Post date: May 17, 2016 5:09:21 PM
Wow, it is hard to believe that the journey with the core classes is almost over. It has been a wild ride of ups, downs, turns and twists. I've met some really great folks along the way. Expanded my PLN along the journey. Started the journey as a music educator who also taught a couple computer applications electives because I love technology and along the way my passion and love for instructional technology has meant a shift in job assignments to a soon to be full-time Technology Specialist.
As part of the technology leadership team for a district that is heading into year two a three-year roll out a plan for 1:1 technology next year, this course could not have come at a better time for me. We will be implementing Chromebooks, iPads and laptops starting next year. A number of the apps, websites and information on things such as volume pricing from this course will so valuable for me to know with my new position.
The website I have been working on as Innovative Education Project will be even more import now. Plus I will have time next year to keep it updated and expand on it. While the site is still in it's growing stage I have had a positive response from both teachers and administrators.
This is an exciting time for me. A little scary in that it is a big challenge but I'm looking forward to the change. I started this program because I knew I wanted to make some career changes in the next few years so I'm really happy with how this is turning out.
Next, I need to turn to finish with my electives soon. I have finished with the Web 2.0 elective. I'm working on the Twitter for Educators elective.
I'm going to wrap this up with saying that mobile learning was more about relationship building than anything else. I mean Ed and I chat all the time and even met in person over the session from this course. I've gotten more active recently with a few cohort members on twitter. I follow the tech chicks on twitter and have contacted them with questions.
Even if I didn't get everything learned during a section or course during the IEC program I now have a network of contacts (PLN) that I can reach out to at any time for help. The best thing is they do it without making you feel like you should already now the answer. I have a great time hanging out and talking with these folks. It was great seeing both current and past IEC members at this year's CUE Conference.
If anyone were to ask me if they should sign for this program or if it was worth the money I would say without a doubt YES go for it it's worth every penny!