Student Profile: Michelle

A conversation with Michelle Read
Graduate, M.Ed. in Educational Technology (UTB) and
Current Student, M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction (UTA)

UTTC: You’re one of our double students – students who complete one degree online and enroll in a second. What made you want to select not one, but two programs, and why these two?

Michelle: I’ve always had a passion for the communicative arts and specifically, of learning through technology. To me the obvious platform for learning about Educational Technology had to be online. I enjoyed it, and that made for a natural choice to follow up online with the Literacy Studies focus in the MEd in Curriculum and Instruction.

I got started with online learning because I knew two other UTTC students in the school district where I taught fourth grade. One started the semester before me and he talked about how much he liked the experience because it allowed him to have a professional and a personal life! I chose UTTC primarily because of the reputation of the UT System, though I must admit I have uncles who are die-hard Aggies… but they ultimately caved.

The online format fits for me because I’m the mother of three sons and a daughter, a wife, and until recently a full time teacher for the last 14 years. Last year I worked as a Curriculum Integration Specialist in Technology on two campuses in Round Rock, Texas and now I’m staying home with my last child as I complete my second master’s, but I’m working on some related projects from home. I keep busy!

I understand you had a really difficult time midway through the master’s with two family tragedies, and you stepped out a semester but then came back. What made you decide to pick the degree plan back up in the midst of all you were facing?

It actually help get me through that. I did lose my young son and my father in one semester, made worse by a marriage that dissolved under the pressure that followed. I was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder. It sounds odd but I found I could hide behind the computer and, in all honesty, I don’t think could’ve done it without it being online. I could do my work at 2 a.m. when I couldn’t sleep and it helped me to focus on other things than the tragedies in my life. I’ve always been a consummate learner and it provided a way to fill that need and get through my trauma. My professors and fellow students were 100% supportive and understanding! Some of my peers became such good email buddies that strong relationships developed. I think that part -- the friendships -- would have happened without the tragedies, but it sure helped at that time. You know, people sometimes think the online atmosphere is impersonal but I have found that to be completely untrue.

What was the most valuable aspect of the Ed Tech program for you professionally?

I loved the immediate applications from that program I could take into my work in the classroom. The program isn’t just about the tools of technology but also the technology of learning itself. For example there were things I knew about, but had not received formal training in during my undergraduate career, like theories of constructivism, conceptual learning and that kind of discussion. I was involved in a lot of the technology already but the program provided me important theory, vocabulary, research and a better understanding of why technology is a must in the classroom, so I can make intelligent decisions about its use.

Well we all wish you sincere congratulations for completing the program. That’s an extraordinary achievement. What’s been happening since you finished the MEd?

Well my first husband and I reunited. Our daughter Abby was born in February and I stay home with her. I’m going to school full time taking nine hours online, but I’m also involved in all the ‘mommy’s groups’ for the first time and it’s just great. I’m working on a second master’s, tutoring three students and working on a website devoted to resources for teachers focused on online staff development.

Is your work on staff development a results of some of the projects in the Ed Tech program? That program has some interesting projects...
Yes! One of my favorite projects actually was setting up a learning experience for my colleagues. For the cumulative project I created an online unit in concept-based curriculum and instruction. Our district had been working on an initiative for this based on the works of Lynn Erickson. I created an entire online staff development course on the subject. Since then, one of my ‘guinea pig’ student colleagues was so entranced she asked me to convert her staff development on organization into an online class. It’s starting this summer. This is one way I’m planning on earning income while I’m staying home with Abby.

Well by enrolling in a second online master’s degree you’re certainly become a seasoned online learner. From your experience what are some recommendations for students, or for that matter, faculty getting involved in online education.

Sometimes communication can be a little complex because email communication can be hard. My advice to new students is to be self-disciplined because there’s just no room for procrastination online. You just have to plan in advance how you’ll do the work and then pace yourself. And understand that email communication can have limitations and often needs clarity. Ask questions. I’d also caution professors to remember working adults are busy and have full hectic lives outside of the classroom. Maybe it’s easier to be reminded of that when you can see the load on their faces in a traditional classroom.

So what’s next for you?

I am doing the full Literacy Studies program from UT Arlington online with the TeleCampus. The MEd includes the reading specialist, the English as a Second Language preparation and the Master Reading Teacher work. As we’re learning in class, and as 14 years of teaching validates, the communicative arts are the foundation of learning. Without these, the rest doesn’t happen. And, well…after I finish this degree …don’t laugh…I’d like to get another one – a doctoral degree in Educational Technology, online. I just love getting to learn, especially if I can do it in my pajamas anytime of the day or night!

After that I’d like to teach at the university level, research the affects of technology in the classroom and perhaps do some writing. I’d also like to continue working with teachers on curriculum instruction.

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