This artifact was created at UW-STOUT during ICT 700, the introductory course to the Information & Communication Technologies program. It represented the culmination of a semester long research project and provided my first opportunity to explore the full scope of ICT while producing a collaborative report with classmates.
What did you learn?
I gained a broad, foundational understanding of ICT as an academic discipline and a professional practice. Even with prior IT experience, I had not realized how many of the systems and implementations I worked on fell under the wider umbrella of ICT. The course broadened my perspective, emphasizing not just technology, but how communication, teamwork, and organizational alignment are essential in ICT initiatives.
How did you learn this?
Learning occurred through independent research, assigned readings, and case based exploration of ICT in organizational contexts. However, a large part of the learning came from structured collaboration with peers in online forums and group projects. Hearing multiple perspectives challenged me to refine my thinking and integrate different viewpoints into a more complete understanding.
How will you apply this?
The collaboration and communication skills refined in this course have direct professional value. As an IT professional, I frequently interact with colleagues, stakeholders, and customers. This course reinforced the need for clear, consistent communication across technical and nontechnical audiences. Moving forward, I will apply these lessons not only in teamwork situations but also in client interactions, ensuring expectations are aligned and outcomes are clearly delivered.
What challenges and obstacles did you overcome?
The greatest challenge was time management. Returning to an academic environment after years in the workforce meant balancing coursework with professional responsibilities and family commitments. I had to establish a sustainable rhythm setting aside structured time for research and group collaboration while maintaining a healthy balance between personal and professional life.
This artifact was produced as part of a semester long research project at UW-STOUT in ICT 701. The focus was on designing high availability (HA) enterprise networks and understanding the infrastructure needed to ensure resilience.
What did you learn?
I learned that high availability extends far beyond redundant network links. It encompasses redundant servers, storage systems, drives, and even geographic redundancy. This holistic approach ensures minimal downtime, making HA critical for organizations that rely on 24/7 services.
How did you learn this?
I combined formal research with hands on projects. At work, I examined real world HA systems, while at home, I began building a personal high availability environment. This required researching equipment, calculating costs, and learning the practical challenges of implementation, which gave me a deeper appreciation of HA complexities.
How will you apply this?
The knowledge gained will inform my work as both an IT professional and a future leader. Understanding how to design redundancy into systems is a vital skill across many IT roles. Whether maintaining enterprise networks or designing new architectures, I can apply these lessons to improve resilience and minimize downtime.
What challenges and obstacles did you overcome?
Balancing coursework, work projects, and personal commitments was a major challenge. Additionally, sourcing and configuring the correct equipment for my home HA lab proved more time consuming and complex than anticipated. Overcoming these hurdles required patience, persistence, and creative problem solving.
This artifact was the final project for ICT 710 – Learning Technologies AT UW-STOUT. The assignment required designing a learning module to demonstrate an understanding of instructional strategies and how they can be applied in technical training contexts.
What did you learn?
I learned about the wide variety of teaching techniques available, especially as they apply to online and computer based training (CBT). The course emphasized that effective teaching is not about overwhelming learners with technical depth but about presenting content in a way that is accessible, engaging, and adaptable to diverse learning styles.
How did you learn this?
Learning came through a semester of research, readings, and peer discussions that exposed me to multiple learning theories and instructional design methods. The course culminated in the creation of a personal training module, which required me to synthesize theory into practice.
How will you apply this?
These skills will allow me to design effective training programs within my organization, such as phishing awareness, onboarding for new employees, or tutorials for new software implementations. By applying the principles of instructional design, I can ensure that training materials are understandable, relevant, and impactful for diverse audiences.
What challenges and obstacles did you overcome?
The most difficult challenge was simplifying technical material without diluting its importance. As someone who is used to operating in highly technical environments, I had to learn to adjust my language and structure to meet learners where they are. This meant shifting from a “technical expert” perspective to an “instructional designer” mindset.
This artifact was created in INMGT 712 – Operational Disruption Management, where I developed a full business continuity plan (BCP) for a company as part of the semester’s capstone project.
What did you learn?
