This intro is about me. I’ll keep it as short as possible and answer the questions posed in Module 1. I will ramble more when I can and try to figure out how to post a picture.
Me: Donna Cowan
Program/Standing: M.Ed IT, 4 classes applied from the IT Cert program, accepted in the M.Ed program this semester and 1 class per term until completed, probably at the end of 2009.
Family: Married happily for 23 years – 2 boys 20/16 both at home
Background: USAF for 4 years in computer service – BA, Finance at U of F in Gainesville – working in learning and development field for many, many years. Certified DDI Leadership Program Facilitator – Certified Project Manager.
Technology level: Expert Level with computer and windows – Expert level MS Office – know enough to be dangerous with PhotoShop, Premier, InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat Professional, Flash, Captivate and other various freeware programs for graphics, sound and video. I can pretty much read a book on how to use software and know how to use it effectively. Love keyboard shortcuts.
Why Dist. Learning: I need to use it more effectively in my profession to supply blended solutions to minimize time in the classroom and assist knowledge transfer. The concepts in the class will provide me with more ideas, skill and theory on effective distance learning.
Employment: My title is Dean of Learning and Development Administration, and what that means is I am middle-upper management leading a team of L&D folks that develop learning for HR compliance and leadership training for my company. I work for Wyndham Vacation Ownership in Orlando, FL and have to say, what better job than to work for a company that sells vacations. (side comment: Academia is really different than when I got my undergrad and not part of the real world from what I’ve seen so far. )
My schedule: it was part of my getting to know you post – here it is again. I work 40 hours , Mon – Fri. I travel about once every couple of months for business. I can work on school work only about 5 – 6 hours during the week, and will give up my weekends to get my deliverables completed.
Experience with Distance Learning: I’ve taught/presented via online conferencing systems like Elluminate. Taken WBT classes, and last semester my ILT class became an online class, but it wasn’t managed as effectively as this one seems to be. This class is so organized and since I am a list person, this is near perfect.
Role in a group: I have played most roles in many projects, but project management and organization is what I gravitate to.
Little known fact: I have lived in Florida for more than 20 years and I don’t own a bathing suit.
There is more I could ramble on about, but this should give you a quick view. As soon as I can figure out how to post a picture, I will.