Archives for fsu

How did I choose the Instructional Systems program at FSU?

Allison posed this question on my About page.

It was a strange journey. I knew I wanted an advanced degree in Education. I knew I wanted to focus on adult education. I also knew that I wanted a program that 100% distance, since I have to travel sometimes.

I started looking for a program that would help me develop programs for adults on the autism spectrum. But I couldn’t find a program that specific. I looked at the MA colleges, since I am in MA, but I don’t think any of them were 100% distance.

I was an undergrad at FSU, in the Information Studies program. I know from first-hand experience how wired FSU is, so I knew that the infrastructure existed for a distance program. Also, a woman at work (who is now one of my mentors) holds a PhD from the Instructional Systems program. She recommended it to me.

Cost wasn’t a huge factor, but even attending as an out-of-state student is less expensive than attending one of the private colleges in Massachusetts.

Once I started to look at the courses and requirements for FSU, I knew it was where I wanted to go. So far, I have not been disappointed. I am learning technical terms for the techniques we already use in my job. I’m in a place where I can research the new tools and techniques that are being developed for corporate education.

I am really happy with my decision. Although, it is A LOT of work. I have to say I’ll be happy when I have that degree!

Hello EduWorld!!

I guess I should introduce myself. This isn’t my first blog, but it’s the one I want to use to support my educational endeavors. I am currently a graduate student at Florida State University in the Instructional Systems program.

I currently work as a course developer for a global company. I write technical training classes for internal  personnel, partners, and customers that focuses on network resource management. So I’m a techie first.

I have two education interests:

  1. How emerging social media tools can be used to facilitate corporate education
  2. If adults with disabilities, particularly those on the autism spectrum, are served by the current way we develop technical training.

I think this blog will focus primarily on the first interest. I plan on using this space as a place to document how  my studies and my job intersect. Or how they conflict. I think it will be therapeutic at the very least.