During 2011 when looking into what I might want to do for my graduate work I looked at a couple of different programs that I thought would help me become a better teacher, one of those was the Masters in Arts of Educational Technologies, or MAET, program.  

 

Through my research into the program I read about Punya Mishra and Matt Koehler. Their focus on application, integration, assimilation, and then its connection to pedagogy. In my application letter to the MAET program I wrote about how I wanted to learn more about integration of useful technologies into the classroom so that I could improve my pedagogy, which both Mishra and Koehler have discussed in their multiple publications, both as individuals and in their joint ventures. This was all a focus in my application paper to the program, stating that their theories and practices were something I wanted to learn more about, and actually became a dream of mine to hopefully meet them. Throughout my time taking these classes and mutual friends I actually got a chance to meet Punya Mishra, from there I was able to really learn a lot from him.  Through my time knowing him he has been gracious enough to come speak at our Michigan Arts Education Conference(s), have discussions about education and the Arts place in it, and other enlightening interactions.  Along with that I am finally able to take a class designed by Koehler, therefore accomplishing my old goals, but with any goal they must transform and evolve into something aimed towards continually bettering one’s self.  With this I want to reflect on my current goals and how they have transformed.

 

In my journey through the MAET program my goals have transformed, assimilating new ideas, theories, and information therefore shaping me into the educator and person I am now.  Some of these transformations and changes have been recognizing and accessing my ability to creatively problem solve.  This recognition of this skill really came to light in my first year, complemented by the “play” that the teacher made us do for our lessons. This “play” came in the form of having us students try out a program before even discussing the tools available to us.  This helped me gain a deeper understanding in the long run.  The teacher was teaching me to be more independent and figure out solutions by ourselves.  This is an ideal that quickly on changed my outlook on teaching and my goals for the school year.  With that I have taken every meaningful teaching method, idea, and theory and applied it to my teaching, therefore constantly changing my goals from more closed ended goals to a more open ended one of continual self-improvement.   

 

All these goals, classes, and practices have not been solely for me but actually for my students, both current and future.  I pride myself in being one of those teachers who “practices what they preach”, so if I expect my students to try their best then I too need to do the same.  With this attitude paired with my transformed goals of continual improvement I feel as if I am headed down the right teaching and educational path and look forward to the lessons learned through the journey.