New Doors, New Adventures
By Sonja Brooks
As I began my adventure into the vast world of educational technology in the
Spring of 2010 I set a series of goals for myself as a learner.
1. Balance facilitating learning and responsible technology use.
2. Technology complimenting a teacher's creativity while stimulating students to become more interested in subject matter.
3. Staying ahead of the technology curve to facilitate learning.
4. Receive formal training on technological concepts.
5. Set an example for my child on the importance of education as my parents did for me.
Spring of 2010 I set a series of goals for myself as a learner.
1. Balance facilitating learning and responsible technology use.
2. Technology complimenting a teacher's creativity while stimulating students to become more interested in subject matter.
3. Staying ahead of the technology curve to facilitate learning.
4. Receive formal training on technological concepts.
5. Set an example for my child on the importance of education as my parents did for me.
My adventure progressed quickly. Each course opening new doors in the world of technology and education. As I ventured through the doors I realized goals, changed goals, and reached for new doors I didn't know existed!
My first two goals led me to the same door. Behind this door I found the realization that I had some technology first thinking practices. I was caught in the familiar trap. I thought technology, technology, technology... when as an educator I should always be thinking teaching, learning, educating! While seeking to balance facilitating learning and responsible technology use making sure that every activity accomplished with technology is furthering the students learning, not just for the sake of using technology. Likewise, with stimulating students to become more interested in subject matter. The focus needs to be on the subject matter and then followed by the technology used to support and enhance it.
Another door presented itself as I set out to reach my second goal of technology complimenting my creativity. Through my coursework technology gave rise to creativity I didn't know I had rather than simply complimenting creativity I knew was there.
As I reached for the door that led to staying ahead of the technology curve I found it led to a long hallway where I couldn't see the end. Discouraged at first, I reluctantly began down the hallway. Each step uncovered a new facet of technology, a new way to use old technology, and projections for the future of technology. I realized it was impossible for me to stay ahead of the technology curve. New technologies are constantly being developed. As I continue to stay educated on these technologies I am given a key to educating that opens new doors for education along the way.
Before taking MAET courses I had not received much formal training on technology. The training I received in the MAET courses opened doors for me to use technology freely to give students meaningful experiences.
Coinciding with this goal I also learned how to find tutorials and help over the internet to continue educating myself after the MAET program is completed.
My final goal was to set an example for my child on the importance of education as my parents did for me. My first MAET course began exactly one week after the birth of my first daughter. She has been with me every step of the way as I juggled course work, teaching, and family. I looked to my parents who set an educational example for me as an inspiration of the importance of what I was seeking to accomplish through taking the MAET program. I can look back and someday share with her why I took the steps through this door as an inspiration to her formal education.
Technology is ever changing. Each time I turn on the computer, pick up the newspaper, and talk to colleagues I am met with new doors...new adventures and I look forward to seeing where they lead.
My first two goals led me to the same door. Behind this door I found the realization that I had some technology first thinking practices. I was caught in the familiar trap. I thought technology, technology, technology... when as an educator I should always be thinking teaching, learning, educating! While seeking to balance facilitating learning and responsible technology use making sure that every activity accomplished with technology is furthering the students learning, not just for the sake of using technology. Likewise, with stimulating students to become more interested in subject matter. The focus needs to be on the subject matter and then followed by the technology used to support and enhance it.
Another door presented itself as I set out to reach my second goal of technology complimenting my creativity. Through my coursework technology gave rise to creativity I didn't know I had rather than simply complimenting creativity I knew was there.
As I reached for the door that led to staying ahead of the technology curve I found it led to a long hallway where I couldn't see the end. Discouraged at first, I reluctantly began down the hallway. Each step uncovered a new facet of technology, a new way to use old technology, and projections for the future of technology. I realized it was impossible for me to stay ahead of the technology curve. New technologies are constantly being developed. As I continue to stay educated on these technologies I am given a key to educating that opens new doors for education along the way.
Before taking MAET courses I had not received much formal training on technology. The training I received in the MAET courses opened doors for me to use technology freely to give students meaningful experiences.
Coinciding with this goal I also learned how to find tutorials and help over the internet to continue educating myself after the MAET program is completed.
My final goal was to set an example for my child on the importance of education as my parents did for me. My first MAET course began exactly one week after the birth of my first daughter. She has been with me every step of the way as I juggled course work, teaching, and family. I looked to my parents who set an educational example for me as an inspiration of the importance of what I was seeking to accomplish through taking the MAET program. I can look back and someday share with her why I took the steps through this door as an inspiration to her formal education.
Technology is ever changing. Each time I turn on the computer, pick up the newspaper, and talk to colleagues I am met with new doors...new adventures and I look forward to seeing where they lead.