A Reflection on My Master’s Goals
When I applied to the Educational Technology master’s program at Michigan State University, I knew I wanted to grow as an educator and learn how to effectively use technology in the classroom. I’ve always believed that when used correctly, technology can enhance student learning, but I wanted to deepen my understanding of how to make that happen. Now that I’m in the program, I can see how much I’ve already learned and how my goals have evolved along the way.
My main goal for this program was to gain the knowledge and skills needed to integrate technology into my teaching in meaningful ways. During my undergraduate studies, I didn’t have many opportunities to explore educational technology in depth, and I felt like I was missing a key piece of the puzzle when it came to preparing students for a technology-driven world. I wanted to change that by learning about new tools, strategies, and best practices.
I was also interested in the possibility of becoming a media specialist teacher. I knew that technology played a big role in that field, and I wanted to explore whether it was the right path for me. No matter where my career took me, I wanted to make sure I had a strong foundation in educational technology to help my students succeed.
Since starting this program, I’ve gained so much insight into how technology can enhance student learning. I’ve learned about different digital tools and resources, but more importantly, I’ve learned how to use them with purpose. Instead of just focusing on what’s available, I now think critically about how and when to integrate technology to support student engagement, creativity, and understanding.
One of the biggest takeaways from my coursework so far has been the importance of making technology accessible and meaningful for all learners. I’ve explored strategies for adapting digital tools to meet diverse student needs, and I’ve become more aware of the challenges that come with using technology in the classroom, such as access and equity. These are things I didn’t think much about before, but now they play a big role in how I approach educational technology.
While my original goals are still important to me, my perspective has shifted in a few ways. At first, I was mainly focused on learning specific tools and strategies, but now I see educational technology as more than just what we use—it’s about how we use it. I’ve started thinking more about how to create technology-rich learning environments that foster collaboration, problem-solving, and deeper understanding.
Another change is that I’m less focused on becoming a media specialist than I was when I had first started. I still find that role exciting and could see myself doing it down the line. However, right now, I have realized that a big part of my passion lies in using technology to enhance my own teaching in the classroom. This program has reinforced my excitement for the classroom and given me new ways to think about how I can support my students.
As I continue in this program, I’m excited to keep exploring new ways to integrate technology into my teaching. I want to stay up to date with emerging trends and continue developing strategies to make learning more engaging, interactive, and meaningful for my students.
Looking back on my initial goals, I can see how much I’ve grown—not just in my understanding of technology but also in my confidence as an educator. This program has already given me so many valuable insights, and I can’t wait to keep learning and applying what I’ve gained to my future classroom.