Ghania Zgheib's Ph.D. Portfolio

Because of the short time between my second portfolio and my comprehensive portfolio, not many of my goals have changed.  However, I was able to read more about my research topic and this helped me focus my goals more.

Research Goals

• I retain my interest in studying learning environments in higher education American institutions and applying them to emerging countries such as Lebanon in which learning technologies are not emphasized or are not used pedagogically, so that I can recommend ways for adoption of these technologies using proper educational methods.
• My interest continues in studying the impact of social media on learning especially that I taught two courses last semester in which social media was the primary tool for communication between me and the students and among each other. I also taught a course titled “English through blogging and web design.” I teach international students, and most of them are from the Middle East. The adoption of these tools seemed like an innovation for some while it was intimidating for others to use them. The use of Facebook as a primary tool for communication had many effects on some students: better time management skills, language development, and peer engagement. In sum, I felt that my students had a special bonding that none of the groups I taught before had. I also used Dropbox as a digital writing portfolio with my students. Students have reported a positive experience using this tool for feedback and instant response, but it would be worth finding out how other faculty members are using it in higher education and what impact it has on their students’ learning.
• And finally I will continue learning from the coursework and other scholars the best practices for conducting research.
  Moreover, I would like to work on getting an article in my field published and apply to present at conferences.

Professional Goals

• Acquire more experience in designing online courses
• Continue learning about new technology tools and their cognitive affordances
• Use more technology tools in my teaching.
• Design and conduct faculty training on the best practices and tools of elearning at Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Lebanon in addition to providing consulting services for the university and the faculty who are in process of designing their online courses and adopting Moodle.
• Participate in designing online courses for my department, English Language Institute, and help faculty integrate social media into their teaching and make the best of existing technology tools.