One step at a time.....
by Denise Keil
My journey to pursue a graduate degree began with a desire to continue my education towards a meaningful career with endless possibilities. My husband would ask me during these early days when I was torn as to which educational path to pursue, “How old will you be in 2 years if you do not begin and how old will you be in 2 years if you do begin?” This little bit of wisdom gave me the encouragement and nudged me into following my heart in the educational field. The three goals I set out in my application for the master’s program included broadening my knowledge base through integrating educational technology into my instruction, assimilate mainstream digital media into my classroom, and create educationally rich activities using technology to enhance learning.
Over my lifetime, I have witnessed the birth of many internet companies and the demise of many others. What I have learned from the MAET program is that the possibilities are endless. That one-step led me in the direction to fulfilling my initial goals from January of 2013. These initial goals met my objectives to enhance instruction, but I can say that I have changed the way I plan learning opportunities for all of my students by utilizing the information from the courses taken in the MAET program. Throughout my career, I have researched best practices and sought out a number of conference sessions to deepen my understanding of how best to meet the needs of my students. The problem always arose when I tried to integrate technology into these same lessons. I was not aware of the many key components to think about or the resources that were actually out on the internet that I could utilize. MSU gave me direction to my practice influencing the way I deliver instruction within the classroom and how important designing lessons to meet the needs of all of my students is an everyday occurrence.
Looking back, I was excited about the opportunity to enhance my skills and abilities to support the use and integration of technology into my curriculum. I committed myself from the beginning to learning about Open Educational Resources (OERs) and Web2.0 tools created and introduced since my early career in school. I also wanted to support my district’s initiatives not to mention broaden my own knowledge base. While working for Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS), the social studies department created a blended instructional model that included direct instruction with embedded technology connections. These initial courses exposed me to a number of learning management systems such as, Moodle, Edmodo, Schoology, and Wiki’s. Early on, I realized that not only were the courses teaching me the pedagogical connections to my content, but also that it was overlapping with the technology integration I had already been using in the classroom. Through the interconnectedness of Technology, Pedagogy, and Content Knowledge I learned to find the sweet spot of educational technology in the classroom.
Lately, I have noticed an influx of apps and websites that teachers are bringing into the classroom along with district level Technology Support Specialists conducting trainings on the use of these products. Teachers have a wealth of responsibilities and demands during the day and if as an instructional coach, I can support them with the delivery of instruction through integrating technology I am more than happy to take on such a task. Through the course materials and collaborative process, I have learned how to make using all these varied products into one seamless experience. To be honest, as an older learner it is sometimes easier to stick to what you are comfortable with rather than try new concepts. Time is our enemy and when technology becomes cumbersome and confusing students shut down just as do adults. My goal continues to be to take away the experiences of using assistive technology and adding to the understanding of how technology can enhance instruction.
Sometimes I felt overwhelmed and stumbling when trying the software, but in the end when I struggled through the process I felt empowered and that is how I hope my students feel upon completion of their assignments. I also learned what to expect when problems arise when integrating technology for on-line courses. The 21st century has brought about change at an increasing speed and educators need to embrace and adapt to these innovations.
Through integrating internet resources, I have broadened my knowledge base and have a wealth of resources to refer to and learn from over my career. As an educator, I need to be mindful that the students I have in school today will eventually be in college, and that is what their preparation needs to focus upon. “In fall 2010, more than six million college students were enrolled in at least one online course, an increase of 10% over the previous year, and far outstripping the overall college enrollment increase of 2% (Allen and Seaman, 2011). Ultimately, we are preparing these students to experience on-line learning seamlessly. With this said, I also understand that there is another economic opportunity on the technology side of educational technology. I appreciate the design and creativity realized with new animation software and think how can that be beneficial in the classroom. Every day I view a new T.V. ad soliciting on-line education and must be cognizant that with the influx of Charter schools and on-line educational opportunities offering parents the means to allow their children to experience an on-line education from home the decline of the public school system is inevitable unless they, too, embrace the technology changes.
One of my original goals was to continue to bring in resources to the classroom, but I look forward to stopping for a minute and using the information, I have gathered to date and become a master rather than just an occasional user of this type of technology. I believe that when planning, you need to be intentional, and when integrating technology this holds true now more than ever. As a life-long learner, I am fully aware that the higher educational pursuit I undertook required dedication, a focus, and commitment on my part. I believe I am still on my way to fulfilling a life-long dream of furthering my education. Every step of the way I have contemplated my options while balancing a family. As my family ages and they begin their own lives, it is time for me to focus upon finishing what I have started and keep stepping forward.
The secret of getting ahead is getting started.
Mark Twain
References
Allen, I. E., & Seaman, J. (2011). Going the distance online education in the United States, 2011. Babson Park, Mass.: Babson Survey Research Group.
Mark Twain Quotes. (n.d.). BrainyQuote. Retrieved October 11, 2014, from http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/author
Mishra, P., & Koehler, M. J. (2006). Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge: A framework for teacher knowledge. Teachers College Record, 108(6), 1017-1054. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9620.2006.00684.x.
Image Credit
Network Engineer - Remote Network Support - CCIE. (n.d.). Network Engineer Network Support Services CCIE Consultant. Retrieved October 11, 2014, from http://www.rogerperkin.co.uk
