In December of 2022, I received my long awaited Bachelor's Degree of Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Bilingual Education. On October 2023, I am graduated with a Master's Degree in Educational Technology along with a certificate in Technology Leadership. My education journey began on January 2023 as a 5th Grade Science teacher. At the campus I was at, 5th grade was departmentalized which is why I only taught Science. From August 2023 through October 2023 I was teaching 3rd Grade. Due to low enrollment numbersn in the grade level, I was then moved to a 2nd Grade classroom. I completed the accelerated program in Educational Technology at UTRGV from January 2023 to October 2023. Currently, I plan on continuing my path in education as a teacher, though I am beginning mny journey to becoming an administrator, more specifically by earning a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership. Soon after completing the required 5 years in education, I plan on beginning the process to obtaining an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. After I obtain my Doctorates degree, I hope to continue my journey in Educational Administration. That's not where I plan on ending my journey, though. I will continue to strive for 'bigger and better' things and will learn as much as I can in each and every single thing that I do.
Last updated: 2/11/2024
Final Reflection Essay
Masters of Educational Technology
Experience Before The Program
Being part of the Educational Technology Master’s Program at UTRGV has truly been an amazing opportunity. To say I have learned a lot, is an understatement. From back and forth discussions, to truly informative projects, my technological repertoire has increased vastly. The courses I have taken part of have greatly enhanced my educational technology knowledge. In each course there is a key project and I felt that each key project was truly essential for my knowledge enhancement in this program.
Before enrolling in the Educational Technology program at UTRGV, my educational journey was marked by a diverse range of experiences that shaped my interest in the field. These experiences were instrumental in fostering my passion for technology integration in education.
During my undergraduate studies in Interdisciplinary Studies, I had the opportunity to implement the knowledge that I had attained during my courses by student teaching. This role exposed me to various personalities, methods of teaching, and technological programs. I witnessed firsthand how these tools could enhance the learning experience for students, which piqued my curiosity about the intersection of technology and education.
Obtaining a Master's Degree in Educational Technology became a goal of mine. I knew it would send me down the right path to not only deepen my knowledge of the field but also to equip me with the tools and expertise necessary to make a meaningful impact on the educational landscape. This advanced degree represents a crucial step in my journey toward harnessing the transformative power of technology to enhance teaching and learning. It would enable me to stay at the forefront of educational innovation and contribute to the development of effective, technology-driven educational strategies. Additionally, I recognized that earning a Master's Degree in Educational Technology would open up exciting opportunities for collaboration with like-minded educators and researchers, allowing me to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends, and drive positive change in education. This decision was not just about advancing my own career but also about my dedication to fostering a more engaging, inclusive, and effective educational experience for students of all backgrounds and abilities.
Experience During Completion of Program
In the course EDTC-6325 Educational Communications, I was tasked with a project that required me to design and develop a Canvas class encompassing a diverse range of modules and assignments. I opted to center my project on the fundamental aspects of Google Forms for educators. Engaging in this endeavor was a significant educational experience, as it marked my first venture into independently constructing an online course. This undertaking represented a substantial milestone in my learning journey, serving as a pivotal moment where I acquired a substantial amount of knowledge.
In the subsequent course, EDTC-6332 Educational Technology Practicum, I faced a similar challenge of creating a series of modules. This time, I chose to utilize the Canvas platform, which provided a valuable opportunity to further refine and hone my course development skills. I now feel better prepared for whatever endeavors I am tasked with.
Additionally, in the course EDTC-6342 Technology Education Leadership, I undertook a significant and impactful project that left a lasting impression on my educational journey. This individual project was designed to challenge students to take a deep focus into a specific technology issue within the classroom environment. It consisted of various components, ultimately culminating in a concise and engaging multimedia presentation on YouTube.
At the outset of the project, I found myself confronted with the task of selecting a technology-related issue that held relevance and significance in today's educational landscape. This initial step was crucial, as it required me to identify an issue that not only resonated with me personally but also had broader implications for teachers, students, and educational institutions. Once I had pinpointed the technology issue, I began a comprehensive exploration. The technological issue I chose was the lack of iPad access in classrooms. This phase involved thorough research.
With a solid foundation of knowledge in place, I then turned my attention to the creation of the YouTube video presentation. This phase called for effective communication skills, as I needed to distill complex information into a concise, accessible, and engaging multimedia presentation. Crafting a compelling narrative, I aimed to not only convey the issue at hand but also propose potential solutions and strategies for addressing it within educational settings. I decided that in order to solve the issue, I would propose the implementation of iPads into all classrooms.
The video presentation served as a powerful medium for sharing my insights and recommendations. It allowed me to reach a wider audience and potentially influence educators and stakeholders who viewed my work. This project required digital literacy skills and familiarity with multimedia tools, which are increasingly relevant in the modern educational landscape.
