As I look back a few years on how and why I got started in this program, at that point I don’t think it was fully clear. A woman in my building was in the MAET program and was working on one of her classes. I was intrigued with the work that she was doing. I said “I want to learn more about this!” My goal initially was to learn all about how technology could benefit me and my teaching and how it could make life just a little bit easier.

 

      As I reflect on what my initial goal was, it was pretty selfish. As I have gone through all of my courses I have realized it’s really not about me learning as much as it was about my students having a better opportunity to learn. As my personal learning network began to grow, I realized I wanted to truly take the bull by the horns and be a leader amongst others. I knew other teachers wanted to help make life easier for them but as time went on more importantly; make the quality of the education our students were receiving better. I would show a small handful of my close peers some of the things I was working on and they would be amazed! The main reaction I would get is- can you show me that? As time went on, I was able to become the School Improvement Leader for Technology and hold professional development sessions for teachers. I really felt that this was the greatest way to help our students. If more people just knew about all the technology that was out there, they may be more willing to try.

 

      I also didn’t realize that within this goal of how technology could benefit me, that it could open so many doors in my professional career. As I come to the close of the program, I hope that the learning can still take place because as educators we never stop learning. I have had the opportunity to be in a district now that next school year will be going to one on one technology. This could really open some doors for me and change the way not only I would be teaching but the many teachers that are a part of this district as well.

 

      I don’t believe that my goal has completely changed however I do think it needs to be elaborated upon. This program has taught me how I could enhance my teaching using technology, however, not always an easier option. Things can always go wrong with technology I have come to realize and it does take time to get things in order and moving in the right direction. I am hoping to continue to learn more about technology, progress in my career as a teacher leader and educate teachers on how it can benefit them as well. I feel as though there is way more possibilities than I could have ever imagined with the education I have received and will continue to explore and change/elaborate on my goal.