Welcome - Sherma Edwards-Lawrie's E-Portfolio
My work experience, research interests and educational journey can be viewed through this Masters of Distance Education (MDE) Portfolio. My portfolio will continue to grow as my journey evolves in the field of distance education. My time at University of Maryland University College (UMUC), both as a student and an employee has exposed me to the major aspects of distance education and topics which include the following: e-learning, globalization, development, management, leadership, business, technology, learner support, library, intellectual property, practitioner research, teaching and learning issues, concepts and best practices.
University of Maryland University College. (2015). UMUC (Video file). Retrieved from https://youtu.be/ozeArH-DTcI
Background: I came to the United States (U.S.) on December 2005 from Trinidad and Tobago in hopes of a better life. I wanted a career in the educational field and as a result I began pursuing an Elementary Education degree within the undergraduate school at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). I later decided to transition into another program because I did not want my career opportunities to be limited to becoming an elementary education teacher or working with only students of that age group. While pursuing my degree, I dealt with many challenges in my personal life, working full-time and attending classes in the evenings right after work or on the weekends and can build a connection and rapport to other non-traditional learners like myself. During this period of my life, I managed my time wisely and became extremely disciplined when it pertained to my educational and career goals because it was a priority for me to become the first person in my immediate family to receive a college degree and I did! I eventually obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology on December 2011 from UDC where I sustained academic merits and honors on the dean's list and graduated with Cum Laude status.
I worked in retail at Kohl's department store for a few months, then left and went to Bank of America for a couple years. I also worked in the hotel industry for approximately five years and spent most of this time at a business style hotel called Club Quarters which is located in Washington DC. I held a position as a Guest Services Manager and eventually went on to obtain a job at a school called Career Technical Institute. Today, I am currently at the UMUC, as an Admissions Counselor.
It has always been in my nature to work hard for any goal and accomplishment I want to achieve. I believe that hard work does open doors to many opportunities for success or career growth, but ultimately having an education and a degree is very important. Residing in a strange country without any immediate family members, does require a certain kind of determination and strength especially since I have been my sole supporter until I met my loving husband John, who has always encouraged me to do my uttermost best and has assured me that it is never okay to give up. I will continue to be a very hard worker here in the U.S., while I constantly try to stay afloat and deal with my everyday life circumstances and possibilities. I am quite a passionate and caring person who live by the quote, "treat others the way you will like to be treated."
As a soon to be graduate of UMUC, I'm very thankful for the exposure and engagement I've encountered in this online program as it has been my first experience. As a full-time working adult and at this stage in my life, this type of learning method best fits my needs and will be my preferred way to learn as a continuous learner. This MDE degree will help develop both my professional and personal life. I will continue to work hard for my future family and me, in hope of providing us with a better and comfortable life. On completion of this MDE program, I will then move into becoming a student in dual degree program that UMUC offers and focus on my MBA. I will continue to be a lifelong learner!!
I worked in retail at Kohl's department store for a few months, then left and went to Bank of America for a couple years. I also worked in the hotel industry for approximately five years and spent most of this time at a business style hotel called Club Quarters which is located in Washington DC. I held a position as a Guest Services Manager and eventually went on to obtain a job at a school called Career Technical Institute. Today, I am currently at the UMUC, as an Admissions Counselor.
It has always been in my nature to work hard for any goal and accomplishment I want to achieve. I believe that hard work does open doors to many opportunities for success or career growth, but ultimately having an education and a degree is very important. Residing in a strange country without any immediate family members, does require a certain kind of determination and strength especially since I have been my sole supporter until I met my loving husband John, who has always encouraged me to do my uttermost best and has assured me that it is never okay to give up. I will continue to be a very hard worker here in the U.S., while I constantly try to stay afloat and deal with my everyday life circumstances and possibilities. I am quite a passionate and caring person who live by the quote, "treat others the way you will like to be treated."
As a soon to be graduate of UMUC, I'm very thankful for the exposure and engagement I've encountered in this online program as it has been my first experience. As a full-time working adult and at this stage in my life, this type of learning method best fits my needs and will be my preferred way to learn as a continuous learner. This MDE degree will help develop both my professional and personal life. I will continue to work hard for my future family and me, in hope of providing us with a better and comfortable life. On completion of this MDE program, I will then move into becoming a student in dual degree program that UMUC offers and focus on my MBA. I will continue to be a lifelong learner!!
“ The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in the moments of comfort and convenience but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy” Dr. Martin Luther King
Master of Distance Education and E-learning (MDE): Specialization in Policy and Management
Distance Education and E-learning has grown drastically in all sectors: publicly, privately and internationally. As a result, the market for qualified individuals has grown tremendously. With this type of high demand, the program was created. Students not only obtain a thorough practical knowledge needed to lead the distance education enterprise within educational, business, government, and non-profit organizations but also able to network with peers and instructors globally.
Overview of Specialization in Policy and Management (DEPM)
This specialization allows managers and leaders in the field of distance education to become educated and present substantial aspect of management competencies. One day I hope to have a long-term career in this field, as I am passionate about education and helping others.
Distance Education and E-learning has grown drastically in all sectors: publicly, privately and internationally. As a result, the market for qualified individuals has grown tremendously. With this type of high demand, the program was created. Students not only obtain a thorough practical knowledge needed to lead the distance education enterprise within educational, business, government, and non-profit organizations but also able to network with peers and instructors globally.
Overview of Specialization in Policy and Management (DEPM)
This specialization allows managers and leaders in the field of distance education to become educated and present substantial aspect of management competencies. One day I hope to have a long-term career in this field, as I am passionate about education and helping others.