Lindsay Annelin

    Oh the Places I Will Go...

 

 

 

"You have brains in your head.  You have feet in your shoes.  You can steer yourself any direction you choose.  You're on your own.  And you know what you know.  And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go..."

 

After seven years of teaching, I felt I had come to a crossroad.  I could either keep taking "easier" classes to keep my teaching certificate up to date and stay on track.  Or, I could challenge myself as a learner and an educator and pursue my masters.  After a dinner conversation with my husband, I decided I was ready to begin a master's course.  I knew that technology was more of a missing piece in my classroom, and after receiving my Technology Certificate through Michigan State University, I knew the direction I wanted to go... Masters of Arts in Educational Technology (MAET).  In fall of 2012, after submitting my goal statement, I remember feeling a bit anxious about this next step I was going to take on my educational journey because of the time commitment.  However, I can honestly say that joining the MAET program was one of my best decisions I have ever made.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As I reflect on my goals in my original essay, I am reminded of Dr. Seuss's quote written above.  I am the one who chose the direction I wanted to go next in my teaching career: to pursue the MAET program.  Even more importantly, I am the one who decides how to use what I have learned from these courses and apply it in my own classroom.   I originally wrote, "Incorporating technology into a classroom is something many teachers can do, however, implementing technology resources on a daily basis in order to better my instruction and have my students be more engaged, is a goal of mine throughout this program."  I can honestly say this particular goal has not changed and will continue to remain the same throughout my teaching.  At the beginning of this program, I used to think that as long as technology was used in the classroom, then it would help keep students engaged.  Now I know that the most important aspect of integrating technology is determining how the resources are used to better instruction and increase student understanding.  

 

Another goal of mine was to provide my colleagues with information and new knowledge about technology through my work in the MAET program.  I find myself always sharing new ideas with colleagues when it comes to integrating technology in the classroom and in our school building.  Whether these conversations happen in the hallway, the lounge, or at staff meetings, they are focused on enhancing curriculum and learning by using technology resources.  When I think back to the course, CEP 815:  Technology and Leadership, a lesson that was very powerful identified the differences between "instrumental vs. missional thinking."  This lesson and discussion made me realize how crucial it is to always be focused on student learning as the priority and not the technology itself.  This awareness definitely made an impact on my own thinking and teaching, and I am now a "missional thinker."  

 

The reflection process is always ongoing and meaningful and as I reflect on my own learning and teaching, I am reminded that I "can steer myself any direction I choose."  I am proud of the direction I have chosen and as a lifelong learner, I will continue to work on these two goals.  Technology is everchanging and therefore, my teaching is forever changing.

 

                By Lindsay Annelin