Adult education is a consistently in-demand field (Cobb, 2024). From new-employee onboarding to continual reskilling, companies are demanding greater knowledge and expertise from the workforce (Masterson, 2023). To meet this demand, higher education prepares workers for these more rigorous roles. In-house training programs are a requirement in today’s business climate (Riverstonetrainingsg, 2023). The Adult and Higher Education program at Oregon State University (OSU) will prepare me for the growing future of training and learning.
For the past few years, I have been looking for a program that directly supports my current skill set in technology, psychology, and education. My interest led me to hone in on instructional technology that includes instructional design and a program management component. As I reviewed the curricula of various programs, I mostly found instructional design programs that lacked a strong instructional technology component, and none that included the program management piece I was seeking. I recently found that Oregon State University’s Adult and Higher Education degree met those aspirations (Oregon State University, 2023). OSU seemed to have the best mix of courses to further my education and career goals.
It is my goal to manage a learning and development program within an organization. I have primarily worked in higher education throughout my career. My experiences include preparing training presentations, leading technical training sessions, and producing resource documents. The OSU program will build on my real-world experiences of working with diverse populations. Through an equanimity lens, I will be able to create inclusive content, consider different learning styles during analysis, and further understand teaching and learning theory as it relates to diversity and inclusion. These skills will be supplemented by the latest knowledge in instructional technology, program analysis, and project management through the program at Oregon State University.
A degree from OSU will prepare me for the future of teaching and learning. Building on a foundation in psychology will help me better understand and apply adult learning theory. Combined with my experience in higher education, I will be a formidable candidate for many positions across Oregon and beyond.
Justin Reynolds Writing Sample
Strengths
My experiences in higher education have given me a strong background in system management, instructional technology, and technical training. I have worked with and trained people from diverse backgrounds, including people of all ages, the deaf and hard of hearing, and learners with varied ethnic and cultural backgrounds. By leveraging my knowledge of basic cognitive processes, various life-stage theories, and other psychological aspects, I bring strong skills to working with people from diverse backgrounds.
With ever-increasing demand in the technology sector, technical skills are more critical than ever. As AI advances, many roles across public and private industries will change. Adapting to these changes will be crucial to staying competitive in the job market (Anand, 2024).
I have participated in several technical training programs during my career, some of which have led to industry certifications. I currently hold the Canvas Certified Technical Admin certification. I have received training in ITIL, SQL, Python, and Microsoft Office. My technical abilities are some of the strongest and most valued skills I possess.
During my college career, I gained knowledge of the fundamental theories of human development, an understanding of the thinking and cognitive processes, and insight into basic learning theories through all life stages. The program at Oregon State University will build on this foundation. I will gain solid skills in the analysis and application of a training and development program in private industry, or I will have the potential to further my career in higher education.
As an application systems analyst, I administer the learning management system (LMS) at a small community college in the Midwest. My past experience in instruction has always been in higher education. Looking at the job market, I find strong demand in the private sector for learning management system administrators with skills in instructional design and program analysis & improvement. A degree from Oregon State University will expand my career options and position me for a stronger career trajectory in higher education or private industry.
Equity
Equity in education is an important consideration that needs implementation at all levels of training and development programs. People continue to be marginalized in training and development (World Bank Group, 2020). Equity must include an analysis of where participants are in terms of their learning. It must consider the success of the training program through the lens of culture, physical disability, age, and other socio-economic factors. Training should be developed that includes historically marginalized groups as much as possible.
One position I am considering provides a standard set of training to all employees, for example, using Excel to prepare statistical or financial reports, or training in HIPAA and other regulatory frameworks, is included in the onboarding process. The position also includes training on diverse cultures, like how to work with and provide services to transgender individuals experiencing homelessness. By understanding my audience better, I can develop an inclusive training plan that includes everyone regardless of their background.
Equity of those with Disabilities
In my career, I have always advocated for people with disabilities. Considering how someone might experience a learning management system differently has helped me evaluate products and services and produce content that is accessible to all. I have worked closely with disability departments and people with disabilities. Having a lived experience has also informed the creation of accessible materials. My continued goal is to build on these skills. I also seek to work more closely with the Disability Services department in my current role at Northeast Community College. I hope that the master’s of Education in Adult and Higher Education (EdM AHE) will build on this foundation.
Conclusion
The importance of teaching and learning cannot be stated enough. Both are proving to be an essential component in higher education and private industry alike. As technology and education continue to grow, it will be important to have a solid foundation in both and to build on that foundation with the latest research and theory.
The program at OSU will build on my soft skills and strengths in technology. It will also strengthen my technical and project management skills. It will help me understand program management and how to analyze and improve a program within the frame of equinimity.
My application to the next cohort of the EdM AHE program will further my educational goals and career development. The program focuses on high-demand skills related to adult learning and higher education. I will also gain knowledge of research methods to be a lifelong learner in the field.
References
Anand, R. (2024, May 17). Soft skills and ai proficiency are crucial for work read more at: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/110191507.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst. The Times of India. Retrieved July 7, 2024, from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/soft-skills-and-ai-proficiency-are-crucial-for-work/articleshow/110191507.cms.
Cobb, J. (2024, June 12). The market for adult lifelong learning. Leading Learning. https://www.leadinglearning.com/market-for-adult-lifelong-learning/
Masterson, V. (2023). Future of jobs: These are the most in-demand skills in 2023 - and beyond. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/05/future-of-jobs-2023-skills/
McSilver, A., Bessalel, S., & Brinker, C. (Eds.). (n.d.). 2024 workplace learning report: Linkedin learning. 2024 Workplace Learning Report | LinkedIn Learning. https://learning.linkedin.com/resources/workplace-learning-report#industry
Oregon State University. (2023, November 15). AHE Curriculum. College of Education. https://education.oregonstate.edu/ahe-curriculum
Riverstonetrainingsg. (2023, November 27). Nurturing your workforce: The power of in-house training. Medium. https://medium.com/@riverstonetrainingsg/nurturing-your-workforce-the-power-of-in-house-training-becdc42ae921
World Bank Group. (2020, September 28). Everyone equal: Making inclusive growth a priority for ethnic minorities. World Bank. https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2020/07/13/everyone-equal-making-inclusive-growth-a-priority-for-ethnic-minorities