Synthesis
A Learner for a Lifetime
Upon pursuing my master’s degree, I was unsure as to what concentration I would choose or which path I would take to further my career as an educator. I pride myself on instilling a love for learning by providing meaningful learning experiences and encouraging students to become lifelong learners. Therefore, I wanted to be thoughtful in my decision making process as I continued to grow and evolve and take the next step as a student and educator.
After numerous conversations with Michigan State’s College of Education counseling office and reaching out to former students, I chose to apply to the Master of Arts in Educational Technology (MAET) program. As an english language arts teacher, I thought the best path would be earning a degree related to reading instruction, however I found that with my experiences and passions, educational technology was the right path. Continuing my education through MAET allowed me to establish goals as both a student and educator. My main goal for the program included becoming innovative by integrating technology to support students in the learning process. I can confidently say that I have reached this goal through multiple courses and meaningful feedback from both instructors and peers resulting in becoming a better educator.
After numerous conversations with Michigan State’s College of Education counseling office and reaching out to former students, I chose to apply to the Master of Arts in Educational Technology (MAET) program. As an english language arts teacher, I thought the best path would be earning a degree related to reading instruction, however I found that with my experiences and passions, educational technology was the right path. Continuing my education through MAET allowed me to establish goals as both a student and educator. My main goal for the program included becoming innovative by integrating technology to support students in the learning process. I can confidently say that I have reached this goal through multiple courses and meaningful feedback from both instructors and peers resulting in becoming a better educator.
One course that supported my learning and understanding of technology integration includes CEP 810 Teaching and Understanding with Technology. For example, CEP 810 provided me with new knowledge of a framework for technology integration. TPACK stands for Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge, which is a special framework for teachers to consider when teaching with technologies. TPACK is designed to support students in content areas while using technology as an appropriate tool. Gaining an understanding of TPACK impacted my teaching because I was able to understand how to support students with technology and consider TPACK when lesson planning. I learned that understanding TPACK is understanding when to make meaningful content accessible to students and how to use appropriate tools to do so.
An additional key component of CEP 810 included analyzing our Professional Learning Network (PLN) and how beneficial exploring other networks can be as an educator and student. Exploring my PLN proved how diversity expands possibilities for new discoveries and this method of learning truly changed my perspective of utilizing the many networks that exist today. Expanding my Personal Learning Network impacted my practice because it significantly broadened the space of where I seek information and resources for my instruction. Furthermore, I was able to connect with other educators on Twitter and utilize their resources and knowledge. During a pandemic, expanding my PLN was extremely beneficial and I found myself continuously exploring and connecting with multiple resources within my PLN.
One last component of CEP 810 that affected my practice included exploring the skills related to 21st Century Learning. While 21st Century Learning is open to interpretation and controversy, I found that the 4 C’s collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking are critical in preparing our youth to compete in a global society. Understanding 21st Century Learning affected my thinking because I began to focus on how to consistently incorporate these skills into my classroom.
One last component of CEP 810 that affected my practice included exploring the skills related to 21st Century Learning. While 21st Century Learning is open to interpretation and controversy, I found that the 4 C’s collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking are critical in preparing our youth to compete in a global society. Understanding 21st Century Learning affected my thinking because I began to focus on how to consistently incorporate these skills into my classroom.
Another course within the MAET program that has impacted my practice is CEP 812 Applying Educational Technology to Issues of Practice. This course challenged my thinking as an educator because I explored a variety of school related issues as well as different technology tools to address different issues we see within the classroom. I identified a wicked problem within my classroom setting and collaborated with peers on survey design, collected data, research, and community outreach.
Analyzing a wicked problem within my school setting was helpful in understanding how to address an issue and carry out an action plan. For example, my school population consists of many Emergent Bilingual Students (EBS) and I identified the lack of technology skills among EBS students especially during a time of remote learning. Diving into this wicked problem led me to survey design and collecting data. I quickly learned that wicked problems are extremely complex and like most wicked problems, the possible solutions are difficult or often impossible to solve. Oftentimes, one wicked problem may lead to another wicked problem. During this process, I realized another wicked problem relates to educating families in navigating technology as well. Data from my survey also provided me with direction in educating ALL families who may need extra support not just EB families. Therefore, I created a parent/guardian survey to gain feedback on in order to implement technology workshops for families and students to attend to gain technology skills. Read about my final wicked problem solution on my blog post, Wicked Modalities for a Wicked Problem.
