Personal Statement
I am excited to apply for the M.A. in Educational Technology and Learning Design Program at SUNY Empire State University. My name is Fernando Albarran, and I have dedicated the past ten years to public education, teaching in both Texas and New York State. My passion for educational technology has driven me to develop innovative tools that enhance the learning experience I provide. I believe this program is the perfect fit for me, and I am eager to further my knowledge and skills around Educational Technology and Design.
Along with satisfying the Masters requirement with NYS, my goal in pursuing this degree is to deepen my understanding of educational technologies and methodologies. I aim to leverage this knowledge to develop purposeful tools and systems that can be widely adopted in educational settings for both scholars and colleagues alike, ultimately improving scholar outcomes and teacher efficiency.
Academic and Professional Preparation
My background in Theatre, where I majored with an emphasis in education, has profoundly influenced my approach to teaching. In my undergraduate experience, I learned how to manage events and organized systems, and understood the importance of making memorable connections. Specifically, the “technical” nature. Technology, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is not just limited to devices, but “The application of knowledge to achieve practical goals in a reproducible way.” This perspective has been instrumental in my teaching methodology, helping me create impactful and organized educational experiences.
Examples of Using Technology
Over the years, I have developed several systems addressing specific educational needs. First is the 🗄️Virtual File Cabinet, a public resource where educators can access and adapt classroom materials. Created in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, this system fosters collaboration and innovation among educators, in an organized and user-friendly way.
Another significant project is the 🗓️ Virtual Planner, a No-Code, SaaS solution using AirTable, designed for curriculum alignment and lesson planning. This system streamlines the organization and preparation of every aspect of each lesson. The Virtual Planner enables linking assignments and presentations needed, tracking learning objectives, and sorting lessons by unit.
Most recently, I developed the ⚠️ At-Risk Student Progress System, a comprehensive tool for monitoring and tracking scholars' progress from academics to behavior. This system leads meaningful conversation and action steps for scholar growth during grade-level team meetings. It was so effective that it became a campus-wide initiative, driving scholar improvement and accountability.
Preliminary Ideas for a Capstone Project
For my capstone project, I envision expanding the At-Risk Student Progress System. With a deeper understanding of methodologies and best practices, I feel I would be able to improve and further develop the other half of this system. Based on current data, machine learning would be able to assist in creating personalized growth plans for each scholar. The inclusion of machine learning would streamline teacher efficiency and provide great insight for student interventions based on proven practices. This system would be the temporary guardrails needed until self management skills are learned.
Final Statement
In conclusion, my background in developing educational tools, combined with my passion for enhancing teaching through effective technology, makes me an ideal candidate for this program. With your guidance, I am eager to further my curiosity and potential in educational technology and the ways it can streamline the learning process for all.
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