Professional Development Statement

As a current student in the Ph.D. Learning, Design, and Technology program, I have learned a lot about the foundations of instructional design that make this discipline one of the most viable for scholars in the education field. Throughout my program, I have interacted with some of the leading faculty in the field and completed several projects that allowed me to develop my skills and knowledge. Equally, in my effort to grow as a scholar and network with other scholars in instructional design, I have virtually attended the American Educational Research Association (AERA) and in person attended the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) conventions in 2022. Attending these conventions increased my desire to meaningfully contribute to the field and hone my research ideas in the areas of hybrid learning and systems change. My experience particularly at the AECT convention allowed to me network and make professional connections. As a result, I was able to co-write a proposal with a fellow doctoral student from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte for the 2023 convention being held in Orlando, Florida.

Apart from completing my course requirements, I’ve successfully participated in the Johns Hopkins Teaching Institute program as well as the Emerging Leader’s Program through the Graduate School. The Emerging Leader’s Program was conducted during the Spring 2022 semester. Participating in the program gave me insight into my leadership styles and aided me in developing the skills necessary for entering a workplace characterized by the diversity of people, and a plan for future career opportunities. Whereas the Johns Hopkins Teaching Institute was offered over four days with one of the main objectives to advance the development of university-level educators by enhancing their classroom teaching skills. The training was packed with information, experiences, tools, and resources that I was able to implement in my classroom. I was also able to benefit from getting to know other graduate students that are fellow future faculty by working with them in small groups on teaching topics and ideas. The experience prepared me for my initial teaching assignment as a graduate teaching assistant through the Workforce Education and Instructional Technology department. In my classes I'm able to interact with my students with a holistic approach to teaching, which aides in their learning.

Upon completion of the Ph.D. program, I would like to contribute to the education system of my home country and by extension the Caribbean region. My current research ideas are:

To evaluate the benefits and barriers of technology integration for higher-ed students in the Caribbean
To evaluate how can hybrid learning contribute to systems change in education.

It is hoped that by exploring these research ideas that I would gain the required knowledge and expertise not only in instructional design but more specifically in hybrid learning, systems change, distance education, and learning spaces. These areas would form part of my future career goals of becoming a professor at a R1 institution and my desire to do consultancy work in higher-ed.

Research

Branch, R., Lee, H., & Morris, A. (March, 2023). The Influence of a Credit Bearing Readiness Activity on Student Preparedness for Learning Through a Self-regulated Study Process. Paper presented at the 17th annual International Technology, Education and Development Conference. Valencia, Spain.

Branch, R., Lee, H., & Morris, A. (March, 2023). Fulfilling Our Moral Obligations While Teaching with Technology. Paper presented at the 17th annual International Technology, Education and Development Conference. Valencia, Spain.

Morris, A., & Cannon, K. (February, 2023). Blended learning and the perceived impact on middle school career and technical education (CTE) students. Paper submitted for presentation consideration to the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) Conference. Orlando, Florida.

Service

2022 Volunteer - AECT Conference, Las Vegas

Teaching

AY 22-23 Graduate Teaching Assistant EDIT 2000