In conclusion, the individual project in EDTC-6342 was a pivotal learning experience that pushed me to explore and analyze a technology issue within the classroom context. It enhanced my research, communication, and presentation skills while allowing me to make a meaningful contribution to the discourse on technology in education. This project exemplified the practical and impactful nature of the coursework in the Technology Education Leadership program, providing me with valuable insights and preparing me for future leadership roles in the field of educational technology.
Lessons Learned
The journey through the Educational Technology Program at UTRGV has been a transformative experience which was filled with many valuable lessons and seemingly endless opportunities for growth. In the EDTC-6325 Educational Communications, the key project which involved the creation of a Canvas course was exceptionally beneficial to me and served as a way to learn many lessons. It was most definitely a significant milestone in my educational technology journey. I learned that effective course design is crucial. Being organized and well structured is necessary in order for every module, assignment, and resource to be effective. Also, aligning each variable to clear learning objectives is a necessity.
Incorporating multimedia elements such as videos, interactive quizzes, and discussion forms significantly enhances student engagement and understanding and each element caters to students’ diverse learning styles. Accessibility is non-negotiable. Making the course content accessible to all users is essential for each and every assignment.
In the course EDTC-6332 Educational Technology Practicum I furthered my expertise in creating Canvas courses. The key project further enriched my understanding of educational technology and reinforced crucial concepts. I learned that ongoing assessment and feedback is necessary and self-assessments such as flashcards and memory games serve a purpose in each course. Formative assessment is crucial when learning any new topic and by implementing these types of activities within my created Canvas course for this class, I was able to apply that.
The importance of tailoring instruction to meet the individual needs of learners cannot be overstated. Customizing assignments and providing choices empower students to take ownership of their learning. I also learned that collaborative learning is extremely helpful in diversifying your thoughts and increasing concept understanding and enhancing my projects. As previously mentioned, EDTC-6342 Technology Education Leadership also assigned a project that was extremely educational in my educational technology journey.
This project demanded a deep dive into a real-world educational technology issue. I learned the importance of problem-solving skills and the ability to critically analyze situations before proposing solutions. Preparing a YouTube presentation necessitated honing my multimedia production skills. Effective storytelling, visual design, and concise communication was a must. Researching the chosen issue and staying up-to-date with relevant literature was a fundamental step. It underscored the significance of evidence-based decision-making.
Upon reflecting on these experiences, I now see that there are some pieces of advice I would give myself and anyone else who chooses to follow a similar educational technology journey as I did. For one, it is vital to continuously better yourself. I consider myself to be a lifelong learner. I embrace continuous learning since I know each and every day there are endless advances in technology as well as in the world as a whole.
Empathy and flexibility are indispensable across all educational contexts. It is crucial to acknowledge the diverse needs, backgrounds, and learning styles of students. Your teaching approach should consistently reflect empathy, adaptability, and versatility. Collaborating with peers, fellow educators, and administrators can help ensure that you stay up-to-date and informed which in turn can lead to being a more empathetic and flexible professional. My educational technology journey at UTRGV has been a profound learning experience, shaped by the multimedia projects and coursework in each of the courses I took, but especially those in EDTC-6325, EDTC-6332, and EDTC-6342. These experiences have equipped me with essential skills, knowledge, and insights that will serve me well as an educator in the digital age.
Future Goals
My foremost goal for my future in Educational Technology is to ensure that education becomes truly accessible and inclusive in all aspects. To achieve this goal I strive to focus on closing the digital divide as much as possible within my own classroom while also pushing for those around me and on the internet to do so as well. As I move forward, I am excited to apply these lessons and advice to create engaging, accessible, and learner-centered educational experiences. I am committed to continuously improving my teaching practices. Effective technology integration in education requires more than just access to devices and software; it demands thoughtful planning and data-driven decision-making. As an educational technology advocate, I intend to work closely with schools and districts to develop data-driven strategies for technology implementation.
Completing a Master's program in Educational Technology marks a significant milestone in my academic and professional journey. This educational experience has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge, skills, and experiences that have profoundly shaped my vision for the future. Another important goal is to take on leadership roles in educational technology initiatives. I envision myself as a technology coordinator or director, where I can influence the strategic direction of technology integration in educational institutions. My Educational Technology Master’s Program has provided me with a strong foundation in educational leadership, research, and policy.
As a Master's Graduate in Educational Technology, I aim to leverage this knowledge to advocate for equitable access to technology, develop data-driven strategies for technology implementation, and foster a culture of innovation and professional development among educators. My educational journey has equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary to advocate for equitable access to technology, develop data-driven strategies for technology implementation, and foster a culture of innovation and professional development among educators. I have gained a deep understanding of the transformative potential of technology in the field of education.