When I started in the MAED program, I was pursuing a concentration in technology and learning because I was hoping to be introduced to specific technologies that I could use in my classroom. In addition, I wanted to learn new instructional methods and utilize them to teach all learners. I believed technology was the instructional tool that would help me to reach learners who might otherwise be overlooked. It was my goal to learn about as many new technologies as possible so that I could use them in my classroom.

 

What I quickly learned, is that it would be impossible to simply learn all of the technology tools that are available for use in the classroom. There are too many and technology is changing constantly. Instead, I learned to consider the affordances and constraints of all of the tools I use in the classroom (both technology and traditional tools). This knowledge lead to a change in my goals both as a MAED student and an elementary school teacher.

 

Today, my goal is to be open and unafraid in my use of a variety of resources, technology included. I still believe in the benefits of technology in the classroom. I also continue to strive to learn how best to meet the needs of all of my students. After taking a variety of courses and continuing to learn in my own classroom, my goal now is to consider the affordances and constraints of all available resources and select the tools that are most beneficial. In addition, it is my goal to share my thinking and learning with my colleagues.

 

After three years in the classroom (as a student and teacher), I have found that the questions will never stop. These questions are meant to push my thinking in new directions towards new resources and ideas. Sometimes there will be more than one answer to these questions. Other times the answer may be to just keep asking questions.