Annotated Transcript
This is a look at my masters journey and what I learned through my courses that have lead met to my degree. This is divided between the two schools I attended- National University and Michigan State University and is arranged by semester with my most recent classes at the top and in backwards chronological order.
Michigan State University
I wrapped up my Masters of Arts in Educational Technology at Michigan State University.
CEP 820 Teaching and Learning Online
Nicole Zumpano
In this class we learned how to create a quality online learning environment for students. While learning in a virtual setting it is important to make the environment intentional and based on human interaction which drives the online learning. Throughout this class I created an ultimate online unit to showcase my understanding of online learning.
CEP 807 Capstone Portfolio Course
Matthew Koehler
In this class I wrapped up my Masters of Arts in Educational Technology. In this class I created a website that serves as a culmination of my work throughout my masters journey. Through this class I reflected on my journey as I learned how to develop a cohesive website.
Spring 2026
CEP 813 Electronic Assessment for Teaching and Learning
Katherine Baleja
In this class we looked at best practice in assessment. We spent time looking at the different methods for assessment and how to create assessments in different forms. In this class I spent a lot of time playing with assessment creatively to meet a range of criteria. This helped me to push the boundaries of assessment and assessment creation. I also learned about how to make assessments equitable and more objective using tools such as rubrics. This class helped show me the benefit of using quality assessments, rubrics, and practices to assess student learning.
TE 846 Accommodating Differences in Literacy Learners
Mary McConnaha
In this class I learned about the building blocks of literacy. We discussed how phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension can impact students at any age. We looked at how the literacy difficulties a student's performance in every subject In this class we focused on an individual student and their literacy progress. I was able to apply strategies from this class to work with an individual student as they improved their literacy skills.
Fall 2025
CEP 800 Learning In School & Other Settings
Liz Boltz and Christopher Sloan
In this class we dove into a theory of learning based on different beliefs in educational psychology. We discussed how each theory plays into educational beliefs. As this class was in Ireland we discussed how the beliefs that guide practice varied between educators based on their own education, the age and culture of their students, and even the broader educational system from country to country. Through this class I was able to compare my personal beliefs to the theories that they relate to.
CEP 822 Approaches to Educational Research
Liz Boltz and Christopher Sloan
For this class I took an accelerated version abroad in Ireland. This provided the opportunity to compare best practice in educational practice and research at an international level. Throughout this class we planned research projects and built some of the components such as a high quality survey. This class challenges my thinking by exposing me to different perspectives of education. It showed me that some of the practices that have been normalized in American education and research are not the norm in other countries.
Summer 2025
Spring 2025
CEP 805 Learning Math With Technology
Brittany Dillman
This class focused on using technology intentionally within mathematics. In this class we dove into tools that make math interesting and relatable to all students. Throughout the class we used the domains within the Math Common Core Standards as well as other standards to break the class into areas focused on geometry, numbers and operation, data, and more. We then explored technology that supported each of these domains and the pedagogy that supports them. We also explored how to make math relatable to students through incorporating elements such as social justice in our instruction.
CEP 817 Learning Technology Through Design
Anne Heintz
In this class we focused on the design thinking process. We walked through a model of design as we tackled a problem that we are facing in the classroom. Throughout the class we went through the process of empathising with learners, defining the problem, ideating and creating a prototype which we then tested in our classroom. This class showed me that there are many solutions to problems that are faced in the classroom when you let creativity and problem solving take over. I appreciated the time that was devoted to solving a problem that I would have previously overlooked but was able to dive in deeply.
National University
My masters journey began at National University towards a Masters of Arts In Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
Fall 2021
SEL 615 SEL Action Research Methods
Colette Bozek
In this class we dove into what action research is and the strengths and limitations in research. In this class we started setting up an action research project. For this project we created a research plan and a survey for our study. We looked into the components of establishing a vision, using previous research, and analyzing and reflecting on data. While I did not end up completing this study it was helpful to dive into what ethical human research entails and the required process for this type of research.
SEL 620 SEL Frameworks
Deanna Steffensmeier
In this class we looked at how academics and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) interact. In this class we dove into different SEL curriculums and the frameworks that the curriculums are based on. We also looked at the importance of intertwining SEL into learning. I was able to identify the needs of my students and develop a plan to integrate support for students SEL needs into my content.
Summer 2021
SEL 610 Cognition And Emotion
Susan Ranes
This class dove into the brain and looked at the interaction between SEL and the brain. It looked at many social factors that influence learning such as equity and culture. In this class I was able to see the importance of intersectionality with learning. This showed me that while it is true that different groups share commonalities, as humans we exist in multiple groups which all play an impact into how our brain is wired. In order for students to learn and create all of these factors deserve attention. We also examined how equity and SEL work together to benefit students, and can address the needs that impact students.
Spring 2021
SEL 600 SEL Education Communities
Angela Karem
SEL 605 Identity and culture
Katherine Emmons
This course was an introduction to Social Emotional Learning(SEL). In this class I was introduced to the CASEL Framework and the 5 domains of SEL. In this class I was able to identify personal strengths and weaknesses as well as those for my students. I was able to take these strengths and weaknesses and learn how the skills look different in different cultures.
In this class I examined my own implicit biases and how those biases were shaped by my culture. We dove into how personal beliefs and experiences impact personal identity. In this class we took an implicit bias assessment which showed me that I am impacted by bias. We also looked at the dangers of assumptions and how assumptions drive how we interact with students.