I have had a successful initial year in the Learning, Design, and Technology program at The University of Georgia. I was given opportunities to participate in a variety of research and academic activities. I have submitted two research proposals to AECT 2021 and currently co-authoring a journal article. 

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The course work for the first semester was very well paced. Being an international student, Foundations course helped me understand US education system closely while Design Studio tapped on my creative side. Seminar course talked about all the elements of being a PhD scholar which helped me visualize my PhD journey in the coming years. The coursework allowed me to focus on my research interests while learning about the field. Conversations with my peers have always given me another direction in my research to think about. The feedback from faculty members and my advisor has been helpful in refining my research interests and writing about them with clarity. 

 

My advisor, Dr. Theodore J. Kopcha, has been incredibly helpful and encouraging throughout the first year. He has provided me a variety of opportunities to be involved in academic research, such as writing journal articles. I immensely appreciate how he explains everything in detail, which makes it so much easy to learn. His feedbacks are always very detailed and constructive, making you want to do better every time. Additionally, he has made time to meet with me regularly and always makes time to talk with me when I feel confused or overwhelmed with the work that I’m doing for my own research. Without his guidance, I don’t think that I would have as clear of a focus about my research. 

 

I would also like to mention the opportunities that I received during the first year. I had a chance to observe undergraduate classes, being a full-time volunteer in the AECT Conference and attend AERA Conference. These experiences gave me insights in my field and cleared a lot of fog that I had for my future as a scholar. I would also like to acknowledge how I felt valued by my LDT instructors and fellows, welcoming my insights without giving me a feeling of being judged in any way. 

 

Looking ahead
While in my first year, I have been lucky enough to have a research assistantship with Dr. Kopcha. During my time working with him, I have learned a lot about conducting research, analyzing research, synthesizing research and writing journal articles. I look forward to working with him next year to continue refining my skills in these areas. Additionally, I think I should have made an effort in connecting with other faculty members to discuss my research interests and finding new dimensions to it. As I enter the second year, this is something I would like to do more of.

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The program of study I’ve planned has me completing the program in four years. Through these in-depth studies about the field, research methods, and my interests I will be able to fully develop and refine my research skills. The cognates that I have identified for myself are:

• EPSY 7240- Creativity: Innovation Procedures & Problem Solving processes (Cog)

• LLOD 9020 Adult Learning Theory & Rsch (Cog)

EPSY 7240 will allow me to learn about problem solving process that closely aligns with my areas of interest. Additionally, LLOD 9020 course will enable me to better understand the adult learning principles and apply to teachers, who are participants for my research

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My PhD stretched me intellectually and I have started looking at the world from a different lens now and I am immensely proud of it.I look forward to my next three years of study in this program. I think the cognates and additional methods courses I intend to take will help make me a well-rounded researcher. Additionally, the EDIT electives will provide a broader experience in our field and provide opportunities to learn about a variety of learning environments.