In looking back upon my application into the Master of Arts in Educational Technology program (MAET) at Michigan State University, I recognized then, as I do now that I matured later in life as a learner. However, I was and still am on the correct path for me. Two years ago, in creating a goal upon entrance into the program, I stated my goal of wanting to learn educational technologies so I can take my learnings and provide meaningful trainings and/or connections to the staff and students that I train on a daily basis. My job is the same as it was then, train teachers on technologies that they can implement in the classroom. This has not changed, yet it has expanded. I didn’t imagine just how much knowledge I would learn through my coursework in the MAET program. Though I looked at obtaining this degree as an opportunity to expand my knowledge of educational technology, I also recognized that I would be given the credentials that I thought I was lacking. And, personally, this degree would solidify my passion for educational technology but failed to take action until two years ago. That goal really hasn’t changed.

 

Another goal that hasn’t changed was the chance to gain more confidence in my field. In various courses, we were using applications that I did have knowledge about, this confirmed in my eyes, that I was providing good examples and leading staff in a good direction. All the work that I had done on my own to help me be better in my job affirmed that I was and am on the correct path. As I understood back when I applied to be part of this program, I could seek different opportunities to allow me to grow within this field. Once again, that has not changed. I am looking forward to what may come my way now once I receive my Master’s degree in Educational Technology.

 

One of my current goals is to continue to build on that confidence and be willing to try something new. Not having all of the answers is also okay and I am accepting of that. If a training is not going how I originally thought, it’s okay to change it up for the next training, or even within that moment to make a change. It seems like an obvious thing, but it is something that I want to continue to seek on improving.

 

In the end, I still want to help teachers expand their knowledge of technology in the classroom. Allowing myself to grow as an educator will help me provide confidence for the teachers that I train. The ability to provide examples to teachers or even articles regarding the implementation of technology in the classroom will help build their trust in me. If they are trusting me, then they would be willing to try something new with my guidance. And, that’s the end goal, is to try something new - that is something I am going to continue to keep in mind as I move forward in my life.