Goal Getting
When I started my Master of Arts in Educational Technology (MAET) from Michigan State University, I expected to be in Galway, Ireland for the summer writing this essay. I suppose lakeside in northern Michigan isn’t a bad second choice. Although studying internationally was a big goal when applying to this program, my career goals dig much deeper than that.
My MAET application states that, “I have a vision of becoming a teacher leader in my school. Infusing more technology into my classroom and being able to support others in doing so would be ideal. Technology opens a multitude of doors for instructional resources, demonstration of knowledge, and modes of learning.“ The writing of this essay comes at a unique time as I just accepted a new position as an Instructional Leader with the company I work for. A move from Texas to Mississippi and the coronavirus pandemic has led me to working for a fully virtual company which runs both a private/charter school and a project-based learning management system/curriculum. In my work, I find many opportunities to apply my learning throughout my master’s program. I’ve explored the best way to facilitate an hour long Zoom lesson, assess work completed and submitted asynchronously, utilize technology tools for online engagement and instant feedback, and more.
My goals have largely remained the same in that I want to share technology knowledge best practices with students and colleagues. I’m really excited about the growth opportunities I’ve found since starting this program in 2019. The company I work for and the role I am in now was unexpected, but I think many things about growth are that way. It has been exciting to work with a variety of educators and students in a multitude of settings. A goal that has developed as I’ve continued to work alongside amazing educators is to share an understanding of technology with those around me. Technology can feel frustrating and new, but it should not be limited to a select few educators who can master it alone. I want my colleagues to feel comfortable asking questions and to help them become confident users of technology and masters of twenty first century skills. One other goal that remains forefront is that my work always impacts students in the best way possible. Moving into leadership and away from directly teaching in the classroom can give a sense of being removed, but my ongoing goal is that I listen to kids and teachers who are doing the work and that my actions are always for the benefit of children.
In completing my degree online rather than going overseas for a month, I was also able to add a certificate in K-12 Computer Science. In my original application to MAET, I talked about the interest that I had in coding since high school. The spark never went away, and not going to Ireland became a gift of more time to complete the certificate. As I continue on my work with teaching and curriculum, I intend to make computer science and computational thinking a priority. I am excited to continue growing as part of Team MAET, an educator, a student, and a person as I complete my capstone course and throughout my career.
My MAET application states that, “I have a vision of becoming a teacher leader in my school. Infusing more technology into my classroom and being able to support others in doing so would be ideal. Technology opens a multitude of doors for instructional resources, demonstration of knowledge, and modes of learning.“ The writing of this essay comes at a unique time as I just accepted a new position as an Instructional Leader with the company I work for. A move from Texas to Mississippi and the coronavirus pandemic has led me to working for a fully virtual company which runs both a private/charter school and a project-based learning management system/curriculum. In my work, I find many opportunities to apply my learning throughout my master’s program. I’ve explored the best way to facilitate an hour long Zoom lesson, assess work completed and submitted asynchronously, utilize technology tools for online engagement and instant feedback, and more.
My goals have largely remained the same in that I want to share technology knowledge best practices with students and colleagues. I’m really excited about the growth opportunities I’ve found since starting this program in 2019. The company I work for and the role I am in now was unexpected, but I think many things about growth are that way. It has been exciting to work with a variety of educators and students in a multitude of settings. A goal that has developed as I’ve continued to work alongside amazing educators is to share an understanding of technology with those around me. Technology can feel frustrating and new, but it should not be limited to a select few educators who can master it alone. I want my colleagues to feel comfortable asking questions and to help them become confident users of technology and masters of twenty first century skills. One other goal that remains forefront is that my work always impacts students in the best way possible. Moving into leadership and away from directly teaching in the classroom can give a sense of being removed, but my ongoing goal is that I listen to kids and teachers who are doing the work and that my actions are always for the benefit of children.
In completing my degree online rather than going overseas for a month, I was also able to add a certificate in K-12 Computer Science. In my original application to MAET, I talked about the interest that I had in coding since high school. The spark never went away, and not going to Ireland became a gift of more time to complete the certificate. As I continue on my work with teaching and curriculum, I intend to make computer science and computational thinking a priority. I am excited to continue growing as part of Team MAET, an educator, a student, and a person as I complete my capstone course and throughout my career.
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