Florida State
University
Instructional
Systems
|
Introduction
In
2002 I began my studies in the Instructional Systems ODL masters
program at FSU. As an officer in the U.S. Navy, I wanted to obtain
a second masters degree to enhance professional knowledge and
improve my job performance in the areas of instructional systems
design, educational technology, and development of web-based courseware.
My biggest limitation, however, was location and the fact that
as a military member I could be expected to move multiple times
within a three year period. After a significant amount of research,
I was happy to discover that I could receive a top notch degree
from one of the most renowned instructional systems programs in
the country at a distance and from virtually any location.
The choice was made and in January of 2002 I enrolled in the Instructional
Systems ODL program at FSU.
I
must admit, initially I had reservations about enrolling in a
distance learning degree program. Having never completed any education
or training from a distance, I was not sure it would work for
me. I had many questions, including: would I receive a quality
education; would I actually learn anything; would I enjoy the
process; and would I be challenged? Within the first two months
of my first semester, all my questions were answered. There was
no doubt that the program was high quality; I was learning a ton;
I enjoyed the process (who wouldn't enjoy going to class on the
couch!); and it was much more challenging, not to mention time
consuming, than I ever would have imagined. Overall, I was extremely
impressed with the program and was excited to complete all the
required coursework in a timely fashion.
In
the three years that it took me to complete the ODL masters degree
program, I took the following courses:
-
|
Course
Number
|
Course
Name
|
Semester
|
|
EDP 5216
|
Theories of Learning and Cognition in Instruction |
Spring 2002
|
|
EME 5457
|
Introduction to Distance Learning |
Fall 2002
|
|
EME 5601
|
Introduction to Instructional Systems |
Fall 2002
|
|
EME 6415
|
Development of Computer Courseware |
Spring 2003
|
|
EDF 5942
|
Internship in Distance Learning |
Summer 2003
|
|
EME 6635
|
Design of Online Collaborative Learning |
Summer 2003
|
|
EDF 5461
|
Introduction to Program Evaluation |
Fall 2003
|
|
EME 6636
|
A Systems Approach to the Management of Change |
Fall 2003
|
|
EDF 5445
|
Assessment of Learning Outcomes |
Summer 2004
|
|
EDG 6925
|
Instructional Materials Development |
Fall 2004
|
|
EME 6631
|
Managing Instructional Development |
Spring 2005
|
|
EDTECH 544
|
Instructional Design (San Diego State University) |
Spring 2005
|
|
EDF 8966
|
Masters Portfolio |
Spring 2005
|
| |
In
my current position as the Director for Human Performance and
Training Technology for the U.S. Navy's Aviation Survival Training
Program, I have had many opportunities to put the knowledge
and skills I acquired from the Instructional Systems ODL program
to good use. Over the last three years I have developed numerous
program evaluations, designed and managed the creation of a
web-based course currently being delivered on the Navy's eLearning
web portal (Navy Knowledge Online), and totally redesigned a
hypoxia training program to supplement a curriculum that has
been in use by the Navy for more than 50 years.
As
for my future professional plans, I intend to complete a 20-year
career as a Naval Officer, with the ever-present goal of improving
education and training throughout the Navy. In the short-term,
I plan to complete a Ph.D. in education, with an emphasis on
how technology can be used to improve learning and teaching.
I was recently selected for a Navy scholarship which will allow
me to return to graduate school as a full-time student. Starting
in the Fall of 2005, I will be attending the University of Connecticut
to begin my Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, with an emphasis
in Cognition and Instruction. Armed with my doctorate, and following
retirement from the Navy, I plan to either open my own instructional
design company or join academia (preferably at a military academy
or small research university). Either way, I feel the Instructional
Systems ODL masters degree program has given me a strong foundation
in "systems thinking" and instructional design - one
that I am certain will serve me well in all my future endeavors.
Anthony
R. Artino, Jr.
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