REFLECTION LETTER

Dear UTRGV M.Ed. Educational Technology faculty and future employers,

I truly have enjoyed the Educational Technology program and all professors who I’ve had the pleasure to have as mentors and instructors. I’ve always enjoyed creating multimedia presentations when I was in high school, as an undergrad and now a graduate. Nothing sparks my interests and enjoyment than designing and creating multimedia presentations, e-learning instructional solutions for both entertainment, and instructional training.

My prior professional experience before being accepted into the Educational Technology program at UTRGV include finances, corrections and transportation industries. As an Auditor for a hotel in McAllen, I supervised the guest services representatives by leading, training, and providing corrective feedback as needed. In this same very position, I was able to effectively investigate and find discrepancies, verifying cash deposits, receipts (front desk and bar) and room occupancies. Additionally, I provided the general manager and owners of establishment with accurate reports which included audit room revenues and occupancy percentages. Knowing what I know now vs. back then, I am positive I could've trained staff more effectively from what has been learned through the M.Ed Educational Technology program by utilizing more technology in this position.

Looking for change in environment and in search for personal development, I was given the opportunity for a Customs Brokerage Agent position at a South McAllen family-owned warehouse - where there was no hesitation in accepting the opportunity. Through this position, I took on multiple roles that I gladly accepted, which included Customs Brokerage Agent, I.T. assistant, Dispatcher, and occasionally administrative work. I've always been a busy body and always needing to be physically active. In this position, I successfully prepared customs documentation in a fast-paced environment and ensured that all shipments met all applicable laws to facilitate the import and export of goods in and out of the facility. Moreover, I successfully implemented Google Sheets, where as a team, we were able update and keeping track of daily shipments (inbonds, TIBS, AED's, imports, and exports). Not only did utilizing Google Sheets make the teams work less stressful, but it also positively impacted the customers experience while their material was located in this warehouse. In this same position, I was recognized for being dependable and known to go beyond work duties - on call in all hours in the day, including weekends.

In search of getting out of my comfort zone and becoming more vocal and authoritative, I was offered a position as a Correctional Officer IV at TDCJ, where I was responsible for the supervision of approx. 200 inmates’ daily activities, watching closely for unusual behavior, improper conduct, and signs of conflict. Successfully performing inspections of inmate living quarters and random searches of individual cells, common areas, and offenders, I was thus recognized by Warden Garcia for my fast contraband findings which included a complete tattoo kit. In order to become a Correctional Officer at TDCJ, one needs to attend a 8-week training. Personally, I have attended training in Beeville, TX at Garza West & East, and McConnell units. During this training, our class (Class of 02/10) were considered the "test bunnies" where we were required to attend and participate in self-defense training every morning and daily real life in class scenarios. Through this position I indeed came out of my comfort zone by becoming more vocal. Although the population are not considered "angels", there are always those that teach you lessons. It is beneficial to staff and the population to implement more technology in the educational department in order to reduce recidivism and promote a much safer learning environment.

At this time, I was thus accepted into the UTRGV M.Ed. Educational Technology program where we conducted real life projects that solved real work issues.

While in school, I was then offered a parttime flexible position as a Security Monitor at a halfway house where I supervise approx. 120 parolees, where being vocal and authoritative is essential. Through this position, I've gained additional insight on how technology can be utilized to assist parolees in acquiring jobs in the workforce after years of incarceration, help in writing resumes and interview techniques, and assist them in basic employability skills. By building rapport with the population, you gain necessary insight on what they lack and what majority need help in. Although some do not want the assistance, majority do. I've came across many parolees who did not know how to operate Gmail in order to send or receive email. Through my instructional solutions through the M.Ed EdTech program, I have been able to successfully benefit them with necessary skills in order to utilize Gmail for their own benefit by creating and designing several Google sites that can be navigated any hours in the day.

I was then offered a graduate assistant position while completing my Masters degree at UTRGV School of Medicine where I was able to update and design the webpage of the financial aid department. Through this position, I also assisted graduate students with their financial aid needs and working closely with Banner and Perceptive systems.

Overall, my experience in this program has been a positive learning experience. Lessons I have learned throughout the program is that creating instructional units and multimedia presentations take planning and organization skills. For your project or presentation to flow, one must plan accordingly to have the best results.

Throughout the M.Ed. Educational Technology program at UTRGV, I have met incredible professors who really assist their students. I have enjoyed every project in the program in every course. I have always enjoyed technology and creating presentations. Now, I can say there is more behind just creating a presentation; like the ADDIE model, where you first must analyze your learners, design a prototype, develop the course, implement it, and have the learners test it and lastly the evaluation phase, where you can adjust the course. Without the program, I would have continued designing ineffective learning experiences to those that I train. But now, I have a much deeper understanding in creating and developing a positive learning experience where the learners can benefit from. Moreover, I am thankful assignments throughout the program included discussions with the class; module class discussions and EdTech Blog. Through these blogs I have been able to become more open minded and learn from other classmates, majority being teachers and educators. I have also been able to gain essential friendships that have led to great references for job opportunities. As such, online programs like these have been vital, especially during a pandemic. I have been grateful that the program has been online, where students were able to complete assignments on their own time, and at home.

My future goals are to integrate more technology in the workplace and make better use of it where it can further assists staffs, managements and customers needs. I would love to train and/or educate and provide ongoing support for special populations by introducing multimedia instruction and technology. By gaining the Educational Technology degree, I am certain I have acquired such skills that will benefit those that I will train, guide and supervise by creating multimedia presentations, instructional solutions and trainings that will easily engage and benefit the learner long-term.

Respectfully,

Monique Flores