Reflection Letter
Introduction.
As an experienced educator with over 15 years of teaching in various school districts across Texas, I entered the Masters of Education program in Educational Technology with a strong foundation in traditional teaching methods. Before the program, I earned my Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Bilingual Education from UTPA, now UTRGV, which prepared me to teach in a dual-language classroom. I have taught 1st, 3rd, and 4th grades in Edinburg, New Braunfels, and La Joya ISD exposing me to diverse student populations and unique teaching environments.
As technology continued to evolve and become an integral part of our daily lives, I realized I needed to enhance my skills and knowledge to incorporate technology in my classroom. Therefore, I decided to pursue an M.Ed. in EdTech with a Technology Leadership, E-Learning, and Online Instructional Design certification to broaden my understanding of educational technology and learn new ways to create engaging learning environments for my students. While I was comfortable using technology for administrative purposes, such as grading and communication, I lacked the expertise to leverage it fully for instructional purposes. This program will equip me with the necessary skills and knowledge to become a more effective and well-rounded educator.
M.Ed. in EdTech Experience.
The M.Ed. in EdTech program exposed me to various courses that provided me with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to integrate technology into the classroom effectively. The techniques covered multiple topics, including Instructional Technology, Instructional Design, Multimedia & Hypermedia, Educational Communications, and Practicum in Educational Technology.
The Instructional Technology course provided me with an overview of the history of instructional technology and demonstrated different technologies in various educational settings. This course was very interesting since I could see how technology started and how it has evolved. I learned about the practical and theoretical means to identify the learners' needs and effectively implement specific technologies to meet those needs. I also learned how to evaluate the effectiveness of different technologies in meeting the learners' needs. The knowledge I gained in this course was instrumental, and I could implement it in many of my other classes as I keep the learners' needs in mind.
The Instructional Design course was especially helpful in guiding me through systematically developing effective instruction using an instructional systems design model. I learned about theoretical and practical issues in instructional systems design, and the program introduced us to different instructional design models. This was the first time I was introduced to all this information. I liked how the instructor guided me through the different steps as we navigated through the instructional design.
The Multimedia & Hypermedia course helped me focus on developing and utilizing multimedia and hypermedia in education. I demonstrated the ability to create interactive instruction using audiovisual and computer-based or web-based technologies in a meaningful, educational context. Developing a fully online, self-paced, re-usable multimedia learning object was very fun.
The Educational Communications course helped me address instruction development for e-learning environments. Using an open-source courseware management system, I learned to use a research-based rationale for selecting and utilizing technologies for designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating instruction. Additionally, I explored virtual environments for instructional applications.
Finally, the Practicum in Educational Technology course emphasized guided observation and practice in technology applications to a specified educational setting. This hands-on experience allowed me to put the skills I learned in the other classes into practice in a real-world environment. This culminating class was the cherry on top of the cake. I applied all that I have learned in my college journey and put it all together. I was very proud of my finished project.
In addition to the various courses, the M.Ed. in EdTech program also offered three certificates: the E-Learning Certificate, the Technology Leadership Certificate, and the Online Instructional Designer Certificate. I chose to pursue the E-Learning Certificate and the Technology Leadership Certificate. The E-Learning Certificate program prepared me to work as an instructional designer/developer in higher education or industries with an e-learning workforce. The Technology Leadership Certificate program was a fully web-based, 9-hour accelerated graduate certificate program geared toward providing educators with the skills and knowledge needed to be influential technology leaders.
The M.Ed. in EdTech program provided me with a comprehensive education in educational technology. I gained both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that I can apply to enhance student learning and engagement in the classroom.
Conclusion.
Looking back on my experience in the Masters of Education program in Educational Technology, I realize how much I have grown personally and professionally. Through the various courses, certificates, and practicum experiences, I have developed a deep understanding of the theories, research, and applications related to educational technology.
One of the most significant lessons I learned was the importance of being a reflective practitioner. By critically analyzing my teaching practices and assessing the effectiveness of my technologies, I developed a deeper understanding of how to integrate technology effectively into my teaching. The Instructional Technology course taught me how to ascertain the needs of my learners and implement specific technologies to meet those needs, while the Multimedia & Hypermedia course showed me how to develop interactive instruction using audiovisual and computer-based technologies.
The Instructional Design course was another valuable experience, as it taught me how to develop effective instruction using an instructional systems design model systematically. By examining theoretical and practical issues related to instructional systems design, I created a more comprehensive understanding of designing and evaluating technology-rich learning environments.
The Educational Communications course taught me how to develop instruction for e-learning environments. Using an open-source courseware management system, I learned how to select and utilize technologies to design, develop, implement, and evaluate education. I also explored virtual environments for instructional applications, which was a unique and fascinating experience.
The Practicum in Educational Technology allowed me to apply the knowledge and skills I acquired in a natural educational setting. Through guided observation and practice, I was able to implement technology-rich learning environments and evaluate their effectiveness in meeting the needs of my learners. Additionally, the E-Learning Certificate provided me with the skills needed to work as an instructional designer/developer in higher education, while the Technology Leadership Certificate gave me the skills and knowledge required to be an effective leader in technology.
My experience in the Masters of Education program in Educational Technology has been invaluable. I have learned much and gained the skills and knowledge to integrate technology effectively into my teaching. My advice to myself and others is to continue to be a reflective practitioner and never to stop learning. The field of educational technology is constantly evolving, and it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest research, theories, and applications. By continuing to learn and grow, we can create effective and engaging learning environments that meet the needs of all learners. I will continue to explore all options in Educational Technology till I find something I like. There are many great opportunities out there; I am just waiting for the right door to open.