Ever since I was younger, I was constantly setting goals for myself. Thinking back to my first couple years in undergrad, I remember that I wanted to achieve more than my bachelor’s degree. I set goals for myself and I always had it in my mind that I would go back to school in order to further learn and grow as a person and educator. I told myself that I never wanted to stop learning. Being an educator constantly pushes me to keep up with the best practices in education. When I chose to get my Master of Arts in Educational Technology (MAET), I was pushed to apply new skills in myself and my students. I was trying out new ideas with my students and we were exploring these ideas together. As I am finishing up this program, I have taken away three main goals that I will continue to work toward in the future. These three goals are: (1) integrating new technology in the classroom; (2) creating a maker culture mindset; and (3) becoming a leader in technology at my school.

 

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With regard to my goal of integrating new technology into my classroom, I have noticed that technology has recently been a huge topic in the educational world. Schools are incorporating new ideas and programs in the classroom in order for our students to become better prepared for 21st century learning. My goal of using technology does not just entail going on iPads or computers. Instead, I want to make sure that my students are using meaningful applications that enhance their learning and skills, like the Makey Makey Kit. I want them to be able to apply their knowledge in different settings. I also want my students to be able to showcase and present their work to other students and parents, so that they can take pride in their own learning. Technology is a great tool for parents to stay involved and engaged in their student’s learning.  In order to achieve this goal, I plan on staying up to date with relevant technology and practices that enhance these ideas.

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I find that integrating technology in the classroom has a direct impact on encouraging the maker culture. Throughout the MAET program, I have really enjoyed learning about the maker culture. I think the skills that are being taught in this culture are much needed, especially with the younger students. Learning to collaborate with other students, think creatively, and taking ownership are skills every child needs. I have started implementing Project-Based Learning (PBL) and my students are learning much more than just the content offered in school curriculum. They are learning to work together and communicate with each other. I would love to continue to grow this type of learning in my classroom by having more PBL and creating a maker space for students to explore and work together. I also plan on continuing to build character traits in my students, such as the five qualities of a maker.

 

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Hopefully, by satisfying these first two goals of integrating technology in my classroom and instilling the maker culture, my colleagues will recognize the initiative I am taking and view me as more of a leader throughout the school. I have always enjoyed collaborating and sharing ideas with different colleagues and I believe that I have a lot to offer those in my school. Since technology is becoming more dominate in education, many of my colleagues look to me for help or guidance since they know I am in the MAET program. I would love to be able to share these new ideas and practices. In order to achieve this goal, I plan to go to different workshops and seminars that allow me to stay involved in current technology practices in the classroom. This will allow me the opportunity to lead teacher labs where I can further explain and show how I implement certain techniques in the classroom.

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As I finish up my MAET program, I know that I will still continue to push myself as a learner and educator. This program has motivated me and provided me with the tools and skills in order to create and achieve future goals for myself as a learner and educator. I know that my passion for learning will continue to grow and I will always strive to keep up to date with what is relevant in the teaching world.