"My favorite part of being in the LTEC program was being on the forefront of developments in learning technology. I knew the latest educational technology, and I felt very in-the-know in our field."

Hometown

Beaumont, Texas

Department

Learning Design and Technology

Related Degrees

• MEd, Learning Design & Technology
• Graduate Certificate, Online Learning & Teaching (COLT)

What is your current job position?

I currently work as an Instructional Designer / Learning Experience Designer.

Please briefly describe the path that brought you to the LTEC program.

I was interested in the educational games that came with college textbooks. I found out that there is a field called educational technology or instructional design. UH has a great program, so I applied and got in.

How do you apply what you learned in the LTEC program to your current work?

I use “whole systems design” with every single project during the analysis phase. Also, I put the learner experience at the top of my priority list.

How would you describe the LTEC program to others?

You will learn how to think of behavior change first and format second. It’s so much more than “training”.

What was your favorite part of being in an LTEC program?

Being on the forefront of developments in learning technology. I knew the latest educational technology, and I felt very in-the-know in our field.

What are your future plans?

Work at Google until I retire!

What advice would you have for others currently in the LTEC program?

1. Get as much hands-on experience as you can. Do an internship, practice making training solutions for companies you are interested in even if just to build a portfolio. 2. Learn to negotiate with and influence smart people who have very strong opinions. 3. Learn technology on your own, if you don’t get it in your curriculum (ex. Captivate, LMSs, etc). 4. Conduct informational interviews with people who already do jobs that you think you are interested in. 5. Read and apply “How to Make $1000 a Minute” to learn how to negotiate your salary.

What do you hope to inspire by sharing your education experience?

That public universities offer life-changing opportunities for graduates.