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 class of 2005.
Sharon Pepper, Class of 2005
HR Plant Manager
Accuride Corporation
When working on an IPT course project, I had in mind to create something usable for my organization. At the end of the course, I sent my completed project to a couple of executives in the organization. They requested that I present my project at our company’s annual quality conference. Today, people in our organization are becoming more knowledgeable about human performance technology (HPT) and learning how this data driven and disciplined approach can be used to improve individual and organizational performance. Thanks IPT for providing the opportunity in your courses to create projects that are truly meaningful to the workplace!
Allie Smith-Hobbs, Class of 2005
I started my career in technical writing for a software company. The position quickly branched out into managing a small department as well as training sales staff on our software. I felt I needed an educational boost to give me a better foundation for managing these diverse tasks. I researched a program that would fit the needs of training, instructional design and performance issues – the IPT program fit the bill. My student experience in Boise State University’s IPT program was fantastic. I participated in both online and on campus classes and commend both of them highly.
The program was so interesting that I left my position to become a graduate assistant to Dr. Yonnie Chyung! She encouraged me to take advantage of the opportunities to collaborate on research papers and present at conferences, in both Washington D.C. and Seoul, Korea. Those opportunities have helped me grow both personally and professionally. The close knit and professional IPT staff and the greater online community fostered by the BSU IPT program is an amazing resource to have available and I highly recommend it to motivated students who want to accelerate their professional growth.
Award
Outstanding Graduate 2005
Mark Larson, Class of 2005
Founder and CEO
Performance Tecknowlogy, LLC
One of the main reasons I pursued the M.S. in IPT is that there really are no limitations to its practice and potential. The outstanding faculty and their genuine interest in the students inspired me to think outside the box and use a variety of models and tools to successfully practice and apply HPT in the workplace.
Natalia Muller, Class of 2005
Training Specialist
Operation, Transamerica Reinsurance
The Master of Science in Instructional & Performance Technology degree has an excellent combination of instructional design and performance consulting approaches that I was able to immediately apply at work. Through online classes I was able to maintain a full-time career and an active personal life. I highly recommend this program to anyone serious about expanding their marketability and propelling their career!
Award
Outstanding Graduate 2005
Loren Lyle, Class of 2005
F4 Workforce Development Specialist
Micron Technology, Inc.
While completing the IPT degree I was not only able to interact with students from a wide variety of backgrounds, I was able to do so to such a significant extent that I was able to start noting tendencies amongst those from common backgrounds. These experiences were always positive, and often really helped me to get a sense of different approaches to things; they helped me learn from the experiences and predilections of others in the classes. I think the online nature of the interaction contributed MORE to community and cultural interaction than you might see in a traditional classroom setting.