Yajun Qiu
M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction, 2016
Prior to going to graduate school in the U.S., I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in China, major in English (teacher training). After that, I worked as a cameraman in a TV station, responsible for video shooting, editing, and multimedia development. I shot videos and did live report in 20 provinces and regions across China in four years. The giant advancement in telecommunication technology (from satellite transmission to data transmission) did impress me and I felt the need to study. Therefore, I applied for learning technology program in UT Austin. After two-year, I earned a Master’s degree and went back to China.
Why UT?
Consecutively ranked among top 10 SOE offering Learning Technology Program, UT Austin offers a state-of-the-art Digital Media and Education program. I aspired to learn about the impact of technologies on teaching and learning and design of new media enriched interactive learning environments. Apart from that, I am fond of sunshine and Austin is the right place for me.
Life After UT
After my graduation, I joined PwC China/Hongkong, working as an instructional designer developing online training courses for company staff. I have been involved in over 20 e-learning production projects yearly using different eLearning developing tools (Storyline, Articulate Studio, Gomo etc.). ADDIE are heavily used in our eLearning design and development, while we keep an open eye on current technology in training and learning.
Advice for Current Students
I would suggest you guys join research teams to conduct projects as early as possible. Stay open and curious. Dig deep on your interest and follow your passion to try, to fail and to learn. Learn through practice. I have never done any design work before joining in Dr. Min Liu’s Alien Rescue project. However, driven by my interest and the project needs, I self-studied the animation theories as well as 3D modeling tools (Modo, Blender, Sketcher, etc.) and finally grow myself to be a team lead in 3D modeling team.
