Reflection: In 2021, I was able to accomplish a lot of my goals – most of which focused on publication and getting papers to the final stage. I’m most proud of the collaborative work and triumphs of a group project that was finalized in 2020, but in 2021 received an AECT award for “Outstanding Research and Theory Division – Sponsored Accepted Student Proposal.” Not only was this project a labor of love, but it is also truly a piece of work that I feel will impact the field of instructional design in terms of how theory is taught in graduate level courses. Our study provides insights into how students learn and process the role of theory in instructional design.  

 

Second, I was able to step outside my comfort zone and reach out to another scholar in the field (outside of Purdue University) who was willing to take me on, albeit as free labor, to a research project. They accepted me and helped provide me with a different research experience than I was used to (different process, new focuses, unique collaborators, etc.). This experience led me to understand the importance of taking risks, asking for guidance, putting yourself out there. Which leads me to my goals for 2021-22. 

 

Goals:  While I feel comfortable conducting and doing research, I want to explore the role of leadership – both within the academic field but the professional field as well. My goal for my internship (fall 2021) is to explore those in leadership positions at higher educational institutions. Especially with the response to Covid-19, a lot of universities are exploring the role of remote work and online leadership practices. While I have these experiences in terms of working with adjunct faculty, I do lack skills in terms of leading an instructional design team remotely and from a higher educational administration point of view. Academically, I plan to serve student organizations. First, I’ll serve as the GSA Representative for the Division of Distance Learning (DDL) for AECT. Second, I’ve been selected as the Vice President of Professional Development for the Purdue Association of Learning Design and Technology. 

 

Overall, my goals for this academic year have a theme around “Leadership” and “Service.” Areas where I feel I have minimally participated in the past, now become the focus of my next year. With these goals, I hope to not only provide myself with the skills needed (and may be lacking) but provide and be a mentor to new doctoral students – helping them to become the best versions of themselves.