Cover Letter
Dear LSTE Examining Committee:
With the combination of my professional experience and the knowledge and skills I have gained through my studies in UALR’s Learning Systems Technology (LSTE) program, I believe I would be an excellent fit for the position of educational design specialist. I have worked in the field of education in a variety of settings (i.e., charter school, dance studio, dance company, museum), designing instruction for learners ages kindergarten and up with an emphasis on creativity and meaningful learning. Enhancing this experience, my LSTE studies have focused on exceptional instructional design which employs technology in an effective manner and is grounded in educational theory and research. Through the program, I have grown my knowledge and skills in the areas of technology management, instructional design, assessment/evaluation, research and writing, and technological resources; and have developed my portfolio as a demonstration of this.
One particular strength I have developed is the ability to analyze problems and find solutions using state of the art technology. For example, in many courses I have chosen an instructional topic, analyzed it in regard to intended audience, environment, and objectives, and referring to learning and design theories, created content and designed instruction to be as effective as possible. Identifying and utilizing appropriate technologies is essential to enhancing this effectiveness. As a leader in educational design, I will continually focus on using technology as a solution to problems, designing instruction to be engaging and efficient while promoting meaningful learning.
Additionally, I have learned how to implement change to ensure the academic success of all learners. I accomplish this by methods such as getting to know the audience prior to design (e.g., previous knowledge, needs, interests), designing instruction to match individual needs (e.g., specific objectives, modifications, branching), and assessing instructional effectiveness and then making adjustments as needed. My strong interpersonal skills aid me in this process, allowing me to easily communicate and collaborate creatively with others. Working as an educational design specialist, one of my goals will be to act as an exemplary leader from the beginning by communicating with learners and collaborating with fellow employees to design instruction dedicated to meeting learner needs.
During my employment, I also plan to grow my skills in managing and evaluating instructional systems and educational programs at all levels. In my studies I have created technology integration plans at a classroom and school wide level, and developed an assessment plan for public educational programs. I plan to build on this knowledge once hired, with the goal of gaining firsthand experience with a wider variety of systems and programs at more levels.
The LSTE program has taught me how to design effective instruction hand in hand with integrating various types of technology to help learners succeed. My new knowledge and skills have allowed me to design numerous educational units and programs that are both creative and grounded in learning theory and design principles. Receiving the 2013-2014 Walter Smiley IMPAC LSTE Scholarship has helped accelerate my studies and given me added confidence to professionally pursue my passion for educational design. My studies have already assisted me professionally by helping me enhance the quality of dance classes and workshops I teach, integrate technology into the operation of my dance company to promote efficiency, and also obtain an internship in educational program development at the Old State House Museum. Consequently, I have been able to develop what I have learned in authentic settings, and I look forward to sharing and continuing to grow my expertise as an educational design specialist.
My portfolio is available for review with my resume included, and I would be happy to send anything else needed for my consideration as an educational design specialist. Thank you so much for your time! I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Marleneanu
With the combination of my professional experience and the knowledge and skills I have gained through my studies in UALR’s Learning Systems Technology (LSTE) program, I believe I would be an excellent fit for the position of educational design specialist. I have worked in the field of education in a variety of settings (i.e., charter school, dance studio, dance company, museum), designing instruction for learners ages kindergarten and up with an emphasis on creativity and meaningful learning. Enhancing this experience, my LSTE studies have focused on exceptional instructional design which employs technology in an effective manner and is grounded in educational theory and research. Through the program, I have grown my knowledge and skills in the areas of technology management, instructional design, assessment/evaluation, research and writing, and technological resources; and have developed my portfolio as a demonstration of this.
One particular strength I have developed is the ability to analyze problems and find solutions using state of the art technology. For example, in many courses I have chosen an instructional topic, analyzed it in regard to intended audience, environment, and objectives, and referring to learning and design theories, created content and designed instruction to be as effective as possible. Identifying and utilizing appropriate technologies is essential to enhancing this effectiveness. As a leader in educational design, I will continually focus on using technology as a solution to problems, designing instruction to be engaging and efficient while promoting meaningful learning.
Additionally, I have learned how to implement change to ensure the academic success of all learners. I accomplish this by methods such as getting to know the audience prior to design (e.g., previous knowledge, needs, interests), designing instruction to match individual needs (e.g., specific objectives, modifications, branching), and assessing instructional effectiveness and then making adjustments as needed. My strong interpersonal skills aid me in this process, allowing me to easily communicate and collaborate creatively with others. Working as an educational design specialist, one of my goals will be to act as an exemplary leader from the beginning by communicating with learners and collaborating with fellow employees to design instruction dedicated to meeting learner needs.
During my employment, I also plan to grow my skills in managing and evaluating instructional systems and educational programs at all levels. In my studies I have created technology integration plans at a classroom and school wide level, and developed an assessment plan for public educational programs. I plan to build on this knowledge once hired, with the goal of gaining firsthand experience with a wider variety of systems and programs at more levels.
The LSTE program has taught me how to design effective instruction hand in hand with integrating various types of technology to help learners succeed. My new knowledge and skills have allowed me to design numerous educational units and programs that are both creative and grounded in learning theory and design principles. Receiving the 2013-2014 Walter Smiley IMPAC LSTE Scholarship has helped accelerate my studies and given me added confidence to professionally pursue my passion for educational design. My studies have already assisted me professionally by helping me enhance the quality of dance classes and workshops I teach, integrate technology into the operation of my dance company to promote efficiency, and also obtain an internship in educational program development at the Old State House Museum. Consequently, I have been able to develop what I have learned in authentic settings, and I look forward to sharing and continuing to grow my expertise as an educational design specialist.
My portfolio is available for review with my resume included, and I would be happy to send anything else needed for my consideration as an educational design specialist. Thank you so much for your time! I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Marleneanu