Who are you, and what do you like to learn about? (academically, professionally, and/or personally)

Who am I??? I am many things to many people. I am a wife to my husband, a mother to my three children, an Instructional Designer for my institution. To me, I am an artist, a flutist, a writer, an avid reader, a curious person…

My reason for pursuing this degree is to refine my Instructional Design skills gained as an instructor and ID in higher ed. Ultimately, I would like to use my degree to secure opportunities that apply ID as a method for problem solving.

What hardware do you use to learn? (Eg. smart phone, tablet, laptop, desktop)

Given that I am a millennial, I jump at any chance to obtain new technology. Presently, I use the Blackboard app on my cell phone and iPad for quick access. The iPad allows me to start assignments
and use the cloud (Microsoft, Adobe CC, etc.) to transfer the assignment onto my laptop to fine tune.
In addition, I use my laptop exclusively for more in depth needs.

What software do you use to learn? (Eg. search engines, mobile apps, social networks, eBooks, digital libraries, wikis, blogs, videos, podcasts)

When learning, I mostly like to use mobile apps (i.e., LinkedIn Learning), eBooks, videos, etc. I often purchase my textbooks so that they can be read on my Kindle App. It allows me to access my texts from my cell phone or iPad. When I am attempting to learn in depth information, I really enjoy watching videos or logging into online learning sites like LinkedIn Learning. I really like a structured way to learn new content. For example, when I taught myself how to use Articulate, I progressed through each module.

What digital tools do you wish you had access to for learning? (Eg. any graphic organizers, mind-mapping tools, resource management tools, progress tracking tools, design tools, etc.) Why?

I like graphic organizers since I am a visual learner.

What might your ideal Personal Learning Environment (PLE) look like?

The pandemic has made me a master at creating personal learning environments. Since students are learning from home, parents were required to develop spaces that really provide comfort and encourage learning. I set up 2 separate spaces for my kindergartener and my second grader on 2 different floors. They each have tool kits, dry erase boards, 2 work spaces, pencils, board to hang their work, etc. Seeing how they are thriving as a result, my idea of a Personal Learning Environment is similar, with a few tweaks.

My PLE is one that provides peace and support for learning. Aside from my current set up including double monitors, a window view (door that can open to let in fresh air), and different table levels to work, I wish to have access to each cutting edge software at my fingertips, along with support for learning them. Also, I would like a closet that would allow neat storage of all of my gidgets and gagets.

It would be nice to have a meditation/workout space that does not have to be converted for another use.

Dedra L. Wright

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