I first came into MAET program as a student who was very interested in using technology in the classroom. At the time, I became a newly hired Instructional Technology Specialist for the Cornwall-Lebanon School District. My role was to support technology-related initiatives in the district, which primarily revolved around the 1:1 program that was rolled out at Cedar Crest High School. I had experience using technology in a variety of ways during my classroom experiences as a high school mathematics teacher. However, most of my ideas revolved around finding ways to make math engaging for students. I knew that my focus would need to change to broaden my perspective to all subjects and grade-levels in my new position.

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My initial goal when entering the Master of Arts in Educational Technology (MAET) program was essentially to learn how to effectively integrate technology into the classroom so that I would be able to support teachers in their efforts. Typically, I believe people go into programs looking to advance their current positions. I went into this program to refine skills that I could use when beginning my new position.

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I believe that my initial goal is foundational to what any Instructional Technology Specialist seeks to do. This goal is still important to me and will continue to be a part of what I hope to accomplish in the future. However, this goal is very vague and does not include details that I think are vital to my job.

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As a result, I have decided to expand on this goal by keeping these points in mind. I understand that in order for me to be successful in my efforts to support district initiatives I need to do the following:

• Focus on relationships first

• Take more time in the planning of new initiatives before they are rolled out

• Keep in mind the perspective of extreme technology users

• Understand the risks vs benefits to students to see if new initiatives are beneficial

• Include all stakeholders in the process – especially students

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I also believe that I came into the MAET program thinking that there was some sort of “cookie cutter” method for integrating technology (flipped learning, station rotation, etc). I now understand that there is no “correct” way. Technology is only one part of the puzzle. Every teacher will build on their ideas and strengths to find a way to best support their students. There will always be new ideas that emerge. Educators face the challenge of aiming at a moving target. I need to continue to learn so that I can provide guidance to promote the best possible learning for our students.

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The MAET program has empowered me to take on more of a leadership role in my technology department and in the district as a whole. I see myself as an effective forward-thinking problem solver now instead of someone who would only react to issues. I will lead change that is needed to promote the best learning for students. I will continue to learn and potentially build on my experience to seek a formalized leadership position in Instructional Technology in the future.

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Ultimately, I will use my knowledge of educational technology to make a difference in my school, community, and education as a whole. The possibilities are endless!

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