It was shortly into my career as a teacher when digital learning became my sole means of teaching my students. During Spring Break of my first year teaching social studies to juniors and seniors, it was decided that students should learn from home for the remainder of the year for everyone’s safety during the pandemic. During the year beforehand, I enjoyed finding and implementing digital learning in my classroom and relied on several learning management systems to organize my classroom structures. Though I missed my students and coworkers and the camaraderie of the campus, I found success in digital learning while teaching from home.
My experience teaching during the pandemic inspired me to pursue a master’s degree in learning technologies. I was excited to see that my alma mater, UNT, had a fully digital degree program I could pursue while working full-time as a teacher. I began my program in June 2022 and will graduate in May 2024. Through the program, I have learned theory and applied it to digital learning projects. This process has given me clarity regarding the future of my career.
I enjoy designing digital courses that are engaging and motivating to adult learners. I am interested in how digital learning can be a more hands-on and immersive experience that respects adult learner’s autonomy, creativity, and prior knowledge. Before the program, I knew I wanted to work in digital learning design, but now, with only a few weeks left, I know exactly how I want to use my digital design skills to promote meaningful learning. This program has helped me narrow down the parts of the field I am interested in working in, which processes I find enjoyment in, and the next steps for my learning technologies career.
Jessica White's Learning Technology Blog & Portfolio 