professional portfolio for p.hamada

education & credentials

M.A. in Educational Technology
San Diego State University, 2005
San Diego CA

B.S. in General Studies with an emphasis in Education
University of Southern California, 1996
Los Angeles CA

Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) certified

professional experience

Program Manager (2006 to present)
IT On-Site Support Department, San Diego Unified School District

In June 2006 I wrote and presented a proposal to assemble an On-Site Support Department to provide coaching and support for districtwide applications (specifically related to student information) to over 200 district schools and various central offices. In August 2006 I assembled a 21-person team whose goals were twofold: (1) to improve our users’ level of satisfaction with the quality and amount of support by providing excellent customer service, and (2) to improve the quality of data in the student information system by identifying existing data problems created by users, then working with office staff to fix those problems. Ultimately this group strives to refine users’ skills and increase the level of knowledge of Zangle and Encore throughout the district.

As Program Manager, my main function is to plan, organize, develop and implement technology services and application support to schools and central offices; provide districtwide leadership and technical expertise in planning and developing technology strategies for support at school sites; and supervise 21 assigned personnel. My role includes providing technical expertise, information, and assistance to the IT Executive Director regarding assigned functions; assisting in the formulation and development of policies, procedures and programs; and advising the Executive Director of unusual trends or problems and recommend appropriate corrective action. I plan, organize, and implement long- and short-term programs and activities designed to develop assigned programs and services. I prepare a variety of narrative and statistical reports, records, and files related to assigned activities and personnel, and use metrics to make data-driven decisions. This position allows me to apply creative solutions to problems, an aspect of my job that I find very fulfilling. For a professional resume that outlines my accomplishments while in this position, please email me at phamada@sandi.net.

University Instructor (Fall 2005 and Fall 2007)
Educational Technology Department, San Diego State University

In Fall 2007 I taught EDTEC 540 Introduction to Educational Technology, a three-unit graduate-level course. This class introduced students to the field of educational technology and the theory and practice of instructional design. EDTEC 540 is for individuals planning to enter San Diego State University's Master of Arts program in Education with a concentration in Educational Technology. In this course we examined foundations, issues, trends and practices associated with (1) a systematic approach to instructional and informational design and to the design of materials, products, strategies and policies that influence individual and organizational performance; (2) analysis of given challenges/opportunities and determination and justification of appropriate solutions; (3) design and development of instructional and informational products; and (4) development of instructional objectives. The class was entirely online, and I provided both synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities. Each week the class met in our virtual classroom in Adobe Connect, where I presented slides, led quiz-like activities, facilitated chat-based discussions, answered questions, and gave assignments. Throughout the week, the class and I used Moodle as our learning management system; here we responded to readings and wrote reflections using the forums.

In Fall 2005 I taught EDTEC 700 Electronic Portfolios, a one-unit masters level course for K-12 teachers of all content areas and educational technology graduate students. I showed them how to design web-based portfolios using elements of good web design based based on principles of contrast, alignment, repetition, and proximity.

Project Resource Teacher (2003 to 2006)
IT Department, San Diego Unified School District

From February 2003 through June 2005, I planned and implemented training for Zangle, the new student information system for San Diego Unified. I used the ADDIE model, a systems approach, as my method of developing training. ADDIE stands for Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation, a set of five steps; each step has an outcome that feeds the subsequent step. I was responsible for analyzing the needs of various user groups, including school administrators, counselors, nurses, teachers, and office staff. Then I wrote objectives, designed training courses, and conducted the end-user training. These tasks helped me fine-tune my writing skills and strengthen my presentation style. I also learned how to collaborate with others on an implementation project. During this time I authored 11 handbooks: Advanced Reports, Attendance, Behavior, Elementary Scheduling, Extended Day, Enrollment, Health, Introduction to Zangle, Mark Reporting, Summer School, and Teach the Teachers. Additionally I wrote tens of job aids and co-developed an instructional video for K-12 teachers.

Beginning in June 2005, in conjunction with a co-worker, I was responsible for leading a five-person Training team. We conducted ongoing training sessions and developed new courses as needed for district staff. I also maintained the unit's website. It was during this time that I learned the importance of and need for coaching and follow-up support for our end users.

Teacher, Grade 5 (2002-2003)
Grant Elementary, San Diego Unified School District

During 2002-03, I was a fifth grade teacher at Grant Elementary. After working as the school's math and computer lab teacher for six years, I was ready for new challenges. I have extremely fond memories of this year; it was a time when I felt that I had the most impact on my students. I enjoyed teaching a variety of subjects, and incorporating technology into my lessons and students' activities. During this time, I was the school's math representative and technology co-representative.

