Prior to 2013, Boise State University’s online Master of Science in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning (OPWL) was known as the Master of Science in Instructional and Performance Technology (IPT). This blog post contains testimonials from the classes of 2001-2002.
Max Corneau, Class of 2001
Bringing your classroom wherever you go.
I never missed a class or even came close to withdrawing despite deploying to or fighting in the following places; Kuwait, Germany, Kosovo, Korea, and throughout the United States.
Since beginning the program in the Summer of 97, I’ve been deployed over 375 days. On several deployments, I left with only a laptop and modem without knowing the destination or duration of the military operation.
The program served me virtually every day as a successful military intelligence aviator and I’m very much looking forward to a life after the military as a civilian performance technologist.
Al Crain, Class of 2002
Global Maximo Center of Competence Learning
IBM
When I was working in Boise Idaho, I started researching universities in preparation to continue course work to pursue an MBA. As an Information Technology professional, I was initially unsure about the benefit of the Instructional and Performance Technology (IPT) Degree, but the more that I read the more I realized it was exactly what I was looking for. It was indeed a program focused on performance improvement, right in line with the Total Quality Management and 6 Sigma programs that were being promoted by companies that I worked for.
Not only was the program a match for enabling me to succeed in business, it was also one that offered me the opportunity to continue in the program while travelling worldwide on client engagements. The professors were outstanding and many were the authors of the leading books in the field of performance improvement.
Boise State’s Instructional & Performance Technology graduate program introduced me to the International Society for Performance Improvement. This organization has allowed me to meet some of the most noted performance improvement professionals as well as providing many opportunities to network with others like me. I am recognized by the International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI) as a Certified Performance Technologist and continue to benefit from the amazing research based tools introduced by Boise State’s IPT graduate program.
Lesa Becker, Class of 2002
Director, Organizational Learning
Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center
Since I had work and family responsibilities, the IPT program allowed me to complete my Master’s Degree through online classes. I was a bit nervous about taking online classes because I was not sure I’d like the online learning environment. To my surprise, I found the online learning environment very rich. I took classes with people all over the world who were professionals in my field. The quality of students with whom I took courses enriched the learning experience because they brought real-life experiences into the “classroom” from global companies and organizations. The quality of professors in the IPT program is first rate-both our campus based and online professors are experts in their field. I can attribute many of the successful programs we have rolled out at Saint Alphonsus to the role modeling and expert coaching I received from my Boise State IPT professors.
Accomplishments since graduation:
- In 2005, Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center was recognized as one of 7 hospitals nation-wide with Exemplary Practices of Employee Learning and Development.
- In 2004, I received the Treasure Valley American Society for Training & Development (ASTD) Practitioner of the year.
Warren Cole, Class of 2002
Principal Industry Consultant
Infosys
A year before completing the program, I was separated from my long time employer through acquisitions and organizational changes.
I worked independently as a consultant in the field of Financial Services Training and Development. The addition of the degree to my resume provided an important credential. And, the content of the program enhanced the programs I developed and delivered.
I began seeking a full-time job and networked into an outstanding opportunity in financial services software. The Masters together with my educational and work experience were all critical in opening the doors to the opportunity and to obtaining the position as a product manager. I had a dual role in development of training material and conducting industry training programs both internally and for customers in that role as well as being an industry speaker at conferences. In this regard I drew heavily on my IPT background and maintained my ISPI membership and reading as well.
I had a more recent opportunity in 2011 to join a larger firm based offshore providing financial services software for the US market. Here again the credential opened the door along with specific work experience and skills. This has been a rewarding work experience in a multi-national, multi-cultural environment for which the IPT program helped me prepare.
To an extent, simply having the degree made a difference as a screening criteria for job searches. However, the experience, information and discipline of the IPT program contributed materially to my workplace successes and achievements.
Elliot Rosenberg, Class of 2002
Senior Director of Sales Training
AT&T
My experience with the BSU IPT program has proven to be not only intellectually stimulating but career impacting as well. I researched many programs before finally selecting Boise State. At the time (1998), online learning was in its infancy, not only with respect to the technology but conceptually as well.
The time invested in this program is well worth it. Although longer than some other programs on the market, when you compare the quality of the material, instruction and application to the workplace, this program has components that provided, I believe, a competitive edge for myself. I realized immediate application to my career and developed a level of expertise and credibility for my company and myself.
Here are some of the advantages I have realized as a result of my experience at BSU:
- Responsibility evolved into that of an internal consultant to advise on matters of e-learning, performance improvement and instructional design
- Consistently on the cutting edge of technological changes in terms of awareness and application
- Ability to apply distance learning concepts to a nationwide enterprise deployment
One of the most impacting differences this degree has provided me was an element of value. During times of corporate downsizing, I was able to provide specific solutions and value -opportunities that resulted in improvements to employees, processes and the organization. Based on this type of experience, when expenses and headcount needed to be reduced, it was my education and associated, relevant experiences that provided the competitive advantage for me to be retained. In other words, my BSU experience added value to me as an employee.
Award
Outstanding Graduate 2002