I learned the various types of disruptions that can occur in an organization, from IT outages to natural disasters, and the strategies companies use to mitigate those risks. The course reinforced the idea that resilience requires preparation, testing, and ongoing updates rather than a one time document.
How did you learn this?
This learning came through assigned readings, group discussions, and case study analysis. The most significant learning occurred in creating a complete business continuity plan from scratch. This required researching a company’s existing processes, identifying gaps, and designing solutions tailored to both executive management and operational teams.
How will you apply this?
As someone working in information security, business continuity is highly relevant to my current and future roles. I will apply this knowledge to review, update, and test continuity plans within my company, ensuring that we remain prepared for disruptions. Beyond
What challenges and obstacles did you overcome?
The biggest challenge was maintaining objectivity while evaluating the company’s preparedness. It was easy to become biased or overly critical, but the project required a professional balance of constructive evaluation and realistic recommendations. Additionally, condensing complex strategies into a format usable by different management levels required careful communication and formatting.
This artifact was developed as part of a semester long research paper at UW-STOUT for ICT 732 – Technology Futures. The project required extensive research and validation of sources, ultimately culminating in a paper on the potential of artificial intelligence in healthcare cybersecurity.
What did you learn?
I gained new skills in research validation, specifically in assessing credibility and bias in sources. I also developed a deeper appreciation for how emerging technologies such as AI can transform industries like healthcare by addressing security vulnerabilities and improving operational efficiency.
How did you learn this?
The learning occurred through structured assignments that introduced research validation techniques. Each step of the project required identifying, classifying, and verifying sources. This methodology ensured that my final paper was not only well researched but also defensible in its claims and conclusions.
How will you apply this?
These research skills extend far beyond academia. In my professional career, I will apply them when evaluating new technologies, software, or security solutions for implementation. By ensuring that decisions are based on vetted, reliable information, I can help reduce risks and improve outcomes for organizations, particularly in sensitive areas like cybersecurity.
What challenges and obstacles did you overcome?
At first, I found it challenging to distinguish between credible and unreliable sources, especially when dealing with emerging technology where hype often outpaces reality. Over time, I adapted by applying systematic validation techniques and cross referencing claims, which improved the rigor of my research process.
This artifact was developed as part of ICT 780, the capstone project for the program at UW-STOUT. It required me to design and implement a website that would serve as both a professional portfolio and a platform to share information.
What did you learn?
I learned how to integrate design principles with technical implementation to create a user friendly website. Beyond coding and structure, I gained an understanding of how layout, navigation, accessibility, and visual presentation influence user engagement and perception.
How did you learn this?
The learning occurred through a blend of research into web design best practices, experimentation with different tools and frameworks, and iterative feedback from peers and instructors. By approaching the project as both a developer and a designer, I learned to balance functionality with aesthetics.
How will you apply this?
The website itself continues to serve as a living portfolio that I can update with future projects and achievements. More broadly, the skills learned in ICT 780 provide me with the ability to design digital platforms that communicate effectively with audiences, whether for personal branding, corporate training, or professional communication.
What challenges and obstacles did you overcome?
One challenge was ensuring that the site remained professional and polished while also serving as a personal reflection of my academic and professional journey. Striking the right balance between creativity and usability required multiple iterations and design adjustments. Additionally, I had to troubleshoot technical issues with hosting, formatting, and responsive design to ensure the site functioned across devices.
At UW-STOUT working on a semester‐long case studies project in course (DMT-511.)
What did you learn?
Through my study of the foundations of digital marketing analytics, I learned how marketing has evolved from an art driven primarily by creativity to a discipline grounded in data, metrics, and measurable results. I discovered how analytics enables organizations to understand not only what happens in digital environments but also why it happens and what is likely to happen next. I gained an understanding of the analytics lifecycle—beginning with data collection and cleaning, moving through analysis and visualization, and concluding with action and iteration. I also learned that reliable data sources—such as web analytics, social media insights, CRM systems, and paid advertising dashboards—form the foundation for accurate reporting and informed decision-making. These tools and processes collectively help transform raw data into actionable insights that can guide marketing strategy and resource allocation.
How did you learn this?
