Looking Ahead
Kate Heydlauff
Summer 2011
Summer 2011
As I look back on my life, I cannot think of a time when I was not moving forward in my learning. From elementary to middle school, high school to college and finally graduate school, I have come to realize that although I am a teacher, learning is really my passion. I am not saying that I like to read long, monotonous articles or write lengthy papers, but the actual gaining of knowledge is what I truly appreciate. I love to be challenged, intrigued and engaged. I can only hope that I pass this love of learning on to the many students I teach every year.
When I began this Masters in Educational Technology at Michigan State University, I was uncertain what to expect. However, through my coursework, I have developed a keen sense of how and why to implement technology into the classroom. I have learned numerous types of technology to use. I have changed and modified my own teaching due to my learning. This program has exceeded my expectations and I am so grateful for the experience.
Now the opportunities that lie ahead of me are abundant. I am using types of technology in my classroom that I would have never known about otherwise. I have created units using Moodle. I implemented discussion forums. I use polleverywhere.com for classroom warm-ups. I helped my students through a PhotoStory project. I could keep listing off all of the new ways I am able to use technology. However, more importantly, I understand why I am using technology. I can see the correlation between content, pedagogy and technology and how these three aspects of teaching overlap.
As I move forward, I hope that I am able to share my new knowledge with my students, colleagues and administrators. I am confident that we can learn from each other. The end of this Masters program is really just a starting point. I have been given a taste of this technological learning and this learning will only grow from here. I think it is only reasonable to set new goals for my future of learning. The goals are listed below:
- To continue to challenge myself and my students with the technology that I implement into the classroom.
- Collaborate with others over pedagogy, content and technology implementation.
- Continue to be a life-long learner.
As I set these new goals, I am not sure if this means another Masters program, professional development or just meetings with my fellow teachers. However, I do know that I want to use this experience as a springboard for my learning. One of my favorite quotes is from John Cotton Dana. He states:
Who dares to teach must never cease to learn.
I can only hope that this is my motto as I continue my profession in education. It is a great reminder that in order to be a great teacher, you must also be a willing learner.
As I finish up the last few weeks of graduate school, I know that my learning will not stop here. I have found that some of the best learning actually occurs outside of the classroom. This type of learning is authentic and spontaneous. I have seen it happen with a discussion in the school hallway, a dinner conversation or watching a movie. Although I do believe that a formal education is needed, learning can happen anywhere and at any time. The last two years have been a great learning experience and I look forward to continuing this experience for the rest of my life.
Who dares to teach must never cease to learn.
I can only hope that this is my motto as I continue my profession in education. It is a great reminder that in order to be a great teacher, you must also be a willing learner.
As I finish up the last few weeks of graduate school, I know that my learning will not stop here. I have found that some of the best learning actually occurs outside of the classroom. This type of learning is authentic and spontaneous. I have seen it happen with a discussion in the school hallway, a dinner conversation or watching a movie. Although I do believe that a formal education is needed, learning can happen anywhere and at any time. The last two years have been a great learning experience and I look forward to continuing this experience for the rest of my life.