Goals and Plans

Position Goal
I have come to the Educational Technology program much later in my career that perhaps the average student. That is not to say that I have not enjoyed participating in the program and that I have not learned from the program. Since I am currently working as an instructional technology specialist I have been able to apply many of the new ideas I have learned almost immediately. My career goal, at this point, is to advance at least one more level into administration. This will mean that I will leave the classroom completely behind and move to an administrative position at our technology center.

Leadership Goals
I am what is commonly called an "early adopter" when it comes to integrating technology into the classroom and my teaching. I taught secondary science classes for 24 years and began introducing computers into my classrooms as soon as they became available. Because of my background in the applied sciences and my years in the classroom I feel that I can bring a wide range of knowledge and experience to a leadership role in my district. Since I am mostly self taught in the technology field I feel that completing this degree program will help establish me as a viable candidate when a position becomes available. As a member of AARP, I feel that I can set an example to many of my peers as well show younger teachers that even thought we are not digital natives there is a great deal that we can contribute to the educational process and the development of our digital native charges by integrating technology into their scope of learning and education.

First Web Conference -- The beginning of the end

It is time to begin the last course in this degree program and I am looking forward to reaching the end. At the same time I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey and the process. I found this first web conference interesting for several reasons. I was surprised at the small number of students enrolled in this internship cycle. I believe Dr. Mason said there were only eleven of us this time around. I also discovered that I think I am behind in the process from the beginning. I am not sure why but I had the distinct feeling that several of my classmates were much farther along in the process than I am and I am not sure that I will be able to catch up with them in the time alotted, I will give it a try so here we go.