Becoming a Life Long Learner...
As I went through my undergrad years I became aware that I had a passion for learning new things. Becoming a life long learner was both a personal and professional goal that I wanted to continuously pursue. As our society continues to change, we as teachers need to be prepared to teach our students the necessary skills they need to be successful. As our society progresses in new technologies, those skills we need to teach our students to be successful are continuously changing. Throughout the past two years of taking MSET courses, I have broadened my knowledge of teaching strategies and technical tools I can use to help improve the learning of my students. Not only have I been able to better serve the individual needs of my students I have been able to share my knowledge with my peers.
Technology in the Classroom...
Incorporating technology into my classroom has been something I have been adamant about throughout my teaching career. I have stressed the importance of using technology appropriately not only in my own classroom but in all classrooms. As a first grade teacher, I sometimes find it difficult to find appropriate technology to use with my young students. Its important to me that the technology used serves a purpose, and helps deepen the level of understanding for the student. By using technology in my lessons, I have been able to expand the knowledge base of my students. For example, this past year I taught an insect unit and the final project was each student creating a book on the iPad about the insect of their choice. After the project was completed students shared with their peers, staff members, and families what they've learned. Technology has given students the ability to take ownership of their learning at all grade levels.
Through the past years of taking MSET courses I have found myself constantly trying to incorporate technology in my lessons whenever it can be used appropriately. I am constantly trying new ideas and sharing both successes and failures with my peers; encouraging them to take a chance at the vast array of tecnical tools we have available to us. I stress the importance of students learning how to live life with technology, because we are technology dependent society. Our students need to be able to use technology and be able to adapt to the new technologies that are coming to help them become successful memebers of society.
Leadership...
As I am about to begin my fourth year of teaching, I have learned a lot in the past three years of teaching. When starting my teaching career I was admittedly terrified of mentioning new ideas to veteran teachers. Afraid of offending anyone at my new place of work. As I moved through my 1st year of teaching I started to become more comfortable sharing ideas. However, it wasn't until I started taking the Master of Science in Educational Technology courses did I really start to share my learning with peers. The strategies and knowledge I have learned in the courses have allowed me to become a better leader in my school district. I have been asked to lead technology workshops for inservices, present at board meetings & conferences, along with assisting teachers with technology in their classrooms. To me being a leader isn't just about standing up in front of people sharing what you've learned; it's about showing them what you can do with the tools we have available to us.