During this time of year, we typically look ahead to our new resolutions and what one has accomplished over the past year. As I look back and reflect on my year - I'm really happy with what I've done. I'm even more excited about what there is to come.
Looking Back
I've learned a lot of tools over the past year such as Padlet, Poll Everywhere, EdPuzzle, and a lot of audio/visual feedback tools (more on those to come in 2019). I really explored the use of different methods and practices in course development. I published my first eLearning article (blog post); as well as received notification that I would be published in the academic field. I received a few awards that I'm very proud of; as well as, built new relationships by participating in the ID2ID Program at Penn State. I really enjoyed holding myself accountable by sharing what I've learned with you all in my blog posts. However, as I look back on 2018, I think I am most impressed by my ability to grow and develop as an instructional designer.
Looking Ahead
As I look ahead, I plan on continuing with my own professional development by publishing at least one post a week (of course not including those built-in vacation days we all need). I hope to focus at least one post a month on a new tool and how it can be applied in different instructional settings. I think these focused posts can really help other instructional designers, teachers, or instructors who are looking for new tools to implement in training or learning settings. As I've discussed in previous posts, blogging allows for me to practice and hone in on my skills.
I also received word that I have officially been accepted as a doctoral student at Purdue University! I am really looking ahead to 2019 to learn more about research and how to help other instructional designers by learning from the best in the field. I am really hoping this next year will be a great start to a new adventure (academically) for me. While I hope my blog posts will continue to be focused on a practitioner's point of view - I also want to help bridge the gap between literature, research and practice. Hopefully these blog posts can help to start the ball rolling on that aspect.
I hope that you all had a great 2018 and are looking forward to an even better 2019! What are your goals? What were you most proud of from 2018? I'd love to hear from you all! See you in 2019!