Math and Computer Resource Teacher, Grades 3-6 (1996-2002)
Grant Elementary, San Diego Unified School District

From 1996 to 2002, I was the upper grade math and computer resource teacher at Grant Elementary, a math/science magnet school. This was a great teaching opportunity. I wrote my own curriculum, designing units of instruction tied to the math strands identified by the State. Marilyn Burns greatly influenced my belief that math should based on conceptual understanding, problem-solving, and number sense. During this time, I was involved in the Triton Project and the Triton Dissemination Project. I was a three-year member in the San Diego Math Project. I was the technology representative and on the Governance Team. I also organized a Family Math Night, a 24 Game Challenge, and a school math team. I took groups of students to district and countywide math competitions, and co-led the San Diego Math Olympiad in 2002.

sample work

I have worked on projects for San Diego Unified School District, C Innovation, and San Diego American Red Cross. Additionally I have designed units of instruction and webquests for K-12 students and teachers. The samples below demonstrate my design skills, writing abilities, attention to detail, and creativity.

Reports and Documentation

C Innovation Evaluation Report (PDF)
In 2004 I conducted a formative evaluation for a C Innovation web-based application. This is an evaluation report that details the findings and recommendations.

Red Cross' Introduction to Disaster Services (PDF)
I volunteered as an instructional designer for the San Diego American Red Cross. I took the existing "Introduction to Disaster Services" course, re-designed it as an online class, and wrote this recommendation report.

Zangle Training Handbooks
I have authored 11 handbooks: Advanced Reports, Attendance, Behavior, Elementary Scheduling, Extended Day, Enrollment, Health, Introduction to Zangle, Mark Reporting, Summer School, and Teach the Teachers. These handbooks are used by San Diego City Schools (SDCS) administrators, counselors, site techs, nurses, teachers, clerks, and other office staff for learning how to use the student information system.

Web Design

Zangle for San Diego Unified School District
This website presents information about Zangle and other IT issues, and features a Read & Learn section with handbooks, job aids, e-learning videos, and a knowledgebase. I designed this website (look and feel) which became the template for the training pages of the district's other business applications.

Master Schedule Building
My colleague and I created this website for the district's secondary schools' administrators, head counselors, and site technicians. Its purpose is to assist them with their master schedule development. My role in the development of the site was to organize the content and make it aesthetically pleasing.

Testing Unit
The district's Testing Unit is responsible for coordinating the administration of state and federal testing programs. The challenge with designing this website was finding a way to organize the department's multitude of files such that users could easily find what they need. I thought I was clever by including a blurred scantron sheet in the background, but I'm not sure if anyone even notices what that image is.

Educational Activities/Products for Children

Give & Take: An Educational Game
Give & Take is a math game that I designed for elementary-age students, grades 3 and higher, who are developing their sense of numbers. In the earlier grades, it can be used to teach operations and basic reasoning skills. In grades five and higher it can be used to reinforce quick recall of basic math facts and also to foster advanced reasoning skills. Designing a board game taught me the importance of creating prototypes and repeatedly testing them with users, resulting in a better end product.

The Ocean's in Trouble WebQuest
As a member of the Triton Project, I developed this science WebQuest in 1996. I must admit, the site needs some updating. However, I've included it here because it seems to appeal to a lot of people (google "ocean's in trouble webquest" and see what happens!). Since its development, I have received hundreds of emails from educators around the world. It was even re-written in Chinese!

We Want You WebQuest
This social studies WebQuest is designed to supplement lessons in American history for grades 5 and higher. Students research the symbols, figures, national treasures, historic sites, documents, speeches, oaths, and songs of the United States. Then they determine which information should be used to design a board game. As a team of four, they write questions and design a gameboard to be marketed for the fictitious game company, Snasbro®. Writing this WebQuest helped me refine my writing skills, particularly how to write for different audiences. This project has directions written for students on the main page; there is a teacher page with directions written in a different voice.

Presentations

Zangle National Users Group Conference, 2008, Ventura CA

Zangle National Users Group Conference, 2005-2007, Riverside CA

T+L Conference, 2007, Nashville TN

Council of Greater City Schools CIO Conference, 2007, San Francisco CA

not to be forgotten

Before I became a grown-up, I held some other interesting jobs.

Marie Callender's food server for five years while I was in high school and college. I worked at the Escondido location and also in Redondo Beach. Pie anyone? I think I can still name almost all of them.

San Diego County Fair (formerly Del Mar Fair) ticket seller for 11 summers when I was in college and then when I started teaching. I worked in Midway selling tickets for the rides. Everyone thought I was a carnie! But did you know that ticket sales are the #2 revenue generating area of the Fair? I kid you not, there were many days I had $20,000 in my drawer after an eight-hour shift.

Los Angeles tour guide. I did this through USC for foreign exchange students when I was in school. I got lost but no one knew any better!

Food prep for a catering company in Escondido CA. This was my first job when I was 15 years old. I'm still good at food prep today. Unfortunately chopping and dicing is the extent of my cooking abilities.

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