Most importantly, identifying my wicked problem came from questioning and in the beginning of the course we looked at the powerful benefits of questioning and the different types of questions. For example, Berger (2014) states that a “beautiful question is an ambitious yet actionable question that can begin to shift the way we perceive or think about something-and that might serve as a catalyst to bring about change.” From a young age, children constantly question, but yet as students begin grade school, the questioning seems to disappear. Berger questions whether children have lost interest in school or they lose interest because their natural curiosity is tamped down (Berger, 2014). Therefore, because our society and schools have moved away from teaching a critical skill that enables people to innovate, solve problems, and move ahead in life, we don’t ask questions. As an educator, this really resonated with me because I reflected on multiple occasions where I have said “no more questions.” CEP 812 really impacted my practice as an educator for understanding the importance of questioning and to encourage learners to constantly question themselves and their learning.
Analyzing a wicked problem within my school setting was helpful in understanding how to address an issue and carry out an action plan. For example, my school population consists of many Emergent Bilingual Students (EBS) and I identified the lack of technology skills among EBS students especially during a time of remote learning. Diving into this wicked problem led me to survey design and collecting data. I quickly learned that wicked problems are extremely complex and like most wicked problems, the possible solutions are difficult or often impossible to solve. Oftentimes, one wicked problem may lead to another wicked problem. During this process, I realized another wicked problem relates to educating families in navigating technology as well. Data from my survey also provided me with direction in educating ALL families who may need extra support not just EB families. Therefore, I created a parent/guardian survey to gain feedback on in order to implement technology workshops for families and students to attend to gain technology skills. Read about my final wicked problem solution on my blog post, Wicked Modalities for a Wicked Problem.
Most importantly, identifying my wicked problem came from questioning and in the beginning of the course we looked at the powerful benefits of questioning and the different types of questions. For example, Berger (2014) states that a “beautiful question is an ambitious yet actionable question that can begin to shift the way we perceive or think about something-and that might serve as a catalyst to bring about change.” From a young age, children constantly question, but yet as students begin grade school, the questioning seems to disappear. Berger questions whether children have lost interest in school or they lose interest because their natural curiosity is tamped down (Berger, 2014). Therefore, because our society and schools have moved away from teaching a critical skill that enables people to innovate, solve problems, and move ahead in life, we don’t ask questions. As an educator, this really resonated with me because I reflected on multiple occasions where I have said “no more questions.” CEP 812 really impacted my practice as an educator for understanding the importance of questioning and to encourage learners to constantly question themselves and their learning.
In Finally, CEP 815 Technology and Leadership has had a lasting impact on me because it allowed me to grow as a leader. From a young age, I have always found myself taking on leadership roles whether it is serving as varsity soccer captain or serving as a class representative in student council. I continue to serve in leadership roles and truly enjoy the role and challenge which is why this course has shaped me as a leader.
In this course, I came across a quote from Warren Bennis that states, “Managers do things right. Leaders do the right things.” This quote has resonated with me as a leader because it allows me to self reflect on my actions in order to lead change. Leadership is important to me because I want to continue to serve in leadership roles throughout my career. I have been fortunate to serve in a variety of leadership roles and this course helped me understand the different types of leaders as well as taking action through writing local and global visions as well as memos for community and stakeholders.
In CEP 815, I identified a "thorny issue" within my school which involved motivating staff members to get involved, and I wrote a memo on the importance of a shared vision. This memo helped me analyze leadership through creating a shared vision for stakeholders involved and implementing change. I challenged my own thinking because as a leader, I will have to make calls on a variety of issues that offer compelling evidence on both sides. At the start of this course, I had never considered providing evidence for both arguments when making a decision. It made me realize the crucial role leaders play in making change successful. In addition to writing a memo, I also gained experience with writing local and global visions implementing a district roll out plan for technology integration. Writing both visions helped me analyze global and local visions around the role of education technology in teaching and learning. It made me realize the importance of establishing a vision to move forward in using educational technology for the future.
