Ghania Zgheib's Ph.D. Portfolio

Since I applied to the program and after my first portfolio review, some of my goals have changed whereas others have developed. I recall in my initial goal statement (Fall 2009), I stated my interest in studying technology-based instruction and learner motivation, language leaning using technology, and professionally, I stated that I would like to become a college professor, and a consultant for developing countries. My goals in the first portfolio (Fall 2011) became more specific after the readings and the hands on experiences that I had in the PhD program. Some of my goals have remained the same whereas some others emerged up to my second portfolio review.

Research Goals

• I retain my interest in studying learning environments in 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.
• I developed an interest in studying the impact of social media on the 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.
• 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 teaching in online settings.
• Learn 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 online learning 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.
• 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.