Andre Gallant

This portfolio represents a discussion of and reflection upon my studies in the Master of Distance Education program over two years. This journey of learning required six terms of study, and covered 11 different courses on various subjects related to Distance Education (DE). So as to give you a clearer picture of how my studies progressed, I would like to start this portfolio by outlining what courses I took.

MDDE 601 - Introduction to Distance Education and Training
MDDE 602 - Research Methods in Distance Education
MDDE 603 - Foundations of Instructional Design: Systems Analysis and Learning Theory
MDDE 604 - Instructional Design in Distance Education
MDDE 605 - Planning and Management in Distance Education and Training
MDDE 610 - Introduction to Current Distance Education Technologies
MDDE 611 - Foundations of Adult Education
MDDE 612 - Experiential Learning
MDDE 614 - International Issues in Distance Education
MDDE 619 - Trends and Issues in Instructional Design
MDDE 620 - Advanced Technology in Distance Education and Training

I would like to take the time, here in my introduction, to thank my classmates for all the lively discussions, debates and disagreements we've had throughout my studies, all of which made me reconsider my opinions and several of which changed my perspective in valuable ways.

I'd also like to say thank you to my professors, whose feedback and advice over the last two years have been invaluable tools for learning. A good guide can make any trip an adventure.

Finally, it would be arrogant to say that what I've learned in the MDE program came from within me or solely from my own interactions. I need to say thank you to everyone who has worked in education and DE for the body of knowledge they have left behind for students like myself to study. As Isaac Newton once said: "If I have seen further it is only by standing on the shoulders of giants."

There is one person in particular who deserves special mention in this portfolio...

The reason I initially sought to earn a master's degree in education was that my wife had just completed hers, and that throughout her studies she'd engaged me in her coursework by discussing her ideas with me and asking me to critique her work. Before that, I'd never given adult education a second thought.

Later, when I applied to the MDE program, I half-jokingly wrote in my application letter that the reason I felt I could finish the program was that my wife would never let me quit after having spent so much money.

And now that I'm so near the end, I think I have to take this opportunity to acknowledge her support and motivation over the last two years. Every time I've felt that the workload was too much, or that I would never have enough time, with my other duties, to finish a project or course, she has been there to push me forward, and frequently to take over my other duties so that I'd have the time to focus on my studies.

Truly, she's the reason I'm near the end of this journey today, and I just have to say “Thank you, and I love you” to the woman who has so often helped me to reach my potential.