Once in Motion, Always in Motion
By Denise Keil
The journey I began two years ago at Michigan State University was really a stepping-stone along the road to the realization of my goals. I pursued a higher degree to deepen my knowledge and interest in technology continually melding my ambitions in meeting new opportunities. The field of Educational Technology has a number of opportunities for classroom teachers to build a repertoire of skills to support 21st century students. I am proud to continue to pursue the educational foundation to become a leader and supporter of online technology based upon instructional methods.
Looking back required analyzing the path chosen and challenging my own actions during the process of achieving my goal in obtaining a Master of Arts in Educational Technology (MAET) degree. Looking forward demands a new focus upon which a learner uses their knowledge base to determine another goal setting trail. A master of a field understands the importance of the craft just as much as the importance of practice that achieves the mastery. As I am to begin to make another decision on where to go next in my search for knowledge, I am torn between a few different concentration areas; I have found the decision to be daunting and intimidating. I remain committed to pursuing a degree towards Curriculum, Assessment, and Evaluation so I may obtain a position at the state level. I realize that I want to change the way we assess students, so I must continue to search out the educational base that these positions require.
I am sure that many people determine a goal, layout a path, and achieve their goals. I unfortunately cannot commit to one area and would rather enhance my learning where I feel I need a specific support and delve deep into a concept until I am satisfied I have the knowledge and expertise to fulfill the requirements of the workforce for which these skills are deemed necessary. The knowledge and rigor of the coursework at MSU instilled the effort and sacrifice needed to pursue such endeavors and I must continue to take these time encroaching elements into consideration and how it affects the life I share with my family.
As I began to create a mental map, I started with my Personal Learning Network (PLN) outlining the supports that would be necessary to achieve another step along my journey to achieve a Ph.D. in Curriculum, Evaluation, and Assessment from Western Michigan University. I am planning to apply in the spring of 2015. Although I am still researching the requirements and timeframes, I am dedicated to continue the journey of a lifetime. I have come to a period in my life where I can dedicate the time, effort, and attention to becoming a member of an educational field where forward thinking individuals achieve great things when working in collaboration. TEDTalks for example, allows me to keep the broad perspective of my Personal Learning Network (PLN) informed with international thoughts on technology in education. Many times, I have looked at my PLN adding and eliminating networks when my frame of reference changed over the course of the last two years. I have learned the value and importance of keeping such a large network of associates that can build off each other’s ideas and creations. For instance, Open Educational Resources (OERs) gives educators a wealth of resources to begin to create their own innovative way to continue this type of education. I would not dismiss the thought of taking courses through leading institutions that contribute to the community of learners such as the Library of Congress, but I want to make sure that the time and effort put forth end with an endorsement accepted at institutions that control certifications and licensures. During an early course in the MAET program, I felt I would have liked to have more time to explore these courses, but as it was just a survey course, the time was very limited. I am looking forward to taking the upcoming break to explore the areas where I thought education had the greatest possible ability to meet the needs of students in a technology rich environment. Accessibility in education reinforced by the lessons learned during the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) modules instilled in me the need to look around the classrooms to see how I can engage the non-engaged student using technology. The list is endless as to what can be addressed in an independent learning environment.
I plan to broaden engagement of all students through identifying their different learning styles by enhancing my lessons though the use of embedded technology in an adaptive way to reach success with students otherwise disengaged with school. I feel that the research is limited and any meta-analysis of research would result in areas where research is still in need within the school systems technology is no longer an innovation. It has become a necessity in today’s world and workplace. Many industries incorporate technology with automated systems replacing individual brute with technological expertise to integrate systems to enhance performance and organization. As a social studies teacher, I can appreciate the way the world is changing and understand that I am a contributor to the knowledge base of this day and age. Anything that I can do to help society as a whole begins with one student at a time. I hope keeping students engaged and inquisitive continues their learning because I know that is how I began the ever revolving cycle of learning.
"Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death."
Albert Einstein