The Road Traveled
By: Allyson Dewar
I can’t believe that I started this program three years ago. I often wondered how I was going to manage going back to school with my already insane life. Well, I survived! There is a light at the end of the tunnel after all! The way I feel reminds me of what I felt when I finished my undergraduate degree at Central Michigan University. It is a mixed feeling of pride, relief, and a little bit of “now what?” I started my journey three years ago not only for myself, but for my colleagues and students as well. Not only did I need this degree for ME, but I needed it for my school as well. Teaching is not an “I” profession. Teaching is all about “TEAM.” Part of the growing process is to do some self-reflection and self-assessment. What were my initial goals when I started at MSU? Did I fulfill my goals? Do I still have the same goals? I went into my files saved on my laptop and found my Personal Growth Plan for CEP 810 which was written in October of 2009. Below are my goals from my first month in the MAET program at MSU.
Goal 1-How will I use technology to make a difference?
My goal was to use technology to address all of the needs of my students and to aide in the progress of academic growth especially in the areas of Mathematics and Reading.
At ABT Elementary, we are a full inclusion school. It is my duty to provide a quality education to all of my students regardless of any situation. I am very fortunate to have so many technology based resources available at my school. I wanted to be able to utilize all of these resources the best I could and provide all of my students with an education that would make them ready for the real world. I can now apply my technology knowledge with my ability to analyze and study data to focus attention on the areas of Math and Reading. Through my coursework and collaboration with other students in the MAET program, I learned of valuable Internet resources and have increased my knowledge on Promethean Boards. Creating online learning communities, WebQuests, StAIRS, digital stories, and podcasts have given me the ability to reach all of my learners in new, creative ways. My students now can display their own learning growth through their personal online portfolios which they are very proud of. By having advanced knowledge on Word, PowerPoint, and Excel applications, I can keep valuable data on Reading and Math organized and share this information with colleagues, parents, students and stakeholders.
At ABT Elementary, we are a full inclusion school. It is my duty to provide a quality education to all of my students regardless of any situation. I am very fortunate to have so many technology based resources available at my school. I wanted to be able to utilize all of these resources the best I could and provide all of my students with an education that would make them ready for the real world. I can now apply my technology knowledge with my ability to analyze and study data to focus attention on the areas of Math and Reading. Through my coursework and collaboration with other students in the MAET program, I learned of valuable Internet resources and have increased my knowledge on Promethean Boards. Creating online learning communities, WebQuests, StAIRS, digital stories, and podcasts have given me the ability to reach all of my learners in new, creative ways. My students now can display their own learning growth through their personal online portfolios which they are very proud of. By having advanced knowledge on Word, PowerPoint, and Excel applications, I can keep valuable data on Reading and Math organized and share this information with colleagues, parents, students and stakeholders.
Goal 2-How will I increase my skill in using technology?
My goal was to share my newly aquired knowledge from the MAET program at MSU with the ABTE staff to better my school community.
I have developed a reputation at my school as the one to go to for suggestions regarding technology integration in the classroom. I am one of the first teachers in my building to try anything new technology-wise and I'm not afraid to do it. Many of my colleagues come to me with questions and I enjoy being of assistance to them. I have shared concepts that I have learned from the MAET program with fellow staff members in small group settings. I have also assisted parents with their child's learning via technology. As of this year, my knowledge is being used to bridge the gap with parent communication at my school. Currently, I have discussed with my Curriculum Coach the concept of creating online portfolios for all students and getting the rest of the staff on board with the concept.
I have developed a reputation at my school as the one to go to for suggestions regarding technology integration in the classroom. I am one of the first teachers in my building to try anything new technology-wise and I'm not afraid to do it. Many of my colleagues come to me with questions and I enjoy being of assistance to them. I have shared concepts that I have learned from the MAET program with fellow staff members in small group settings. I have also assisted parents with their child's learning via technology. As of this year, my knowledge is being used to bridge the gap with parent communication at my school. Currently, I have discussed with my Curriculum Coach the concept of creating online portfolios for all students and getting the rest of the staff on board with the concept.
I believe my two goals with never be completely fulfilled. By looking back at my goals from three years ago, I am very proud of the progress that has been made and I will continue to educate myself in the field of educational technology to better not only myself but the community in which I am a part.