TLT 471 TQ14 Course Feedback

Dear Dr. Garrigan,

I apologize for the delay in providing you feedback regarding our class this semester. Submitting the last book synthesis project, traveling abroad and then returning to the hustle and bustle of the Christmas Holiday season seems to have idled my brain somewhat.

Given that I’m in the people development business, I assess the effectiveness of any course by my growth, or output, throughout the semester and by what knowledge (if any) that I can pass on to others. That said, the coursework this semester maintained my interest by exposing me to many new authors whose ideas significantly broadened my knowledge regarding technology. I was profoundly impacted by the Cory Doctorow novel in particular and am still thinking about how technology should be leveraged safely, for good and not for evil. I have passed on Little Brother to my 16-year old daughter who is now reading it as her one elective novel for her honors English class.

The coursework this semester was also meaningful and relevant. As we have discussed on several occasions, I truly appreciate your flexibility in allowing my project work to be connected to business versus academic learning and development. This has allowed me to apply new knowledge directly into practice. The technology plan and case study projects in particular exposed me to many issues that I hadn’t considered for a very real simulation-based training research project, which I am trying to get funded at B. Braun. A summary of the technology plan will be presented to my board of directors on December 14. If I secure the funding for this important research I will owe much to the new knowledge gained during this course. I’m confident that once funded, this research will birth a validated simulation-based training program that will result in improved nursing practice and better patient care.

Finally, the work load this semester was HEAVY. I think that this is a good thing. Growth in knowledge or changes in attitudes and/or behaviors simply doesn’t occur without effort. You have high expectations and demand much cognitive “product” (which seems always overwhelming), but hard work, or deliberate, increasingly difficult practice increases expertise in any field.

Thank you for your passion, influence, and guidance this semester. I believe that the new technology planning knowledge that I have gained will make me a better educational leader.