I learned this by studying each phase and concept outlined in the module, from descriptive to prescriptive analytics. Reviewing examples of metrics and data platforms like Google Analytics 4 and Adobe Analytics helped me visualize how real-world businesses track user behavior and conversion paths. Reading about attribution models and customer journey mapping further deepened my understanding of how analytics connects marketing touchpoints to measurable outcomes. Additionally, by comparing traditional marketing methods with digital approaches, I saw firsthand how analytics empowers marketers to respond to customer needs in real time. Engaging with case studies and analytical frameworks made the learning experiential—allowing me to connect theory to actual marketing performance practices.
How will you apply this?
I will apply what I have learned by incorporating data-driven decision-making into my marketing and professional projects. Whether analyzing website performance, measuring ROI for campaigns, or mapping customer journeys, I will rely on metrics, KPIs, and visualization tools to evaluate effectiveness and guide optimization. Understanding the analytics lifecycle will allow me to plan marketing initiatives that include built-in tracking mechanisms from the start, ensuring that data integrity and consistency support accurate insight generation. I also plan to apply diagnostic and predictive techniques to identify performance issues early and forecast future outcomes—enabling more strategic, proactive adjustments. This approach ensures that marketing recommendations are supported by evidence, not assumptions.
What challenges and obstacles did you overcome?
One of the main challenges I faced was grasping the technical depth of analytics concepts such as attribution modeling, data integration, and statistical forecasting. Initially, it was difficult to connect diverse data sources and understand how each contributed to the full marketing picture. Another obstacle was distinguishing between actionable metrics and vanity metrics—recognizing that not all data adds value. Through consistent study, reviewing practical examples, and reflecting on the analytics lifecycle, I overcame these challenges by learning to interpret data critically and focus on metrics aligned with strategic goals. This process strengthened both my analytical mindset and my ability to translate complex data into meaningful insights for decision-makers.
At UW-STOUT in course CNIT 561 – Workstation and Server. While the course provided structured lab exercises and scenarios, I was also able to apply the same skills at my workplace,
where I assisted with real world server configuration and troubleshooting while luanching the GEM for RBiz at the Gilette Childrens Hosptal.
What did you learn?
I learned the fundamentals of workstation–server relationships, including Active Directory (AD) structures, group policies, and server based services. The course also highlighted the critical role of proper configuration in supporting enterprise environments. More importantly, I developed a stronger appreciation for the impact that small misconfigurations can have on overall system stability and security.
How did you learn this?
Learning occurred through a combination of step by step coursework labs and reinforcement in my professional role. While the labs provided a safe, structured environment to practice, applying those lessons to real world systems under the guidance of systems engineers gave me confidence in implementing solutions at scale.
How will you apply this?
These skills are directly transferable to my current and future IT positions. Beyond simply setting up and maintaining servers, I now approach tasks with a security first mindset, ensuring that any changes strengthen the system rather than weaken it. I will continue to build on this foundation to enhance my expertise in systems administration and enterprise security.
What challenges and obstacles did you overcome?
One of the greatest challenges was understanding which changes could be made on live systems without requiring reboots or causing service interruptions. This was especially important when working in production environments where uptime was critical. I learned this lesson through trial and error in my personal test lab, which allowed me to bring more caution and precision into my professional role.
At UW-STOUT in course CNIT 582 – Network Systems Design, this artifact was developed through a semester long team project built on multiple case studies.
Each stage of the project grew more complex and demanded careful consideration of both network design and budget constraints.
What did you learn?
I learned that network design is not simply a technical exercise it also requires project management, communication, and financial awareness. The principle of “divide and conquer” became central, as no one individual could master every technical detail. Instead, successful outcomes relied on distributing responsibilities, integrating findings, and presenting them as a cohesive client facing report.
How did you learn this?
Learning came from iterative group work on progressively challenging case studies. As the projects advanced, we were required to analyze topologies, select routing protocols, and weigh financial trade offs, all while documenting decisions in professional quality reports. Collaboration with my peers sharpened my technical and communication skills simultaneously.
How will you apply this?
