IIT Graduate Assistants

Getting Involved

The most rewarding involvement I have had with the MSIT is my acceptance for the position of Graduate Assistant (GA). Graduate Assistants in the IIT work in the computer lab on campus as well as on projects with faculty and staff. Our roles are to assist and supervise while obtaining invaluable experience in the field on Instructional Technology.

Resume Building

Prior to Spring Break, a mid semester GA meeting was held to share our experiences we have had while working on various projects. I will share a hint of the hard work that is going on all the while still maintaining our dedication to class work.





Who likes Pop-Tarts?

The Client

I am currently working with GA Eric Welkom under the tutelage of Eric Milks and Brian J. Seeley with the fine people at Kellogg’s® Bakery Plant in Muncy PA.

The Need
Kellogg's® Muncy, PA facility would like to increase productivity and cut down on product waste. Currently, most job skills training is completed on the job (OJT) as time permits. After the initial needs assessment, the IIT identified a number of specific needs. Currently many training manuals are so outdated and disorganized that employees do not trust them. Many jobs require an aptitude of mechanical skills; however, there is no pre-aptitude training before the standard OJT.

The Solution

This multi-year solution continues with Case Packaging Operator (CPO) job position. It consists of creating a standardized paper operation/training manual and job aids for the CPO floor area along with electronic versions available for kiosks. It also includes a manual version to insure the OJT will have consistent up to date materials. For the pre-aptitude training solution we are concurrently developing an e-Learning module consisting of the standard methodology and basics for the CPOs. Upon successful completion of this on-line course the employee will begin OJT.

B&D Presents: "Success Built to Last: Creating a Life that Matters"

The Client
Within the parent company, Black and Decker, is the Hardware and Home Improvement Group (BDHHI) located in Lake Forest, California. BDHHI oversees four companies that sell locks and faucets. Jennifer Abshire, Zachary Fought, Sarah Peters are the GAs under the tutelage of intern Sarah Boyce and Instructional Designer Eric Milks on the Black&Decker project. They are working with one of the authors of the bestselling book "Success Built to Last: Creating a Life that Matters", Mark Thompson and Black & Decker representatives.

The Need
BDHHI is developing a one day workshop for their employees designed to boost company morale as well as improve the quality of life for their employees inside and out of the work environment. To supplement this workshop which is based on the book "Success Built to Last: Creating a Life that Matters", BDHHHI requested the IIT design and develop Facilitators and Participants guides.

The Solution

The project is currently in the beginning stages of analysis and designing. At this stage, it has been determined that the participants will work through content and activities that will give them an understanding of the main concepts of the book including defining an individuals meaning /interpretation of success. Delivery is estimated to be May 2008.



To Be Continued....
These are just two of the many projects that is being developed at the IIT by the faculty, staff and GAs. I will be sharing more with you about the exciting projects that we are working on this semester. If you are interested in becoming a GA or would like to apply for a position, don't forget to submit your application to Karen Swartz. I highly recommend that you take advantage of these wonder work experiences.