Table of Contents
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