It wasn't log ago that I took some time to read my blog from the beginning of this program and review everything that I had learned, reflected upon, questioned, etc. While completing my electronic portfolio, my blog was one of the tools that really helped me through that process. I was able to look back and remember how I was feeling, the things I was learning, and the thoughts I had for that particular class or project/assignment.
When thinking back to the start of this program, I certainly have come a long way. My passion for instructional technology began about a year before I decided to pursue my master's degree in it. A good friend of mine is an amazing library media specialist who knows so much about instructional technology, and she taught me so much and inspired me to know/learn more. At the beginning of the program, I felt like much of what I was learning were things I already new about from my friend or my own exploration/resources gathered from Twitter. As the classes progressed, I felt my learning also progressed. Of all of the classes in this program, the one I enjoyed the most was the leadership class. The text that was required for that course opened my eyes to the many ways that teachers can assume leadership roles besides just going back to school to become a principal or other administrator. It also was frustrating to hear about what things could be like vs. what they really are in many schools in regards to how leadership roles are filled (non-administrative leadership roles are what I'm referring to).
The one area that I really wish I knew more about is copyright. With so many of the tools we are using professional, personally, and asking our students to use have us publishing our work to the Internet. We touched on copyright in one course but I feel it was so surface-level; having a solid foundation and understanding of this important issue will make teachers feel better prepared to take on this huge responsibility of teaching our students what they can/cannot do.
I'm so thankful to my husband for being so supportive of me throughout this entire master's program. With two little kiddos, it is difficult to find time to work on projects, have group meetings, and even to attend class for one hour uninterrupted but he was a super star and took it all on.
I see my role at my school changing and evolving into something really exciting. I've been asked to be part of several committees and initiatives that I probably wouldn't have been 2 years ago, and it is because of my passion for and knowledge in instructional technology. Education as we know it is changing so quickly and being able to embrace and use the tools that we have are going to be the key to the new way of education. Thank you, Cardinal Stritch, and all of the instructors for helping me on my journey. I appreciate it all!
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