Accomplishing a Dream Goal
By: Melissa Thompson
Teaching middle school math four years has proven to be everything I expected. My 2009 teaching degree from Oakland University has established the foundation of my career. My future goals were to continue my education through a Masters degree in educational technology at Michigan State and I am proud to say that I have accomplished that goal.
Attaining my Masters degree in Educational Technology has led me to more innovative teaching techniques. I have learned technology tools and skills that I have been able to bring back to the classroom and use with my students to differentiate instruction. I know that this degree has helped me in my day-to-day teaching requirements. Professionally I am fortunate to work in a small community that values education and provides their teachers with the latest up-to-date technology. Every teacher is equipped with a SmartBoard, Document Camera, and laptop computer along with every child in my building having their own “Apple” laptop computer. As an educator and in the Master’s in Educational Technology program at Michigan State University I have learned ways to implement and teach 21st century skills in my classroom so I can guide my students though an ultimate learning experience. This degree in Educational Technology has allowed me to do that.
In the Master’s in Educational Technology Program I have been able to build on my PLN (Professional Learning Network) and learned about TPACK connecting technology, pedagogy and content knowledge into creating meaningful lessons. In the program I gained confidence using technology tools such as creating blogs, wikis, websites, podcasts, screenscasts, creating a learning environment online through a course management system and using creative ways to present information to students and other professionals using technology. The MAET program had a variety of classes that focused on how to use the technology, ways to learn about teaching meaningful lessons using technology and using technology to connect different subject areas. The program is well laid out over a year and a half of sequential coursework that was well paced. I was able to obtain the degree along with teaching full time because the bulk of the learning took place during the summer.
The coursework in this degree made me reflect on appropriate uses of technology in the classroom. I had many “ah ha” moments throughout the entire program where I could build on ideas that I was learning and bring it back to my classroom. I continually saw where I could make connections using technology to lessons I was teaching. Since my school district places such emphasis on 21st century learning and has invested money providing computers to each student I now feel like I have the skills to utilize those resources. Before embarking on the Master’s in Educational Technology Program I was not confidant about my technology skills. This degree has given me confidence to use technology in the classroom with my students and to be a leader professionally and guide other teachers to do the same.
With my experiences in using technology in the Master’s in Educational Technology program (MAET) I feel fortunate to have experienced the different uses of how technology opens the door to so many opportunities and has been beneficial to me professionally.
Attaining my Masters degree in Educational Technology has led me to more innovative teaching techniques. I have learned technology tools and skills that I have been able to bring back to the classroom and use with my students to differentiate instruction. I know that this degree has helped me in my day-to-day teaching requirements. Professionally I am fortunate to work in a small community that values education and provides their teachers with the latest up-to-date technology. Every teacher is equipped with a SmartBoard, Document Camera, and laptop computer along with every child in my building having their own “Apple” laptop computer. As an educator and in the Master’s in Educational Technology program at Michigan State University I have learned ways to implement and teach 21st century skills in my classroom so I can guide my students though an ultimate learning experience. This degree in Educational Technology has allowed me to do that.
In the Master’s in Educational Technology Program I have been able to build on my PLN (Professional Learning Network) and learned about TPACK connecting technology, pedagogy and content knowledge into creating meaningful lessons. In the program I gained confidence using technology tools such as creating blogs, wikis, websites, podcasts, screenscasts, creating a learning environment online through a course management system and using creative ways to present information to students and other professionals using technology. The MAET program had a variety of classes that focused on how to use the technology, ways to learn about teaching meaningful lessons using technology and using technology to connect different subject areas. The program is well laid out over a year and a half of sequential coursework that was well paced. I was able to obtain the degree along with teaching full time because the bulk of the learning took place during the summer.
The coursework in this degree made me reflect on appropriate uses of technology in the classroom. I had many “ah ha” moments throughout the entire program where I could build on ideas that I was learning and bring it back to my classroom. I continually saw where I could make connections using technology to lessons I was teaching. Since my school district places such emphasis on 21st century learning and has invested money providing computers to each student I now feel like I have the skills to utilize those resources. Before embarking on the Master’s in Educational Technology Program I was not confidant about my technology skills. This degree has given me confidence to use technology in the classroom with my students and to be a leader professionally and guide other teachers to do the same.
With my experiences in using technology in the Master’s in Educational Technology program (MAET) I feel fortunate to have experienced the different uses of how technology opens the door to so many opportunities and has been beneficial to me professionally.