Lastly in CEP 815, I also designed and created Professional Development based on project management, planning, evaluation, and relationship building, which will help me as I transition into future leadership roles.This PD session allowed me to analyze learning through a leader perspective by leading others with a rich and engaging presentation. It made me realize how to present materials for adults and tailor material to be the most beneficial for a variety of teachers with varying experiences.
I learned the importance of the role leadership plays in the success of learning organizations and CEP 815 improved my confidence to serve as a better leader within my current roles as well as improve for future leadership roles.
In this course, I came across a quote from Warren Bennis that states, “Managers do things right. Leaders do the right things.” This quote has resonated with me as a leader because it allows me to self reflect on my actions in order to lead change. Leadership is important to me because I want to continue to serve in leadership roles throughout my career. I have been fortunate to serve in a variety of leadership roles and this course helped me understand the different types of leaders as well as taking action through writing local and global visions as well as memos for community and stakeholders.
In CEP 815, I identified a "thorny issue" within my school which involved motivating staff members to get involved, and I wrote a memo on the importance of a shared vision. This memo helped me analyze leadership through creating a shared vision for stakeholders involved and implementing change. I challenged my own thinking because as a leader, I will have to make calls on a variety of issues that offer compelling evidence on both sides. At the start of this course, I had never considered providing evidence for both arguments when making a decision. It made me realize the crucial role leaders play in making change successful. In addition to writing a memo, I also gained experience with writing local and global visions implementing a district roll out plan for technology integration. Writing both visions helped me analyze global and local visions around the role of education technology in teaching and learning. It made me realize the importance of establishing a vision to move forward in using educational technology for the future.
Lastly in CEP 815, I also designed and created Professional Development based on project management, planning, evaluation, and relationship building, which will help me as I transition into future leadership roles.This PD session allowed me to analyze learning through a leader perspective by leading others with a rich and engaging presentation. It made me realize how to present materials for adults and tailor material to be the most beneficial for a variety of teachers with varying experiences.
I learned the importance of the role leadership plays in the success of learning organizations and CEP 815 improved my confidence to serve as a better leader within my current roles as well as improve for future leadership roles.
As I reflect on my time as a student in the MAET program I am blown away by how fast it has gone. I remember being intimidated to be back in school and interact with peers and instructors again. However, I am beyond grateful for the variety of courses and instructors and quickly gained confidence to collaborate with peers. I was always eager to improve my work based on meaningful feedback from both peers and instructors.
My main goal for the program included becoming innovative by integrating technology to support students in the learning process. I can confidently say that I have reached this goal through multiple courses and meaningful feedback from instructors resulting in becoming a better educator. I have gained new knowledge and skills that have allowed me to grow into a stronger learner which will transform my classroom and the learning experiences that I provide for my students. Considering the TPACK framework, 21st Century skills, the importance of questioning, as well as leadership skills will continue to play a key role in my planning process as well as continuing to expand my Personal Learning Network to connect with other educators.
I look forward to continuing to serve in my current leadership roles and applying my new knowledge and experiences to lead my peers. I am beyond grateful for my educational experiences at Michigan State University and I look forward to what the future holds as I continue my journey as a lifelong learner, Go Green!
My main goal for the program included becoming innovative by integrating technology to support students in the learning process. I can confidently say that I have reached this goal through multiple courses and meaningful feedback from instructors resulting in becoming a better educator. I have gained new knowledge and skills that have allowed me to grow into a stronger learner which will transform my classroom and the learning experiences that I provide for my students. Considering the TPACK framework, 21st Century skills, the importance of questioning, as well as leadership skills will continue to play a key role in my planning process as well as continuing to expand my Personal Learning Network to connect with other educators.
I look forward to continuing to serve in my current leadership roles and applying my new knowledge and experiences to lead my peers. I am beyond grateful for my educational experiences at Michigan State University and I look forward to what the future holds as I continue my journey as a lifelong learner, Go Green!