Program Reflection
I'll begin by saying that this program has been a wonderful experience. I used the quote above because there was a point when I questioned myself whether or not I could actually pursue and complete a Ph.D. program. I agonized over making a choice about which program to pursue. Because I am a sociology and history instructor, my first thought was to pursue a degree within my teaching field. As I explored the various programs around Alabama and surrounding states, it became apparent that a degree in field would be impossible to pursue. So many discipline specific degree programs want their students to be full-time graduate students. I was at a point in my life that I not only could not quit my job, but I really had no desire to quit my job because I was happy doing what I was doing. Ultimately, I decided on this program because it allowed me to pursue my interests in instructional technology, it was different than the Ed.D. degrees that many of my colleagues were earning, and I could pursue the degree while continuing to work.
I have always been interested in instructional technology. I have always been one of the most progressive teachers or instructors with technology in every institution that I have ever taught. Beyond that, I believe that technology is the future of education. The experiences in this program allowed me to research and study diverse selection of literature grounded in instructional technology.
While I'm still not sure what I want to do when I grow up (HAHA), I feel that this degree is perfect to position me for a variety of careers: classroom teaching, instructional design, university professor, instructional administrator, IT administrator, distance learning supervisor, and the list keeps going. Because technology and distance learning have become such huge parts of the educational enterprise, colleges and universities need (and will continue to need for the foreseeable future), a number of professionals who have the experience that I now have as a result of this degree and my career experience thus far.
I am both excited and honored to have been admitted to this program. Once my degree is finished, I will represent the faculty who have taught me in this program well. I will take the skills I have learned and apply them to my everyday work life. This has been the most amazing degree experience ever. I'm excited to see what the future brings!
~James "Derrick" Griffey (Class of 2016)
I have always been interested in instructional technology. I have always been one of the most progressive teachers or instructors with technology in every institution that I have ever taught. Beyond that, I believe that technology is the future of education. The experiences in this program allowed me to research and study diverse selection of literature grounded in instructional technology.
While I'm still not sure what I want to do when I grow up (HAHA), I feel that this degree is perfect to position me for a variety of careers: classroom teaching, instructional design, university professor, instructional administrator, IT administrator, distance learning supervisor, and the list keeps going. Because technology and distance learning have become such huge parts of the educational enterprise, colleges and universities need (and will continue to need for the foreseeable future), a number of professionals who have the experience that I now have as a result of this degree and my career experience thus far.
I am both excited and honored to have been admitted to this program. Once my degree is finished, I will represent the faculty who have taught me in this program well. I will take the skills I have learned and apply them to my everyday work life. This has been the most amazing degree experience ever. I'm excited to see what the future brings!
~James "Derrick" Griffey (Class of 2016)
