Personal Reflection:
When I first signed up for a Masters Program in Instructional technology, I thought that what I was in for was an update of the technology skills that I had acquired over the years of my teaching experience. What I received was so much more than those humble expectations.
First of all, I learned about Digital Citizenship and the many factors an educator must prepare for when using online resources. Previously, my students were less protected and not as well instructed in netiquette, safety, and respecting copyright law. All of those areas have now been addressed and I feel much more confident about my students' activities online.
Next, I previously had no idea what and LMS was, least of all ow to tell the difference between a good one and a bad one. Additionally, my use of rubrics has been refined as has my instructional design skills. The use of the ADDIE model has greatly impacted my teaching as I incorporate it into many of the learning activities for my students.
I have no regrets and only gratitude for my experiences at UWG. While on occasion, I would stress out about an assignment or set of instructions, I learned to step back and take a broader view of the whole experience. What I came away with is a GREAT education, and what I can now do is HUGE in comparison to what I could do before. The award that I show on my home page is a direct result of my experiences at UWG and the impact of my instructors and colleagues on my growth as a professional educator.
When I first signed up for a Masters Program in Instructional technology, I thought that what I was in for was an update of the technology skills that I had acquired over the years of my teaching experience. What I received was so much more than those humble expectations.
First of all, I learned about Digital Citizenship and the many factors an educator must prepare for when using online resources. Previously, my students were less protected and not as well instructed in netiquette, safety, and respecting copyright law. All of those areas have now been addressed and I feel much more confident about my students' activities online.
Next, I previously had no idea what and LMS was, least of all ow to tell the difference between a good one and a bad one. Additionally, my use of rubrics has been refined as has my instructional design skills. The use of the ADDIE model has greatly impacted my teaching as I incorporate it into many of the learning activities for my students.
I have no regrets and only gratitude for my experiences at UWG. While on occasion, I would stress out about an assignment or set of instructions, I learned to step back and take a broader view of the whole experience. What I came away with is a GREAT education, and what I can now do is HUGE in comparison to what I could do before. The award that I show on my home page is a direct result of my experiences at UWG and the impact of my instructors and colleagues on my growth as a professional educator.
Clarity versus Distortion
The art of reflection takes many years to develop. One must not focus too much on the tiny imperfections lest the larger and more real image lose power. Looking at the photo below, one can easily see a beautiful mountain and a surreal reflection in the water of a tiny alpine pond. After close inspection, many imperfections in the water become visible. The grasses and algae that grow beneath the water's surface disturb the mirror-like surface. Viewed in isolation, the grasses are aberrations that can get in the way of a perfect reflection. Viewed as the foreground in a complete image, the grasses add depth and character to the pond, and ultimately, the overall image.
One of the most important best practices of educators is to take frequent snapshots..... reflect....improve.... and take another snapshot!
One of the most important best practices of educators is to take frequent snapshots..... reflect....improve.... and take another snapshot!