Stephanie Check

In the summer of 2018, I tossed around the idea of obtaining a second master’s degree. As I had one more summer semester left before completing my first master’s degree in Education, I kept wrapping my head around the idea of another degree. For someone who never had a hiatus from my educational endeavors, stopping now was not an option. I decided an educational technology degree would benefit me not only to learn about the topic, but to see how I could integrate educational technology within the classroom. Many people I talked to thought a second master’s degree was a hair-brain idea, however, my passion for learning pushed me to pursue it. Fast forward to March 2019 where I received an email and an official letter with my acceptance into the Master of Arts in Educational Technology (MAET) program at Michigan State University. I would be continuing my education, this time focusing on educational technology. 

 

Now here I am, reflecting for a second time; bringing you all new goals, a new perspective, and possibly some new reflections and insights. My initial goals when entering into the educational technology program at Michigan State University were to: 

 

1. Be more knowledgeable in the area of educational technology. 

2. Integrate technology with a specific purpose or meaning. 

 

Before entering the MAET program, I was eager to learn more about the area of educational technology and what it fully encompasses. I wanted to learn more about different tech tools I could use in my own classroom. Going into the program, I was already proficient with technology, but wanted to gain more knowledge of other tools that would benefit my students and myself. I also wanted to learn how to integrate various pieces of technology with a specific purpose or meaning. I wanted to know what tool would be applicable and appropriate to use with my grade-level students and if it would be a right fit. 

 

After some reflection, I realize these are still current goals for me. As a teacher, I am a lifelong learner. I want to learn more about different technologies that are being created. This is an ever-changing world and technology can be revised or iterated, a phrase known in the EdTech world. However, as I progressed through this program, I discovered educational technology does not simply encompass the types of technologies, but it also includes how technology will support student understanding and learning. It also led me to the many different educational theories and practices to facilitate learning with the use of technology. 

 

As I continue my teaching career, I would add one personal goal I want to achieve: 

 

1. Support colleagues’ use of technology in the classroom and find opportunities to lead the school community. 

 

Whether it is at my current school, or at the district level, I would like to find opportunities to be a leader and support colleagues or other teachers to utilize technology appropriately in the classroom. I believe I have the potential to be a leader in educational technology.