Starting Point
by Jen Barr
The completion of my master's degree is another starting point in my life. As I have traveled along my educational journey, beginning with an associate's degree in Dental Hygiene, I have always known that the stopping point of one educational experience is really just the starting point of the next. I have yet to feel that I am done learning. As I reflected upon my graduate coursework and professional goals, I was reminded of my central goal as an educator: to constantly strive to be a better teacher.
To be better, lifelong learning must be an important component of my life. What has excited me in the MAED program is that are many ways to learn, both formally and informally. There are a vast store of resources available in print and online. I have visited school websites, online exhibits, and educator websites. I have viewed documentaries and technology tutorials. I have listened to podcasts on a number of different subjects. I have experimented with many different types of technology. These experiences have opened my eyes to unimaginable wealth of knowledge that is just a few clicks away. I have access to this information at virtually any time of day or night. I look forward to continuing to explore what is out there and to learn from others as they post successes and failures.
When I started the program, I had a kindling of interest in technology. It intrigued me; I wanted to know what I could do with it and how I could use it effectively. This spark ignited into full flame as I took different courses, particularly those with a technology focus. I learned about tools I didn't even know existed and more importantly, technology can be used to enhance learning when used appropriately. I found many ways different technology tools fit together with the curriculum I teach. Thus, I am committed to continue to learn about technology and how it can create meaningful learning experiences for my students. I am fortunate to have many opportunities to attend workshops and professional development activities at the campus I teach at. I find that I learn quite well on my own when given the opportunity to work with something hands on, so I will continue to experiment with different tools that I find online. I plan to further my education and will continue to seek out coursework that has an emphasis on technology.
I am not finished with my formal education yet. At first, I thought that the last degree I would earn (at least for awhile) would be my MAED. However, as I have progressed through my coursework and realized how much more I could learn, I decided to continue on past this degree. I plan to work on a doctorate degree in the educational field next. It is my intent to focus on educational administration or leadership, as I hope to one day be a dental hygiene program director. I look forward to the opportunity to learn how to be an effective, inspiring, and transformational leader. I also look forward to learning about the administrative side of education and how positive change in teaching and learning can be effected from this end. I know this will be a long journey, but I look forward to the challenge.
I will continue to learn, whether I am in a classroom or not. Beyond all of the resources and opportunities I have described, I will also learn from myself. Through journaling and reflection, I will continue to hone my practice. In order to be better, I must take an honest appraisal of myself and consider my successes and failures.
It is impossible to predict the future and therefore I must be flexible as I continue to learn and grow. Theories, technology, and practice continue to change and I will have to stay up to date and evaluate changes as they occur. Students change, as well, as society itself continues to evolve. An understanding of the non-static nature of life is essential to teaching practice. Change can be good and bad and therefore, I will need the tools to assess it and determine whether new things have a place in my classroom. Through continued learning and reflection, it is my intention keep pace and create the best learning environment that I can.
Image from Flickr Creative Commons, owner cogdogblog
by Jen Barr
The completion of my master's degree is another starting point in my life. As I have traveled along my educational journey, beginning with an associate's degree in Dental Hygiene, I have always known that the stopping point of one educational experience is really just the starting point of the next. I have yet to feel that I am done learning. As I reflected upon my graduate coursework and professional goals, I was reminded of my central goal as an educator: to constantly strive to be a better teacher.
To be better, lifelong learning must be an important component of my life. What has excited me in the MAED program is that are many ways to learn, both formally and informally. There are a vast store of resources available in print and online. I have visited school websites, online exhibits, and educator websites. I have viewed documentaries and technology tutorials. I have listened to podcasts on a number of different subjects. I have experimented with many different types of technology. These experiences have opened my eyes to unimaginable wealth of knowledge that is just a few clicks away. I have access to this information at virtually any time of day or night. I look forward to continuing to explore what is out there and to learn from others as they post successes and failures.
When I started the program, I had a kindling of interest in technology. It intrigued me; I wanted to know what I could do with it and how I could use it effectively. This spark ignited into full flame as I took different courses, particularly those with a technology focus. I learned about tools I didn't even know existed and more importantly, technology can be used to enhance learning when used appropriately. I found many ways different technology tools fit together with the curriculum I teach. Thus, I am committed to continue to learn about technology and how it can create meaningful learning experiences for my students. I am fortunate to have many opportunities to attend workshops and professional development activities at the campus I teach at. I find that I learn quite well on my own when given the opportunity to work with something hands on, so I will continue to experiment with different tools that I find online. I plan to further my education and will continue to seek out coursework that has an emphasis on technology.
I am not finished with my formal education yet. At first, I thought that the last degree I would earn (at least for awhile) would be my MAED. However, as I have progressed through my coursework and realized how much more I could learn, I decided to continue on past this degree. I plan to work on a doctorate degree in the educational field next. It is my intent to focus on educational administration or leadership, as I hope to one day be a dental hygiene program director. I look forward to the opportunity to learn how to be an effective, inspiring, and transformational leader. I also look forward to learning about the administrative side of education and how positive change in teaching and learning can be effected from this end. I know this will be a long journey, but I look forward to the challenge.
I will continue to learn, whether I am in a classroom or not. Beyond all of the resources and opportunities I have described, I will also learn from myself. Through journaling and reflection, I will continue to hone my practice. In order to be better, I must take an honest appraisal of myself and consider my successes and failures.
It is impossible to predict the future and therefore I must be flexible as I continue to learn and grow. Theories, technology, and practice continue to change and I will have to stay up to date and evaluate changes as they occur. Students change, as well, as society itself continues to evolve. An understanding of the non-static nature of life is essential to teaching practice. Change can be good and bad and therefore, I will need the tools to assess it and determine whether new things have a place in my classroom. Through continued learning and reflection, it is my intention keep pace and create the best learning environment that I can.
Image from Flickr Creative Commons, owner cogdogblog