Overall Reflection

Learning

I dreamed of being a teacher as a child, but after beginning college and working with my 6th-grade teacher in a restaurant, I began to question if the profession could sustain me financially; I didn’t want to have to work two jobs for the rest of my life. So, I began taking business classes, which led to a couple of programming classes. After getting married, I switched back to my original dream, earning my bachelor’s degree in elementary education. My first teaching position was as an educational technologist for an elementary school. Teaching in a computer lab was more than I could have dreamed.

More Learning

Technology was changing the dissemination of information in the classrooms. Teaching programming languages to young students existed in a few labs throughout the country. It was uncommon to find primitive robotics in technology labs. After dancing with Seymour Pappert at an East Coast Logo Conference (actually, walking through a LOGO procedure facing each other), I knew I needed to learn more to make the use of technology relevant to students and teachers. I wanted my drill and practice lab to become a computer lab that promoted constructivist learning. I wanted to prepare my students for the fast-approaching 21st century. So, I went back to the university for more education, more learning, earning my master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in educational technology.

Life-Long Learning

Technology continues to change how information is disseminated. Online learning courses provide access to information, even in the most remote locations. People of all ages connect to the internet to obtain information for personal and professional use, as well as for entertainment. I watched from the side-lines the development of many educational innovations as I raised my children, but as a life-long learner, it was an easy decision to continue my education as my children's independence grew. I chose the education specialist degree because I wanted to learn the fundamental skills required for the design and development of learning systems. MU delivered. Now I have the skills to independently and collegially design and develop learning programs. I’m confident in my ability to make learning relevant and fun.

With the understanding that my learning will never be complete, I’m ready for my next journey.