Reflection Letter

Greetings

My name is Zaida Denise Forester and I currently live in California.

I came to this country when I was very young aboard the SS United States, a now retired ocean liner built in the early 1950's!

I attended Lamar Elementary School in San Antonio, Texas. The San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) has recently decided to close this wonderful quaint school, that truly should be on the historical record.

Registered nurses wear many hats so to speak and I have always embraced technology since I was first introduced to electronic medical records, at William Beaumont Army Medical Center (WBAMC), Ft. Bliss, Texas.

My electronic medical record experience at WBAMC coincided with a gift I received from my dearest beloved mother, my first Commodore 64 computer back in the 1980's. In the 1990's I moved to Appalachia and we were lucky enough to be some of the first individuals in the United States to have internet access.

Thus, began my true interest in technology as I started a distance educational program in the 1990's.

My professional goals are very simple; first and foremost, I would like to invite and encourage nursing leadership and policy makers to continuously re-evaluate programs and incorporate the latest technological advancements when making decisions that impact students. Secondly, I would like to utilize my knowledge within the organizations, in which I volunteer, to educate members about current topics utilizing up-to-date technology and resources.

My initial ideas about the application of technology in my work environment were deeply rooted in the change-over to electronic medical records and my exposure, when teaching nursing/health care courses, in the online environment. Many educational institutions have integrated the application of instructional design methods, however, the recent hurried need for remote work and/or education brought to the forefront many positives and some noted deficiencies.

At one time, I thought over-head projectors, slide-screen projectors, and learning how to project a presentation onto a screen was high-tech educational technology.

I attended the outstanding UTRGV E-Learning Certificate Program where I leaned how to build websites, review multi-media websites, set up an e-portfolio, embed html, and select the best software application for the project at hand.

I know how to use a variety of software applications as well as learning management systems and would would welcome the opportunity to be involved in training, education, and/or development, if the right position becomes available.

I also have a great interest in cybersecurity and am looking forward to learning more about this area.

Zaida Denise Forester, PhD

December 2023

Below is a list of the summary of courses I took for the E-Learning Certificate Program

EDTC 6320

Seven weeks went by fast! Learned that it is best to keep web pages simple, making it easier for individuals to scroll quickly and find out the needed information. Learned about the definition of educational technology and joined the professional association, the Association Educational Communications & Technology (AECT). Our fantastic team completed a project utilizing the software from TechSmith, Camtasia. We put soft music with the narration portion. We each contributed to the project making it truly a team effort! Moving forward!

Zaida Denise Forester, June 9, 2020

EDTC 6323

Started class June 24, 2020. Another fast-paced several weeks with lots of learned happenings about a Reusable Learning Object (RLO). Finalized the topic selection for the course assignment(s). The first thing I wanted to do besides select a topic was select video editing software. I started off trying to learn the robust software video editing program, developed by TechSmith, Camtasia. This is a wonderful company with unbelievable fantastic software. I wrote an email to the company and was offered the student discount rate. I decided after trying several software editing programs to utilize Screencast-o-matic. Just as aside, during our next break I do plan on learning more about Camtasia. Several things I would suggest here for potential students; 1) Choose a topic you feel that you have passion about teaching. I did mine on handwashing, 2) Think about a specific group you plan on teaching, and 3) Read all the Rubric requirements, first, for all the projects in this class. The first project is the Design Document Report, and the second project is the Learning Object Original Design. The way I did my two-part Learning Object Original Design, is that within this Learning Object Original Design (Part 1)-- is a link to my multimedia project the handwashing tutorial and quiz (Part 2). I also provided a link to the transcript and references. The next time I create a RLO, I will use closed captions, too. The third project is the Summative Evaluation Report. Look up any book and/or research documents about Dick & Carey prior to starting the summative evaluation report project so that you have an idea what the summative evaluation entails. Lastly, don't forget to do your artifact report for this class. This class syllabus is well-written and developed and there is no doubt this has been an absolutely fantastic learning experience! Moving forward!

Zaida Denise Forester, August 7, 2020

EDTC 6321

Started class August 26, 2020 and bought the assigned book that explains the ADDIE approach. ADDIE stands for analyze, design, develop, implement, and evaluate. The nursing process I was taught included assessment, diagnosis [nursing] , goal/planning/outcomes, implementation, and evaluation. Sounds somewhat similar and am looking forward to learning about the ADDIE process and its applicability in the instructional design arena. I have learned so much in such a short time! Several things I would suggest here for future students; 1) Read all the assignments, first. 2) Follow the Rubric. I cannot tell you how important this is on so many levels. 3) Select a topic that will take under 30 minutes. I selected my topic on, "Developing the beginnings of an electronic portfolio, in a restricted mode setting, using Google Sites." This is a topic that I have thoroughly enjoyed. I also have read multiple journal articles written by one of my favorite learning theorists, R. M. Gagne`and Gagne's Nine Events of Instruction-model. Learned more about formative evaluation and have a much better grasp on the ADDIE Model. This has been another fantastic learning experience! Moving forward!

Zaida Denise Forester, October 12, 2020

EDTC 6358

Started class July 1, 2021. Selected the topic about the United Nations (UN) 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This e-learning project is aimed at the nursing population and educating them about the UN SDGs. Learned how to make a project timeline and shade the various boxes. I challenged myself with learning more about how to use many of the available and free Google products. Learned about different templates for making and saving quiz formats. Learned from classmates about various software(s) and their uses, in the e-learning environment. Realized that e-technology changes so rapidly, it is critical to keep abreast not yearly, but monthly.

There are so many amazing platforms and software choices! Some of the ones I have learned more about are: Padlet, Nearpod, Flipgrid, Mentimeter, TalentLMS, BookWidgets, Wordwall, I'm a Puzzle, NoRedInk, Curriki, Edpuzzle, Kahoot, Quizizz, Blooket, Google Jamboard, Microsoft OneNote, Moodle, and TCEA and all their choices! I also learned about various requirements in the State of Texas, including about the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills.

I would like to say a few words about UTRGV's programs. They are the best! If you have any doubt about starting or enrolling in a program at UTRGV-do not hesitate! Enroll! I have learned so much about the professionalism of colleagues and staff who work at UTRGV. I have learned a great deal about many of the latest technological advances including how to utilize Google and its many fantastic products. I have learned how wonderful and patient the team at EndNote has been with me spending as much or as little time explaining its many powerful features. Thank you team EndNote! Finally, I have learned that no matter how old or young you are follow your dreams and it is never too late to learn. Looking forward to working on the Online Instructional Designer Certificate. Moving forward!

One final note! Just remember health and handwashing go hand in hand!

Zaida Denise Forester, August 10, 2021