How Using Technology Changed My Technology Goals
Goal Reflection Essay
It was March of my first year teaching that I knew I wanted to apply to MSU’s Master’s in Educational Technology (MAET) program. I was just trying to keep my head above water but I was frustrated with myself. I was teaching at a 1:1 school with student laptops and I had barely scratched the surface of using technology to enhance my teaching. I did not even know where to start. At the time, the biggest changes I was making with technology was saving some paper by putting notes on our school's website instead of printing them. I was in no means using technology in ways to redefine my teaching.
My goals when applying were based off that frustration: to learn how to use technology to make learning more engaging and interactive. Since I had computers available, my goal was to use this technology wherever possible. I hoped to learn new tools that would connect my Spanish students to native speakers and cultures around the world. I also desired to be a technology leader at my school, either to be on the forefront in technology use or to help with technology integration as other schools in the district became 1:1.
Now, I am in my third year teaching and am at the end of my MAET journey. Overall, my goals have not changed drastically. I have now learned and seen that I do not need to use technology for the sake of using technology. My new goal is to use technology (student computers) when it makes learning easier, more engaging, or more connected, but not to use technology just because it is there. Once, I had a class of students tell me that they are “sick” of staring at computers all-day everyday. They were excited to complete an activity on paper and move around the room. This conversation really struck me. I decided then, that my goal would be to use whatever technology (computers, websites, apps, paper, pencil, sticky notes, etc.) that would best enhance my teaching. After learning about TPACK (the combination of technology, pedagogy, and content knowledge), my goal was to start with HOW (pedagogy) I wanted to teach WHAT (content) before I decided on the technology.
I still strive to use technology to connect Spanish students to native speakers and cultures and to enhance my teaching by making lessons more engaging. Since technology is ever-changing and evolving, I think this is a goal I will have throughout my whole career. I am constantly trying new technologies and adding new tools to my toolbox. I still enjoy sharing these tips with other teachers, and would still consider a job as a technology integrator in the future. Right now, I am happy where I am - a Spanish teacher who isn’t afraid to try new tech tools to better enhance learning and connections.
My goals when applying were based off that frustration: to learn how to use technology to make learning more engaging and interactive. Since I had computers available, my goal was to use this technology wherever possible. I hoped to learn new tools that would connect my Spanish students to native speakers and cultures around the world. I also desired to be a technology leader at my school, either to be on the forefront in technology use or to help with technology integration as other schools in the district became 1:1.
Now, I am in my third year teaching and am at the end of my MAET journey. Overall, my goals have not changed drastically. I have now learned and seen that I do not need to use technology for the sake of using technology. My new goal is to use technology (student computers) when it makes learning easier, more engaging, or more connected, but not to use technology just because it is there. Once, I had a class of students tell me that they are “sick” of staring at computers all-day everyday. They were excited to complete an activity on paper and move around the room. This conversation really struck me. I decided then, that my goal would be to use whatever technology (computers, websites, apps, paper, pencil, sticky notes, etc.) that would best enhance my teaching. After learning about TPACK (the combination of technology, pedagogy, and content knowledge), my goal was to start with HOW (pedagogy) I wanted to teach WHAT (content) before I decided on the technology.
I still strive to use technology to connect Spanish students to native speakers and cultures and to enhance my teaching by making lessons more engaging. Since technology is ever-changing and evolving, I think this is a goal I will have throughout my whole career. I am constantly trying new technologies and adding new tools to my toolbox. I still enjoy sharing these tips with other teachers, and would still consider a job as a technology integrator in the future. Right now, I am happy where I am - a Spanish teacher who isn’t afraid to try new tech tools to better enhance learning and connections.
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