) Please explain how your
studies and experiences within the MS in Educational Technology program empowered you to serve as an innovative professional
in a global and digital society.
I have utilized technology as a research tool as well as for collaboration opportunities.
I have become confident in my technological abilities as an education professional. The diverse opportunities presented in
these educational technology courses offered me the challenges I needed to move forward as a technology leader at my school.
I have improved communication through my website, creation of original websites for the classroom, integration of multimedia
in the classroom, and participated in peer education.
In my classes it is imperative that students contribute to the learning of others during
our experimentation labs and group activities. Communal constructivism is an underpinning in our science units.
(Holmes and Gardner pg 85). The MS in Educational Technology has opened my eyes to the unlimited educational experiences
available on the World Wide Web. An example of this is at epals.com as noted in Appendix G. I have enjoyed collaborating with peers as we have traveled through our journey to a masters in Educational Technology. The experiences of
learning online have been very valuable in getting me to the next level as a professional. I have discovered innovative presentation
tools, inquiry activities,educational resources, live data sources, and many design tools for teachers. Technology integration
gives students an innovative method to learn and express their learning. Students discover how to research, create presentations
and share their information in a meaningful way. Students with any special needs and ESOL students are given customized tools
to accommodate how they best learn.
In my classroom I have used technology to collect data, gradebook,
professional networking, present notes, Internet research, paperless projects, student work, special modifications, group projects, and to teach software use to students. Recently we had an outbreak
of the Swine flu; technology via my website and email provided a mode of communication between home and school for the students
to continue their educational experience and stay current.
Technology has also allowed me to work efficiently as a team leader
on my core. I manage team schedules and appointments via Outlook. I utilize Power School as a grade book and student database for my middle school students.
As team leader and technology team member I teach new teachers how to utilize Power School and troubleshoot issues they may encounter. Another professional gain I have benefited from is the use
of online technology to assess my website accessibility. (Holmes and Gardner pg 137) I continue to research innovative ways
to enrich my classroom and being! My natural curiosity and passion for learning enable me to continue these technology endeavors.
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