An Educational Expedition
Reflection Statement
Embarkment
In the beginning of this technology adventure, I was a classroom teacher in my third year of teaching. The school had a computer lab but each classroom would need to reserve space to have access to technology. The only technology use in the lab was to take a STARS test each quarter. Perhaps an animated learning game the county would purchase would be a part of that technology time. Even then, most of the computers were broken in the lab and would operate quite slow. During that time our district sent out applications for teachers to apply for the eMINTS grant, which, if selected, would provide 2 years of professional development, a 2:1 student to classroom computer ratio, and other technology equipment. This was exactly what I was looking for and did not even realize the change that would soon happen in me as a teacher, as well as my classroom after eMINTS.
During the two years attending eMINTS training my classroom transformed completely. I was challenged in many ways and levels as a classroom teacher. The University of Missouri offered these PD classes that I attended every Thursday night for 2 school years. I always wanted to further my education, but I wasn’t exactly sure which direction I wanted to go. eMINTS gave me an even stronger desire to further my professional learning appetite in a way that made making the decision very easy to attend the online school for my Masters. Here I am on my remarkable journey with the University of Missouri pursuing my Master’s Degree in Information Science and Learning Technologies with an emphasis in Educational Technology and a focus in Online Learning. I have learned many valuable concepts and strategies to help me become a better teacher in the classroom and leader in my school.
During the two years attending eMINTS training my classroom transformed completely. I was challenged in many ways and levels as a classroom teacher. The University of Missouri offered these PD classes that I attended every Thursday night for 2 school years. I always wanted to further my education, but I wasn’t exactly sure which direction I wanted to go. eMINTS gave me an even stronger desire to further my professional learning appetite in a way that made making the decision very easy to attend the online school for my Masters. Here I am on my remarkable journey with the University of Missouri pursuing my Master’s Degree in Information Science and Learning Technologies with an emphasis in Educational Technology and a focus in Online Learning. I have learned many valuable concepts and strategies to help me become a better teacher in the classroom and leader in my school.
Quest for Adventure
In the midst of my technological educational journey, I have learned so much. Focusing on just three, I will start with one of the most significant things. The concept of Backward Design as discussed in Dr. Isa Jahnke’s discussions. This class made me realize assessments are not as aligned with my instructional goals as many might think. I began to see the value of beginning with the end in mind. Assessments are at the beginning of the process and no longer only found in the end. The design process made me reflect on the learning activities planned for students. This course opened my eyes to a whole new level of planning lessons with the end in mind which is a much more intentional and meaningful type of planning and learning process for my students. Below is a sample lesson which reflects Backward Design.
Another recurring theme in most of the courses I’ve taken throughout this degree program has been that Educational Technology is more than just using technology tools. Educational technology is harnessing the power of technology to enhance instruction and student engagement, to push students to think critically, to create, collaborate, and communicate, ultimately leading to greater student achievement. I’ve learned that technology is just the tool, and not the learning outcome. We want students to use technology to raise awareness, start conversations, find answers, change minds, make a difference, take action, and to drive change. Through the tool of technology I was able to create multiple sites by learning code, which is much like another language. There are remade sites available, but there is nothing like the feeling of working so hard and seeing the finished product. I have attached one of my many coded sites from Beginning and Intermediate Web Development. This was much like learning a foreign language.
The final major take-away for me was the importance and relevance of reflection, which I learned through most every course. The concept of reflecting was not entirely new to me, but the level of understanding was deepened so much that I was then able to apply that knowledge in my classroom. I never realized the power of reflecting and after applying it throughout and after courses I see the relevance in doing so. My students think about their learning, weaknesses, and strengths. I have attached one of many reflections from my time at Mizzou.
Staying the Course
My future goal as an educator is to ignite the desire to learn in as many kids as possible and make a difference in their lives in a way that will foster a love of learning and a desire to continue learning even after they have graduated from high school. My technology education expedition has made an impact in the way I view educational technology in my student’s lives and in the way I teach. The difference in my classroom began years ago and started a spark in me as an educator to do all that I can do to help my students to want to learn, grow, and be engaged in learning instead of just sitting quietly in rows of desks. It was noticeable enough to get the attention of my principal who had over six hundred resumes and chose mine due to the title of eMints trained. In the beginning the program afforded me opportunities to make a difference and highlighted abilities and training that is recognized as superior in our district. Thanks to the staff at Mizzou and the quality program, I hope to fulfill my ultimate goal as an online educator later in my career. As I continue as a life long learner, I will remember what I’ve learned about the importance of meaningful learning with technology and assessment, the power of a reflection, and the encouragement received by this great University that has taught me well. I will continue with an attitude of being a life-long learner and be thankful that a great part of that journey has been through The University of Missouri.