In recent years, the technology demands for teachers have inspired many educators to create and utilize innovative teaching techniques. Determined to meet these demands, Melissa Hill – a Language Arts teacher at Trafalgar Middle School in Cape Coral, Florida – enrolled in Full Sail’s Education Media Design & Technology Master of Science Online Degree Program.

Melissa came into the program with a limited technology background, but the program, which she called “the opportunity of a lifetime,” gave her access to film, music, and Web 2.0 materials she had never implemented in her curriculum before. As Melissa says, these technologies gave her additional confidence to conduct lessons and command the attention of a classroom.

After finishing the Education Media Design & Technology Master of Science Online Degree Program, Melissa’s mission was to transfer what she learned in the program into her own class. By using SMART board interactive software for lesson plans and posting vocabulary lists and homework calendars through the school’s Web site, she keeps her students and parents engaged with the curriculum and on the right track for success.

She recognizes the unique opportunities that technology offers teachers to better understand and connect with students. Since graduating, she has been utilizing video conferencing with other teachers throughout the country to share and discuss lesson plans. She is also working with her school’s principal to create a new Media and Web Design class.