Course Instructor: Dr. Jewoong Moon
Semester: Spring 2025
Dissertation Preparation
AIL 689: Practicum in Instructional Technology served as a practical course that helped connect my coursework with the dissertation phase of my doctoral program. The course was carefully scaffolded to help me transition into advanced scholarly identity formation, professional documentation, and research development, and it was instrumental in helping me solidify the connections between theory, practice, and my long-term professional goals.
Creative Self-Reflection
The first module introduced us to the course expectations and provided an opportunity for self-presentation through the creation of an infographic. While this seemed like a simple task, it allowed me to creatively reflect on my academic journey, professional experiences, and areas of interest in instructional technology. It also served as a valuable networking artifact that I could share in academic and professional spaces.
Professional Identity
One of the most valuable components of the course was the focus on the Comprehensive Examination Portfolio. Developing my portfolio website and crafting my Instructional Technology Philosophy Statement were essential steps toward articulating a coherent professional identity. Writing the philosophy statement gave me the space to refine my beliefs about the role of immersive, inclusive, and adaptive technology in education, particularly in light of my research interests in virtual reality, AI, and universal design for learning (UDL). These assignments enabled me to synthesize my academic learning and express how I intend to apply this knowledge to solve real-world problems in educational contexts.
Developing as a Scholar
In Module 3, the discussion around being a “Developing Scholar” pushed me to consider the evolving responsibilities of doctoral-level professionals. It was encouraging and validating to reflect on my progress while also identifying areas where I want to grow, such as increasing my publication output and seeking interdisciplinary collaborations. The peer interaction and exchange of scholarly strategies were energizing and gave me a renewed sense of purpose and community.
Refining Research Direction
Modules 4 and 5 were particularly transformative. The exploration of the dissertation process through topic selection discussions and article reviews allowed me to critically evaluate different research approaches and clarify the scope of my own work. Reviewing dissertations helped me understand what makes a strong scholarly contribution, while the semester-long prospectus project provided the structure and momentum needed to begin formalizing my research ideas. Writing the prospectus gave me an early opportunity to wrestle with conceptual frameworks, methodology, and the significance of my proposed study, which focuses on immersive virtual learning environments and their role in equitable STEM education.
ACTIFACTS
Comprehensive Examination Portfolio Website
This portfolio website was developed as a central hub to showcase my academic growth and professional identity in instructional technology. The site includes dedicated sections for my Instructional Technology Philosophy, Program Reflection, Course Reflections (with linked artifacts), and Curriculum Vitae. Each section was designed to meet the Comprehensive Examination Portfolio requirements while also serving as a professional digital presence for future academic and career opportunities.
Skills Developed
Creating this portfolio website helped me synthesize and present my doctoral journey in a clear, organized, and visually engaging format. I developed technical skills in website creation and design, enhanced my ability to curate and contextualize academic artifacts, and refined my professional communication skills. Most importantly, the process provided an opportunity for deep reflection on my learning, solidifying my identity as an instructional technology scholar focused on immersive, inclusive, and adaptive educational practices.
Dissertation Prospectus Draft
The semester-long prospectus project provided the foundation for my future dissertation. It includes a draft of my proposed study on immersive virtual learning environments and their impact on equitable STEM education. The document outlines the background, research problem, purpose, conceptual framework, and methodology.
Skills Developed
This project deepened my understanding of the dissertation process and helped me structure a focused, researchable topic aligned with my professional goals. I strengthened my skills in academic research, proposal writing, and theoretical framing. The experience also increased my awareness of ethical research practices, particularly related to inclusivity and equity in technology-enhanced learning. Click here to view my prospectus draft:
Click the image to view my prospectus draft