Understanding network design requirements, risk assessments, and budgetary implications prepares me for both technical and leadership roles. These skills are especially critical for network administrators, system engineers, and IT security personnel. In the future, I can better evaluate trade offs, justify design decisions, and communicate them clearly to stakeholders who may not share my technical background.
What challenges and obstacles did you overcome?
Scheduling was a recurring difficulty. With students balancing jobs, family obligations, and coursework, aligning our schedules for live meetings was often difficult. We learned to adapt by shifting to asynchronous communication through Teams chat and email, ensuring deadlines were met without sacrificing quality. This challenge reinforced the importance of flexibility and adaptability in professional collaboration.
This artifact was created at UW STOUT by Reed Bushey and taught by Doc T and Chad.
What did you learn?
From developing the ReedBushey.com strategic marketing plan, I learned how to integrate the full spectrum of digital marketing and analytics into a cohesive, data-driven branding initiative. This project taught me how to transform abstract marketing goals into measurable strategies that align with the company’s mission and target audience. I gained a deeper understanding of how market research, SWOT analysis, and audience segmentation inform the development of realistic SMART goals and KPIs.
I also learned that successful content marketing requires more than creative storytelling—it depends on data accuracy, consistency, and performance tracking. By analyzing industry trends, competitor strategies, and consumer behavior, I realized how analytics-driven decision-making strengthens every phase of digital marketing—from content creation to community engagement. Additionally, I gained valuable insight into how marketing and technical infrastructure (like Cisco routers, Siemens servers, and analytics platforms) work together to sustain high-performance digital ecosystems and ensure scalability.
How did you learn this?
I learned this through a combination of structured research, applied analysis, and iterative content planning. Each section of the project—from executive summary to budget allocation—was built on progressive learning steps. Conducting a market and competitive analysis helped me evaluate industry dynamics and recognize how ReedBushey.com could leverage differentiation through brand voice, authenticity, and scientific credibility.
Creating customer personas and audience segments taught me the importance of human-centered design in digital marketing—understanding not just demographics, but the motivations, challenges, and behaviors that drive purchasing decisions. Developing SMART goals and KPI frameworks required practical application of analytics concepts, connecting numbers and metrics to tangible performance outcomes. I also learned to use digital tools such as Google Analytics, SEO performance trackers, and social media insights to measure engagement, identify growth patterns, and validate strategy effectiveness. This hands-on process reinforced how theoretical concepts translate into real-world business intelligence.
How will you apply this?
I will apply this knowledge by continuing to use data-informed strategies in future digital marketing and business initiatives. Understanding how to balance creativity with measurable results enables me to design marketing campaigns that are both inspiring and accountable. In my future roles, I will apply content lifecycle management—planning, distributing, measuring, and optimizing—to maintain audience engagement and brand consistency across platforms.
Additionally, I will use the analytics and reporting frameworks from this project to evaluate ROI, conversion rates, and engagement metrics in professional settings. I plan to implement community-building tactics similar to those designed for ReedBushey.com—such as interactive content, live Q&As, and social listening—to strengthen customer loyalty and advocacy. Lastly, I will continue refining my skills in cross-channel integration and automation, ensuring that every marketing decision I make is grounded in data-driven insight and ethical practice.
What challenges and obstacles did you overcome?
One major challenge I faced was synthesizing vast amounts of market data and transforming it into actionable insights. The supplement industry is highly competitive, with overlapping audiences and rapidly changing trends, making it difficult to pinpoint clear differentiators. Overcoming this required critically evaluating competitor content strategies and identifying areas where ReedBushey.com could stand out—such as transparency, science-backed formulations, and a trusted brand voice.
Another obstacle was aligning creative content ideas with measurable business goals. Initially, it was challenging to define KPIs that were both meaningful and realistic within the given timeframe and budget. Through iteration, I learned to connect creative outputs (like videos, infographics, and social posts) to performance metrics such as engagement rates, conversions, and ROI. I also faced technical challenges understanding the backend infrastructure supporting digital marketing operations. Researching how Cisco routers, Siemens servers, and analytics tools function within a marketing ecosystem deepened my appreciation for how IT infrastructure directly impacts digital performance.
