Ponderment on that Go-Getter . . .
Reflective Essay
June 2012
“In effort to continue and further my education as an educator, I plan on achieving a Masters Degree in Educational Technology. This degree will enhance my teaching by incorporating innovating technological lessons in the middle school language arts classroom. In turn, motivation for acquiring knowledge will take place with students and myself.” ~ Summer 2010
A statement that was written about two years ago at the beginning of the MAET program. How driven and determined I was to obtain my Masters degree in Educational Technology. An ambitious teacher, wanting to enhance her lessons, classroom, and students’ learning experiences by furthering her education in technology. Was I too much of a “go getter” at the time; unaware of the time and effort that would be and was required to complete the program? Was I oblivious of the stress, tears, and frustration that would and did occur throughout? Perhaps. But this unawareness, or more accurately labeled as “one who is strong-minded to make herself a better, more meaningful facilitator of knowledge”, is the attitude I, and one, needs to push straight to success. In addition, in the end, the undesirable experiences or speed bumps in the journey turned out to be completely worth it.
Reflecting back on the goal statement, I can honestly state that it has remained the same for me as a classroom teacher. I do not want to find myself in a “comfortable” spot in teaching where it becomes a routine. Teachers should not be “robots” that are programed to operate one certain way. Instead, they should be entrepreneurs, continually seeking out more. Times are changing, students are changing, and teachers need to acquire change for the better. I want to be that teacher that is up-to-date with the times and looks to educate her students the best way possible. Technology is an aspect that will follow along with that philosophy of change.
In addition to this goal statement staying the same, it has also progressed. Throughout the program I was able to witness the possibilities with my newly acquired knowledge and skills. Through experimentation in the classroom and personal use, I have accelerated my goal with technology beyond the typical classroom environment. I desire to take this soon-to-be acquired degree and implement it on the virtual school side of education. After spending four years in the public schools, I have changed as an educator. Although I enjoy being in the class, I have had my eyes opened to the possibilities with technology and education. I truly feel that if I wish to use my degree to the fullest, perhaps another path needs to be traveled. Currently, I endeavor to take my degree virtually and teach, and then I will have a new positive challenge to seek after.
~Kimberly Holaday
A statement that was written about two years ago at the beginning of the MAET program. How driven and determined I was to obtain my Masters degree in Educational Technology. An ambitious teacher, wanting to enhance her lessons, classroom, and students’ learning experiences by furthering her education in technology. Was I too much of a “go getter” at the time; unaware of the time and effort that would be and was required to complete the program? Was I oblivious of the stress, tears, and frustration that would and did occur throughout? Perhaps. But this unawareness, or more accurately labeled as “one who is strong-minded to make herself a better, more meaningful facilitator of knowledge”, is the attitude I, and one, needs to push straight to success. In addition, in the end, the undesirable experiences or speed bumps in the journey turned out to be completely worth it.
Reflecting back on the goal statement, I can honestly state that it has remained the same for me as a classroom teacher. I do not want to find myself in a “comfortable” spot in teaching where it becomes a routine. Teachers should not be “robots” that are programed to operate one certain way. Instead, they should be entrepreneurs, continually seeking out more. Times are changing, students are changing, and teachers need to acquire change for the better. I want to be that teacher that is up-to-date with the times and looks to educate her students the best way possible. Technology is an aspect that will follow along with that philosophy of change.
In addition to this goal statement staying the same, it has also progressed. Throughout the program I was able to witness the possibilities with my newly acquired knowledge and skills. Through experimentation in the classroom and personal use, I have accelerated my goal with technology beyond the typical classroom environment. I desire to take this soon-to-be acquired degree and implement it on the virtual school side of education. After spending four years in the public schools, I have changed as an educator. Although I enjoy being in the class, I have had my eyes opened to the possibilities with technology and education. I truly feel that if I wish to use my degree to the fullest, perhaps another path needs to be traveled. Currently, I endeavor to take my degree virtually and teach, and then I will have a new positive challenge to seek after.
~Kimberly Holaday