Goals: Past, Present and Future

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When I applied to the Masters of Arts in Educational Technology (MAET) program at Michigan State University, I had three primary goals in mind.

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Past: Initial Goals 

1. To equip myself to teach new educators about Kagan Cooperative Learning at the collegiate level, specifically within teacher credentialing programs. I wanted these future teachers to enter their careers with a strong foundation in Kagan Structures, fostering student engagement from the onset. 

2. To deepen my expertise in integrating technology into classroom instruction, a passion that grew during the shift to distance learning. 

3. As a professional development presenter and school department chair, I aimed to enhance my leadership and presentation skills, potentially preparing myself for an administrative role in the future.

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Present: Progress on Initial Goals

As I progressed through the MAET program, I found that my original goals were not only addressed but also refined and expanded in significant ways. The program's emphasis on the TPACK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge) framework and the "Explore, Create, Share" model has been instrumental in my development as an educator. This framework has transformed my approach to lesson planning, focusing on placing learning into students' hands through interactive and technology-integrated experiences.

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This shift was especially evident in my ability to create lessons that move beyond traditional "sit and get" methods, instead fostering environments where students actively create and demonstrate their understanding. Furthermore, the variety of assessment strategies I learned has broadened my toolkit, allowing for more meaningful evaluations of student learning.

While I did not initially expect the program to directly assist me in teaching Kagan Cooperative Learning at the collegiate level, the diverse learning experiences I encountered—ranging from asynchronous online courses to hybrid models—have prepared me for the various teaching formats I might use in the future. These experiences have equipped me with practical insights into how I might structure and deliver a course on Kagan Structures, should the opportunity arise.

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A significant milestone in my progress toward my leadership goal was my experience in the CEP 815 (Technology and Leadership) course. This course offered invaluable insights into the multifaceted nature of educational leadership. It emphasized that leadership extends beyond formal administrative roles, encompassing the influence and impact one can have within their immediate educational community and beyond.

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Future: Evolving Goals and Aspirations

As I near the completion of my degree, my goals have evolved but remain fundamentally aligned with my initial aspirations.

1. My ambition to teach Kagan Cooperative Learning at the collegiate level remains unchanged. I am more committed than ever to providing new teachers with engaging tools from the beginning of their careers, ensuring they can foster dynamic and inclusive classrooms.

2. Integrating technology into my teaching, has been deeply enriched by the MAET program. The TPACK framework and "Explore, Create, Share" model are now central to my pedagogical approach. Additionally, my understanding of meaningful assessment has expanded, allowing me to design more comprehensive and interactive learning experiences.

3. Regarding leadership, my perspective has shifted. Initially, I saw an administrative role as a potential future step. However, I discovered that leadership does not require an administrative title. This realization has focused my goals on enhancing my capacity as a teacher leader and presenter. I find greater fulfillment in working directly with educators, sharing insights and strategies, and fostering professional growth among my colleagues.

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Conclusion

In reflecting on my journey through the MAET program at Michigan State University, I see significant growth and refinement in my goals. While my core objectives remain intact, my understanding of how to achieve them has deepened. The program has equipped me with advanced skills in technology integration, meaningful assessment, and educational leadership. As I look to the future, I am excited to continue my journey as a passionate educator, committed to enhancing both my teaching practice and the professional development of my peers.