Summary Reflection

What does it mean to be a professional in educational technology?

I have always viewed that being a professional educator is more than just dressing the part and being on time to school everyday. We need to be a professional student in order to be a professional teacher. I do not know who said it, but I have always used this quote "Learning never ends." I cannot see myself in the here and now if I did not continue to learn and improve my teaching skills.

What I've learned and how it has impacted my professional practice:

I have learned never to give up. I have had my hardships and tough times being a teacher. I have learned how to be self critiquing and to be able to use suggestions that others give. I do a lot of reflecting and adjust my teaching for the better. I have always liked to learn and have had a curious streak. I keep working to be as best as a teacher as possible.

Areas for personal improvement:

I need to work on not procrastinating. It gets me into a stressful situation.

I need to work on increasing the home/school connection.

I need come up with better solutions for students with low academic skills.

What is important if I am going to continue to use technology successfully as it changes in the future? How will I manage my own professional development?

Better integration of what I learn in the courses in my classrooms. I need to make sure that I stick with it and not peter out after the novelty wears off. As I said previously, I need to make improvements in setting aside time for my professional education. I need to find that balance that will not tilt too far in one way or another. Having a plan laid out when I take which courses and having this portfolio will help guide me on my professional journey.

How will I provide leadership to others to disseminate what I have learned and change my environment?

I need to get back to having an active role in the school's leadership structure. I will continue to send out memos and e-mails informing the staff about updates, resources, and learning opportunities. I will use what I learn about good communication to improve how I disseminate information to fellow teachers and staff.

As you consider what you have accomplished, how would you design a revised EDMT program to better prepare future educators?

It is too early to put down a qualified statement here just yet. Check back in a few more courses.