My Future As A Learner
By Tom Gunnells
When I began the MAET program at Michigan State University, I tried to think about what I didn’t know about technology. Being what I would call “tech savvy”, I felt that there wasn’t too much about teaching with technology that I didn’t already know. But as I became a student, I learned that the process is never ending. As an MAET student, I learned the infinite number of new technologies created yearly that can be applied to teaching. One of the greatest things that I’ve come away with was the fact that learning is never ending. My goal at the beginning of the program was to become a master teacher, and in this goal I felt there was a set of skills that I could acquire to do this. But what I’ve understood from being a part of this program is that there is not a set of skills that make people great teachers, it’s the fact that they understand that learning is never ending.
Because of this, I have understood that to become a master teacher I need to continue my education. I need to continue to learn about the new technologies that are being created and these new technologies are some of the things that I can put into practice in my classroom well after this course is over. To be a master teacher I need to continue to learn. I need to stay current in technologies so I can continue to help my students learn in the best way possible.
To do this, to become this master teacher, it’s easy to say that I’m going to keep learning. A more difficult part is to explain how I plan to keep learning. More college, self study, working with teachers in my building? How can I learn, and how can I uses my time wisely to help my skill set grow. There are many ways that I can continue to make progress as a learner. Whether it’s completing another degree program, or using the skills that I have learned in this program, there are multiple ways to continue learning.
One of the best ways that I’ve been able to get information on new technologies and educational techniques is Social Media. To mainstream pieces stand out to me, Facebook and Twitter. While both are large networks, the both provide different ways of forming groups and continuing to learn. I’ve already started using Facebook as a form of continued learning. By forming groups in classes, and with other MAET students, I have created a large Professional Learning Network. Another Social Networking site that is very useful in continued learning is Twitter. While many people feel Twitter is status updates and people discussing their day, it’s really instant news. Twitter is the instant sharing of information and it is simple.. It’s as simple as following hashtags, or creating a list with your favorite Tweeps. An easy way to find information is to search for #EdTech on Twitter and see what pops up. Then start interacting. There are other places, that are geared toward teaching with technology, like Ning, and message boards on Merlot where teachers can share great ideas.
Another way that I plan to continue my education is to search out professional development opportunities. There are great conferences in Michigan about teaching, ones that will help me become even more knowledgeable . Conferences like MACUL are available close to hope – and area great gathering of teachers and other professionals willing to share information. Through our ISD, and our Technology coordinator, programs and services are available to help me put new technology into my classroom. By attending the monthly Technology Symposium and browsing the professional development opportunities,
Another great resource that I plan to take advantage of in the future is the MAET refresher course. I think a great way to stay current with technology is to join in with past students and instructors and discuss what is new. By bringing together teachers from all over the world who have been a part of the MAET program, it’s a great example of a professional learning network that can help me hone my skills and continue to learn.
Lastly, I may continue my education and try to get another degree. Until starting this program I was skeptical about distance learning, and wasn’t really interested in programs that were not close by. But after completing the MAET program, I’d be willing to search out other degree or certificate programs that I can put to good use.
When I began the MAET program at Michigan State University, I tried to think about what I didn’t know about technology. Being what I would call “tech savvy”, I felt that there wasn’t too much about teaching with technology that I didn’t already know. But as I became a student, I learned that the process is never ending. As an MAET student, I learned the infinite number of new technologies created yearly that can be applied to teaching. One of the greatest things that I’ve come away with was the fact that learning is never ending. My goal at the beginning of the program was to become a master teacher, and in this goal I felt there was a set of skills that I could acquire to do this. But what I’ve understood from being a part of this program is that there is not a set of skills that make people great teachers, it’s the fact that they understand that learning is never ending.
Because of this, I have understood that to become a master teacher I need to continue my education. I need to continue to learn about the new technologies that are being created and these new technologies are some of the things that I can put into practice in my classroom well after this course is over. To be a master teacher I need to continue to learn. I need to stay current in technologies so I can continue to help my students learn in the best way possible.
To do this, to become this master teacher, it’s easy to say that I’m going to keep learning. A more difficult part is to explain how I plan to keep learning. More college, self study, working with teachers in my building? How can I learn, and how can I uses my time wisely to help my skill set grow. There are many ways that I can continue to make progress as a learner. Whether it’s completing another degree program, or using the skills that I have learned in this program, there are multiple ways to continue learning.
One of the best ways that I’ve been able to get information on new technologies and educational techniques is Social Media. To mainstream pieces stand out to me, Facebook and Twitter. While both are large networks, the both provide different ways of forming groups and continuing to learn. I’ve already started using Facebook as a form of continued learning. By forming groups in classes, and with other MAET students, I have created a large Professional Learning Network. Another Social Networking site that is very useful in continued learning is Twitter. While many people feel Twitter is status updates and people discussing their day, it’s really instant news. Twitter is the instant sharing of information and it is simple.. It’s as simple as following hashtags, or creating a list with your favorite Tweeps. An easy way to find information is to search for #EdTech on Twitter and see what pops up. Then start interacting. There are other places, that are geared toward teaching with technology, like Ning, and message boards on Merlot where teachers can share great ideas.
Another way that I plan to continue my education is to search out professional development opportunities. There are great conferences in Michigan about teaching, ones that will help me become even more knowledgeable . Conferences like MACUL are available close to hope – and area great gathering of teachers and other professionals willing to share information. Through our ISD, and our Technology coordinator, programs and services are available to help me put new technology into my classroom. By attending the monthly Technology Symposium and browsing the professional development opportunities,
Another great resource that I plan to take advantage of in the future is the MAET refresher course. I think a great way to stay current with technology is to join in with past students and instructors and discuss what is new. By bringing together teachers from all over the world who have been a part of the MAET program, it’s a great example of a professional learning network that can help me hone my skills and continue to learn.
Lastly, I may continue my education and try to get another degree. Until starting this program I was skeptical about distance learning, and wasn’t really interested in programs that were not close by. But after completing the MAET program, I’d be willing to search out other degree or certificate programs that I can put to good use.
