Once Upon A Time...
By, Kimberly Anglin
It was the summer of 2012 when, in the comfort of my beloved yet chaotic home, I applied for the Master of Arts in Educational Technology program at Michigan State University. With my busy schedule, the option to take all of the required courses online was just what I needed. In order to be admitted into the program, I had to give a statement of the goals I wanted to accomplish during the MAET program. Obviously, becoming more familiar with technology was one of these goals. But what exactly did that mean?
Before taking the three classes required for a lifelong learner like myself to earn a Graduate Certificate in Educational Technology, I was confident with my technology skills. I knew how to use the equipment in my classroom and I was really good at “surfing the internet”. “What more could I possibly need to know?” I thought to myself. I was well aware that I would learn some new tech skills in the MAET program but looking back, I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
Through the MAET program, I developed a more in-depth understanding of technology and its role in education. I have a stronger ability to effectively integrate technology into my lessons and activities. I learned how to use technology for relational purposes rather than instrumental purposes alone. In other words, using a Smartboard as a replacement for a projector is a great way to make lessons more convenient, but certainly not more effective.
Before taking the three classes required for a lifelong learner like myself to earn a Graduate Certificate in Educational Technology, I was confident with my technology skills. I knew how to use the equipment in my classroom and I was really good at “surfing the internet”. “What more could I possibly need to know?” I thought to myself. I was well aware that I would learn some new tech skills in the MAET program but looking back, I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
Through the MAET program, I developed a more in-depth understanding of technology and its role in education. I have a stronger ability to effectively integrate technology into my lessons and activities. I learned how to use technology for relational purposes rather than instrumental purposes alone. In other words, using a Smartboard as a replacement for a projector is a great way to make lessons more convenient, but certainly not more effective.
While my journey as an MAET student continued to progress, my professional life did as well. A goal of mine was to find a teaching job, and I did! It was helpful for me to have a teaching job while taking the MAET courses because I was able to apply my new knowledge and skills into my classroom as I was learning it throughout the school year.
The MAET course instructors provided me with numerous opportunities to learn new ways to use technology to collaborate with my colleagues, communicate with parents, and present information in various creative and innovative ways. Each course has been engaging, challenging, and rewarding in its own way. Overall, the MAET program has been a wonderful learning experience for me. I am confident that I have met and continue to improve on the goals I set for myself prior to beginning my learning adventure in the MAET program.
The MAET course instructors provided me with numerous opportunities to learn new ways to use technology to collaborate with my colleagues, communicate with parents, and present information in various creative and innovative ways. Each course has been engaging, challenging, and rewarding in its own way. Overall, the MAET program has been a wonderful learning experience for me. I am confident that I have met and continue to improve on the goals I set for myself prior to beginning my learning adventure in the MAET program.