Dilys Gibbs-Harrison

 

     In the spring of 2011, I was looking for classes to fulfill my provisional license renewal. The school outlook was moving toward computers. The only things I really knew how to do on the computer were financial programs, Microsoft Office programs, and school issued PowerPoints and labs. I received an email about three computer courses offered by Michigan State University that “designed to meet the needs of educators who seek to utilize new technologies in their classrooms, schools and educational settings. Students in the program have an opportunity to explore and improve their skills in the use of educational technologies and/or online teaching and learning.” (http://edutech.educ.msu.edu. 2015).

 

     As an older student, I figured I had more time but would probably be the oldest student in the class. To my surprise, there was a mix of ages in the classes. The learning levels and styles were equally mixed. Everyone was kind and very helpful. When someone was stuck, someone would help out. I loved the environment. Most of the group stuck together throughout the certification program. The younger students jumped on the Master’s program right away. I was hesitant. As another older student said, those three courses were enough stimulation for right now.

 

     However, I still had a yearning to learn more.  Could I handle it? My children were in college. My job seemed stable. My parents had just moved to a retirement village. My Twitter account kept me yearning to learn more. Finally, with my husband’s blessing, I applied for and was accepted in the Master of Educational Technology program.

 

      To my disappointment, the technology in my classroom has decreased. I still feel technology is the future of education. I have moved buildings and classroom but have managed to hold on to my teacher’s computer, iPad, projector, and projector camera (Elmo). However, my access to student computers’ has decreased. I work with alternative high school students who do not have the patience or the accessibility for computers. I feel they need exposure to computers to change their current way of thinking. YouTube videos offer exposure to scientific experiments, careers, and computer capabilities. Cell phone usage is blocked by the building’s construction. The connection between my iPad and the Apple TV has not been re-established. I am assigned to the computer lab for one period per day. During this time, even though they are assigned school-issued online classes, I like to show students little things that can lead to deeper understanding. Next year, I will be changing buildings again. I am hoping to expand the student’s technical abilities with blogs and computer based projects beyond PowerPoints that they do now.

 

     The goal of my master's degree is to increase student growth and knowledge through technology. I will continue to expand students' technological use. This means stepping out of their comfort zone. They are hooked on texting, Snapchat, FaceBook, gaming, and music. It is my intent to keep pushing these students to use technology a learning aid, not a search engine.

 

     I am eager to teach my colleagues new ways to teach their lessons using technology too. Too much paper is wasted. Many assignments can be assigned and collected over the internet. I want to be a technology leader in my school system. I need to continue to utilize my MSU Master's degree.