Comments on: Capella PhD student Carla Chladek. Carla discusses her work as Program Manager for the Joint Staff Training Program at the Pentagon

By: len smith

len smith — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 05:56:15 +0000

hello fontaine moore–i am interested in hearing much more about TPI and especially the film perspective - which I am interested in how learning can be achievend through a film approach—or using film to teach american history for instance and video of persons in training to enhance their performance–is it already being done in a great way?

By: Fontaine Moore

Fontaine Moore — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 13:52:06 +0000

Very interesting! My story is somewhat the opposite of Carla’s, having started as a classroom teacher and then transitioning into instructional design and performance and improvement for 25 years, almost exclusively as a military contractor. Then I came down with serious health problems and had to leave my job on permanent disability. Fortunately, I’d selected professional studies so had the luxury of switching my focus from TPI to largely psych courses within the context of education. (My own version of educational psychology, but from within education.)

While my heath no longer allows me to do a 9-5 job, (or even go to a brick and mortar university, even though I live only 2 miles from a major one), I can do academic work–teaching online and publishing. My mind is fine–it’s my body that’s the limiting factor.

At first I was devastated by my health problems and the limits they placed on me, but then realized that this was a blessing in disguise. Because I’m also ADD, I don’t have a personality that jives well in a business environment and always sensed I never quite fit in. However, I’m far more at home using my brain and writing skills–which seem to be far more valued in academia than they ever were in business. (Just before leaving for disability, I was told that while my work quality was excellent, I lacked “emotional intelligence,” so guess what I chose for my final paper that quarter! And I believe my EQ has risen considerably as a result. I’d just been doing what came naturally but now I’m more conscious that my brain just doesn’t tick with most other people’s so am now more conscious of where they’re coming from.)

I should be graduating from my PhD program this month. I’m calling my field educational neuropsychology since I took to cognitive psych and neuroscience like a duck to water. I’m investigating how brains respond to media–film in particular–for more effective learning at all levels, K-higher ed, and management training and performance improvement. So, my 25-years in that field is still useful to my new one. Capella has allowed me the flexibility to make that shift while accommodating my new health status. I couldn’t be more pleased!

By: Chance Brown

Chance Brown — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 18:59:25 +0000

Fantastic! Carla Chladek gives an AMAZING interview! The moderator is great as well. For someone considering Capella this is an excellent Podcast. Ms. Chladek provides a “real world” perspective on how to get the most out of Capella.

The questions were great and the answers were better! If you’re seriously considering Capella, this is the Podcast to listen to. —Chance Brown

By: Margaret C. White

Margaret C. White — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 10:58:26 +0000

This is the first podcast I’ve taken–so glad these are offered this way.

It’s interesting that Carla C. is now in the TPI specialization, Education with her background. I too am in TPI, Ph.D with 25 years federal government service and have experienced in my workneeds assessment, problem solving analysis, etc. over the years. Having worked as a civilian in several military training programs from 1980 until 2000, I was very interested in how online learning and the TPI specialization came together in Carla’s work.

The discussion regarding Capella and online learning in general and how it impacts military training and education needs is a great conversation. Carla C mentioned that those interested in pursuing online degrees is to take that first step–good advice.

Thanks for a nice first experience with Podcasts for me. I’ll go through the others now!

MCWhite