I love teaching. I have wanted to be a teacher since fourth grade. Finally, I achieved my goal in 2002. As I grew as a teacher, I realized a new goal was developing, I wanted to be teaching with technology. We had a computer lab, I took my students to this lab whenever it fit into the lessons. The students did research, wrote papers and created publications. The lab grew, it improved, and then our building went one to one. I was in the pilot program for one to one in the alternative education setting. I was in my element. I began using the technology to enhance student learning, to engage learning and to transform assignments from worksheets to multimedia presentations. I utilized the tools I found that supported the material I was covering in my curriculum. This led me to expanding my knowledge, attending conferences and absorbing any information on technology in education I could find and sharing it with my coworkers. That was when I realized that my goal of teaching with technology transformed to showing others how to teach with technology. To identify the knowledge and skills, I still needed to acquire to be effective as an educational technology leader in a district, I started exploring potential jobs and the requirements they have. After researching potential job postings and reviewing job descriptions, I have identified three areas where I would need to expand my expertise: programming basics, technology curriculum and leadership.
Programming basics is one place that my knowledge base is limited. I have dabbled in elements of programming, but have not mastered it enough to be confident in including it in my resume. By learning coding and applying it to developing and designing applications and programs, I can broaden my offerings to future employers. I plan on learning HTML and CSS, Java and JavaScript, Python, and C++. HTML and CSS are the foundations for web design. Java and JavaScript are standards for application development in Chromebooks and other android devices. Also since many schools use Google Apps for Education, knowledge of Python and C++ will help in designing. A comprehensive resource for building a foundation in all of these areas is Code Academy: https://www.codecademy.com/
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Technology curriculum covers everything from best practices in using technology to creating professional development for educators in using technology in the classroom. Through my master’s program I have learned a great deal about integrating technology and how to be a leader in educational technology. The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is a leader in teaching with technology and developing innovation while keeping with best practices. It focuses on using technology to empower students. This includes earning my ISTE certification and Google Certified Coach
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Leadership and being a good leader is another skill needed in many positions. After reflecting on the lessons and activities taken during my leadership master’s class, I realize there is still many areas that I need improvement and in which I need to develop a deeper understanding for me to be the best leader I can possibly be. Future-Focused Leadership: Preparing Schools, Students, and Communities for Tomorrow's Realities By Gary Marx is a resource that I found to start this journey. Ultimately, I would like to earn my administrator’s certificate. There are few ways to earn my administrative certificate, by completing a specialist certification through a university, a doctoral program or the Path to Leadership program offered by the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals. By earning an administrative certificate, I do not want to become a principal, but develop the skills need to be an effective leader in technology.
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My goal of teaching is still the same, but the audience I would like to have has transitioned to other teachers. By becoming versed in programming, I could make tools for teachers. Creating teaching tools, add-ons and website to help teachers would make my skills more marketable to future employers, By becoming certified in Google and ISTE, I can provide expertise to teachers. Having the best practices in the use of technology and being able to help teachers achieve mastery in the use of technology in the classroom is a skill that is valued. By becoming an administrator, I can lead. Being a leader in practice and in technology will allow me to work at the district or intermediate school district level. All of these elements will improve my abilities to be a leader in educational technology.
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