Looking Back...
When I first started researching master’s programs, I knew two things were certain; I had to obtain my degree through Michigan State University and it had to be a degree that I not only found interesting, but something that I would actually utilize within my own classroom. Lo and behold I stumbled across the Educational Technology Program.
I knew that I was going to dive into the Educational Technology Certificate Program first, clearly knowing that was the gateway to the actual master’s program. Because I had such a great experience my first year with the program, there was no doubt that I was going to continue to get my Master of Arts in Educational Technology.
Before entering the certificate program, I really didn’t know how to creatively incorporate technology across the curriculum. I definitely would have considered myself a novice. My initial goal statement last summer (2012) for this program was that I wanted to learn how to effectively integrate technological tools into my classroom to benefit my students' educational experience. I wanted to provide them with the tools needed to boost them in the 21st Century. This was definitely something very new to me, but I felt that this program would be exactly what I needed to not only make learning more meaningful for my students, but would enhance how I taught in the long run; I knew I would be teaching with a purpose.
Since I started the Educational Technology Program over two years ago, my teaching style has changed immensely. I am fortunate enough to work in a school district that has an abundance of technological tools. For two years, I taught in a classroom where each student had access to a laptop. This past school year, each of my students had their very own iPad. Because of the education I've received through the MAET program, I have been able to incorporate new skills, web 2.0 tools, and 21st Century features into every subject I teach. I always knew that I should be using technology in my classroom, but it wasn't until this journey through the program that I realized why I should do it and how. Every assignment and hands-on-activity was a new learning experience for me that I couldn't wait to utilize in my own classroom.
The MAET program at MSU has pushed me to think outside the box. It has made me evaluate TPACK at a completely different level and allowed me to expand my teaching horizon. Ultimately, this program has made me a much better educator, and I am truly grateful for such an enlightening experience.
~Jacy Nay
I knew that I was going to dive into the Educational Technology Certificate Program first, clearly knowing that was the gateway to the actual master’s program. Because I had such a great experience my first year with the program, there was no doubt that I was going to continue to get my Master of Arts in Educational Technology.
Before entering the certificate program, I really didn’t know how to creatively incorporate technology across the curriculum. I definitely would have considered myself a novice. My initial goal statement last summer (2012) for this program was that I wanted to learn how to effectively integrate technological tools into my classroom to benefit my students' educational experience. I wanted to provide them with the tools needed to boost them in the 21st Century. This was definitely something very new to me, but I felt that this program would be exactly what I needed to not only make learning more meaningful for my students, but would enhance how I taught in the long run; I knew I would be teaching with a purpose.
Since I started the Educational Technology Program over two years ago, my teaching style has changed immensely. I am fortunate enough to work in a school district that has an abundance of technological tools. For two years, I taught in a classroom where each student had access to a laptop. This past school year, each of my students had their very own iPad. Because of the education I've received through the MAET program, I have been able to incorporate new skills, web 2.0 tools, and 21st Century features into every subject I teach. I always knew that I should be using technology in my classroom, but it wasn't until this journey through the program that I realized why I should do it and how. Every assignment and hands-on-activity was a new learning experience for me that I couldn't wait to utilize in my own classroom.
The MAET program at MSU has pushed me to think outside the box. It has made me evaluate TPACK at a completely different level and allowed me to expand my teaching horizon. Ultimately, this program has made me a much better educator, and I am truly grateful for such an enlightening experience.
~Jacy Nay