Student Name: Maria Hamdani
TC Degree/Program: Masters of Science in Learning Analytics, Department of Human Development
Undergrad University: University of Texas at Arlington
Hometown: Arlington, Texas
What inspired you to pursue a graduate degree in Learning Analytics (LRAN)? I finished my undergrad in math back in 1995 and have wanted to do my masters ever since. For many years, I thought I would do my masters in mathematics or psychometrics. In my search, I came across the learning analytics program and became fascinated with the potential learning analytics has to change the way we support students in their educational journey. What finally pushed me to do this, was my kids. Being able to show my kids that it's never too late to learn and allow them to experience this degree with me.
What class did you enjoy most in the LRAN program? I really enjoyed Feature engineering where I was able to apply all I had learned to a real world problem. The result of what we created is something I will always be proud of.
What's the most exciting project you're working on right now? Currently I am working on building a dashboard that analyzes several different vocabulary lists used in the education industrty and compiles all of the information for one word in table format. So for example, it will take a word, give all of the meanings of that word, then give the grade level at which that word is familiar to the student. It's exciting because as far I know, it's never been done in this way before!
What advice do you give to other graduate students, or potential graduate students? Enjoy your experience! Take every moment to enjoy the classes, the environment, the professors, students, food carts, arts, New York City.....all of it! Because I went back to school after 22 years of doing my undergrad, I savored every moment, even the late night study sessions and frustrating moments.....all are a gift. Recognize that this is a gift and if you don't like something, don't complain about it, make change! Isn't that why we are here to begin with? Oh, and study hard! You've made it to the big leagues :-)