Compared to other quality programs in the field of educational technology, the Instructional Technology doctoral program at UGA is particularly strong with respect to helping student focus on research and scholarship and providing strong support and incentives for students to conduct research both independently and collaboratively. While the faculty members stay active in both teaching and research, they encourage us to gain research experience through coursework and research projects, as well as to share and learn through professional activities. In the same tradition, research methodology is an area of emphasis in this program. We have access to a variety of methodology courses and faculty expertise in order to develop the expertise to conduct good studies. 

Another point of pride is the program's flexibility. The faculty members respect our choices and try to accommodate individual student's needs. They show a high level of tolerance, allowing trial-and-error on the student's part while always trying to be supportive. Nevertheless, we do not risk losing direction. The faculty has set up a "playground" for us to play on, offered "toys" to play with and to discover, but at the same time, they ensure our "safety" and keep track of our progress through timely guidance.

The program is designed to help us become competent researchers and promote our professional development during and beyond this program. We are prompted to have a holistic view of our lifetime career rather than only look at the four-year time span. The faculty uses their own experiences to demonstrate the benefits of envisioning, planning, and preparing early on. They encourage us to aim at our ultimate goals and also provide guidance and support for fulfilling short-term objectives. Meanwhile, we are always expected to think critically and to constantly reflect on our work.

A culture of sharing is the hallmark of this program. Faculty members and senior students do not hold back their knowledge and expertise in research, publication, and grant-writing. The intellectual climate here emphasizes sharing information that could trigger research ideas, add to our tool kit, or help locate crucial resources and expertise. In addition, we have opportunities to learn from people outside the department, the university, and even the U.S. I also appreciate this program being a place of perceivable sense of humor. Life leading to a doctoral degree is not easy. Fortunately, we have the emotional support to get through the journey.  

In terms of suggestions for further improvement, I wish to know more about faculty members' previous and current research interests and projects. Thus it would be easier to get advice from faculty members with expertise in the specific areas related to my own research. It would also be beneficial to know the faculty members' ideas about how our field will develop in future.  Another aspect that I would like to be more informed about concerns courses that would help develop my research agenda and competencies. Based on previous students' programs of study, a summary of related fields and important courses for students with interests in specific areas would be very helpful when first year students consider their own program of study.  The ITSA website might be a good place for disseminating this information.