August 22, 2018 | UHCL Staff
Kellie Simon felt that after eight years of teaching fifth grade science, she was ready for a career change. As part of the requirements for her master of science in instructional design and technology degree program at University of Houston-Clear Lake, she completed a two-month internship at DRDA, a Clear Lake accounting and business-consulting firm – and was immediately hired as a consultant, after graduating in August.
“There is still a strong connection to teaching in instructional design and technology,”
Simon said. “I used a lot of technology in my classroom when I was a teacher. I’m
doing a lot of the same things, using what I’ve learned in public education and UHCL
and applying it in a corporate setting. This degree has opened a lot of doors for
me.”
Simon said she felt that her new skills could cross back over into public education. “I would also like to work on professional development for teachers, helping them to integrate new technology into their classrooms,” she said. “I’d like to help schools and teachers change their mindset from traditional teaching practices, make learning more student-centered, and help the teachers use technology to lighten their workload. I can do that by sharing what I learned in my UH-Clear Lake program with other teachers.”
Instructional design, said Simon, is a systematic approach to teaching concepts and in these digital times, also using technology to deliver instruction. “Currently at DRDA, I’m designing instruction on accounting and tax processes. I know nothing about this, but I don’t need to be knowledgeable about the content to design the instruction,” she said. “Accounting is a field in which a lot of new people are hired seasonally for ‘peak’ periods. I create the e-learning training modules to help onboard these new people and train them to do different things they need for their job.”
Simon said that her time at UHCL provided her with everything she needed to be successful in her new career. “I took four classes from (Adjunct Professor) Gary Kidney, who gave me real-world information and strategies about personal branding, interviewing, presenting, and just navigating the corporate world in general.. Most of the students in my classes were former teachers and he really showed us what was available to us beyond K-12 education..”
She added that her project management and grant writing class, taught by Professor of Instructional Design and Technology Jana Willis, exposed her to ideas she had never thought about. “Her class was a great combination of theory and real-world insight,” she said. “Dr. Willis is just amazing.”
She also said that her adviser had been completely invested in her success and helped her find the path that was best suited for her. “In addition to learning how to design instruction using technology, I’ve also joined a network of inspiring and dedicated individuals. I’m very grateful for everything I’ve gained from this program,” ” she said.
For more information about UHCL’s Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology program, visit www.uhcl.edu/academics/degrees/instructional-design-technology-ms.
