Getting to Know Erika Matthews

Purpose of this Blog

This blog will share my journey about Human Performance Technology. I will be learning and sharing my thoughts and views as I navigate through this course. I will be doing readings, listening to guest speakers, and reflecting on what I have learned in this course through this blog.

Getting to Know Me

I am Erika Matthews and I currently work at South Madison Community School Corporation in Pendleton, IN. I have taught for 21 years and I am currently the Media & STEM Specialist at Pendleton Elementary School. I have taught the following grades: Kindergarten, first grade, sixth grade and K-6 computers. I attended Purdue University and graduated with a bachelors degree in Education, minor in reading, and received endorsements in Kindergarten and computer technology. I am currently pursuing a Masters degree in Learning Design and Technology from Purdue University. 

I am married to an Army Veteran, Jason, who has received the Purple Heart for his injuries in Iraq in 2008. We have a daughter, Haley, who attends Purdue University majoring in Speech Language Pathology. Our son, Caden, is a freshman in high school. We have a boxer dog, Sasha, and three cats: Simba, Pumba, and Nala.

Professional Development & Technology Experience

• Hoosier Educational Computer Coordinators Conference Participant & Presenter (HECC)

• eLEAD Conference Participant & Presenter

• Applemania Conference Presenter

• CAPE: Community Alliances to Promote Education

• DEN Ambassador Program: Discovery Education

• Plickers Ambassador

• Google Certification

• Intensive Phonics

• PowerSchool & Power Teacher Pro

• Project Based Learning

• Led multiple book studies on Technology

• Symbaloo

• EdPuzzle Coach

• Canva

• CK-12 Certified

• EPIC Certified Teacher

• Brainpop Educator Certified

• NWEA Training

• iSAFE workshop

• Understanding & Engaging in the Online Culture

• Coaching Skills Seminar

• iPad Apps, Management, & Instruction

• Spelling City

• Flipgrid

• Sphero

• Destiny Library System

• Writable

• 3D Printer

• DE STEM Connect: Discovery Education STEM

• CANVAS

• Project Lead the Way Certified Coach (PLTW)

• Everyday Math 

• ISTE

• Girls Who Code

• Bloxels

• PATIN'S EXPO

• Apple Teacher

• RECI (East Central Indiana Coaches Group)

• INGEG (Indiana Google Educators Group)

• IDOE Ed Coach Camp Participant

Learning Design & Technology Program

I received a GEER Grant throught IU East and received a Graduate Certificate in Online Instruction and Assessment. I later decided I wanted to finish my graduate work and receive a Masters. After much research and finding out what I could do to transfer all my credits, I chose Learning Design and Technology through Purdue University. For over 10 years I have loved using technology and learning new ways to implement it in my personal and professional life. I also have a passion of creating and designing using technology. I took my passions and found that I needed to be pursuing a degree in Learning Design and Technology.

This journey has been interesting, eye-opening, educational, and challenging at times. The possibilities are endless at this point of what I want to do with this degree when I graduate in May 2024.