Introduction

This e-portfolio is a collection of assignments that I have completed during my studies in the MS in Informatics program at San Jose State University. The assignments I have selected represent my accomplishment of the core competencies outlined in the informatics program. I provide descriptions of each assignment, as well as a link to the assignment itself for further review. In addition to the core competencies, I have included conclusion and affirmation statements. I illustrate my final thoughts as I complete the program in the conclusion statement and I affirm that the contents of this e-portfolio are my own, password-protected, and privacy-conscious.

The development of the e-portfolio started in tandem with the start of the informatics program. I always saved my assignments, notes, and “scratch paper” on Google Drive. Having my academic files on a cloud drive simplified how I organized my information and it certainly provided accessibility benefits. As I approached my final semester of the program, I began to develop a spreadsheet where I matched the assignments I completed throughout the program with the program’s learning outcomes (PLOs). Nonetheless, the assignments I have included in my e-portfolio demonstrate my understanding of user-centered design, information architecture, and data management.

Please feel free to click on any of the competencies below to be redirected to their respective page.

Conclusion

After I completed my BA in Sociology, I found the MS in Informatics program at San Jose State University. I was immediately interested in applying because of how the program was designed to mesh users, technologies, and data. I went into the program with very little understanding of what informatics really was and I am aware that this is primarily because the field is not well-known. I was not sure what courses to expect and how they would help me build skills, much less what sort of careers they would steer me toward. I had a feeling that this program was partially constructed with that intent in mind; the skills and information I learned can actually be used in a plethora of environments. The specialized courses in the program also helped illustrate how informatics can be introduced to specific domains like healthcare.

Having completed the program, I am happy to say that I enjoyed all of the courses that I took. I am especially fond of the courses where I designed user interfaces and information architecture. I like the idea of creating a prototype and iterating on feedback from users. I feel that this method of continuously improving a product serves both developers and users. As a developer, I am able to hone my skills in an environment that serves a purpose. Nonetheless, I am looking forward to using the skills and knowledge I have acquired in my future endeavors, particularly with social informatics.

Affirmation

All introductory, reflective, and evidentiary work submitted is mine alone (except where indicated as a group or team project), and has been prepared solely by me.

I am protecting the privacy of the contents of my e-Portfolio by password protecting it or by sharing the URL only with my e-Portfolio advisor.

Before making my e-Portfolio public I will respect the privacy of others by removing mention in this e-Portfolio of information that could lead to the identity of individuals (team members in group projects, internship supervisors, interviewees, etc.) and institutions.

Eduardo Castellanos, Spring 2022


San José State UniversitySchool of InformationMaster of Science in Informatics