The Master’s of Science in Instructional Science and Technology (MIST) began by challenging me with the design process. Immediately we were tasked with designing an instructional event with a process that required more in depth planning than was required of my teaching credential program. The backwards planning of the instructional design model was not unfamiliar but the intensity that we applied learning theories and instructional strategies set the planning apart from a normal teaching practice. The technical skills that are required to be successful as an online learner and graduate level student were also well supported.
The second semester delved deeper into learning theories and also was the first opportunity to work with Adobe Captivate. I believe the time spent becoming proficient in my command of Captivate will give me a competitive edge in future job opportunities. Learning videography has not only supported my educational ventures, but it has been a useful skill that I’ve used in my classroom instruction. Now, when I am absent from work for training or illness I can quickly create instructional videos as lessons for my students. I also have great confidence in producing a high quality video for instructional purposes, interviews, or documentaries.
The summer semester allowed for a chance to apply design skills, technical skills, and collaboration. This project not only tested our ability, but gave valuable experience in working with a client. The collaboration between team members and client has helped me develop a process for distance communication that will be quite helpful in future endeavors. The course dedicated to evaluation techniques not only reminded me of the pleasure of mathematical problems, but has given me great insight into the surveys and evaluation methods I encounter in my professional life. The critical eye I’ve developed for evaluation has already been useful supporting my staff with the WASC accreditation.
I would have liked the HTML5/JQuery class be offered sooner in the program; these useful skills would have served me better if it was offered before the 4th semester. The skills and the fun I’ve had with learning to use Adobe Dreamweaver and JQuery has motivated me to find a career working with web based technology. Learning these skills earlier would have also given me the opportunity to create my ePortfolio by hand, offering much more personalization and demonstration of skill than a Google Site allows. The culmination of the MIST program is the Capstone project will be a great demonstration of all the skills I’ve learned. The Capstone project also gives me the opportunity to share and demonstrate my knowledge with my colleagues and employers which has let me stand out among my peers.
This MIST program has not only improved my technical skills, but my depth of knowledge and understanding of the instructional design process are assets that I take great pride in. MIST has not only increased my ability to perform my job with a higher level of skill, but I believe it will open new opportunities that will allow me to enter a career that has a greater use of the technical skills I have learned.