Application+Process

=Application Letter=

June 2008


 * Goal:**

My goal is to obtain a Master of Education Degree in Educational Communications and Technology.


 * Personal Information:**

I am currently employed as a full time Learning Consultant for Sun West School Division. I live with my husband and 3 girls (ages 13, 5 and 5) near Brock, Saskatchewan. My husband is self employed as a farmer.

I would like to continue to work as a Learning Consultant if my application to Graduate Studies is accepted. If necessary, I may be willing to request an educational leave from Sun West School Division for 1 year to complete my M.Ed. within the 5 year time frame.


 * Summary of Professional Experience:**

2006 – 2008 Learning Consultant Sun West School Division

2002 – 2005 Technology Consultant Rosetown School Division and Outlook School Division

1997 – 2002 Principal / Classroom Teacher Brock Elementary School Rosetown School Division

1991 – 1997 Classroom Teacher Rosetown School Division Provost Public School

1991 Bachelor of Education Degree with Distinction University of Saskatchewan

I have always intended to pursue Graduate Studies and have decided that there is no better time than the present.

My job as a Learning Consultant is secure but candidates who apply for the equivalent of my position are given preference if they have a M.Ed. I would like to prove myself by completing this program and confirming my capability within the scope of my position. Obtaining a Master Degree will allow me to pursue other career options in the future.

My positive attitude along with a continuing desire to improve, has allowed me to embrace change and take advantage of opportunities. My career path reflects this philosophy as I have shifted from classroom teacher to principal to consultant. I believe the next step on this continuum is to begin graduate studies.


 * Educational Communications and Technology**

I have always had a keen interest in learning about and with technology. This interest first developed in a high school Computer Literacy Class where we learned to program in BASIC on Apple IIe computers and were so excited when we could dial up via modem and access information on class requirements for university. I became very interested in using technology to support learning as a classroom teacher. Our small rural school of Brock seems like an unlikely place for technology to become embedded in the curriculum, but the low student enrolment and “Computers for Schools” program allowed me to obtain a computer for almost every student in the school. A projector and internet connected computer were available for instruction throughout the school day. Thus technology became an integral learning tool in this K-6 multi-graded classroom.

My personal belief that teachers need not be experts in technology in order to incorporate it into classroom activities, allowed students to be active in the discovery learning process. We all learned a lot about the basics, which turned out to be a sufficient level of knowledge to support teachers in my role as a Technology Consultant.

When Saskatchewan School Divisions amalgamated my role changed from Technology Consultant to Learning Consultant with a focus on technology within the content areas. The shift in focus from learning about technology to learning with technology was already established so the change in role expectations was a logical transition.

I am confident that advanced study in Educational Communications and Technology will allow me to: • Discover new and motivating options for using technology to improve student outcomes and increase teacher effectiveness. • Identify ways to use technology to differentiate classroom instruction to ensure success for all students. • Outline effective organizational and instructional strategies for the delivery of Distance Learning courses. • Discover new methods of using online communication tools for collaboration and professional development for myself and for presentation to others.

My challenge will be to translate these discoveries into practical applications for personal and professional advantage.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Kim Hobbs

=Application Documents=





=Reference=



=Acceptance Letter=