing a higher level of education beyond my Bachelor's degree. I can see a need to develop more professional and high level critical thinking skills that a Master's degree can provide. The Masters program will also broaden the scope of my education so I can look at problems from different perspectives in order to find alternative solutions.

I hope to learn specific knowledge on how to design courses and trainings using technology. I would also like to use the knowledge I learn from the Masters program to increase my expertise in program evaluation, especially programs that use technology to deliver instruction. By knowing how instruction programs that use technology are designed, I will have a great advantage in evaluating them. I hope to achieve the necessary professional skills in the educational technology field that will open up new career possibilities inside and outside my organization. While in the program I plan to take 2 courses each semester, including summer semesters, which would put me on track to finish in 2 years. If the course schedules permit I would like to take 3 courses in one of the spring or fall semesters, so that I can finish before 2 years. I am enrolling in 2 courses of the Masters program as a non-degree seeking student for the Spring 2012 term so that I can start my education as soon as possible. As an applicant I bring a unique blend of technology and education background. I am very excited and would be honored to be accepted into the Master's of Education degree program with specialization in Instructional Technology.