The Mr. Potato Head Administrator with Tech Skills!
What truly makes a great educational leader? I have asked that question many times. For some reason the answer is not as simple as it may seem; it is truly complex. Every time I begin to think the answer is easy, I engage in a situation that changes my thought process. My reference to the Mr. Potato head administrator is based on my philosophy that within each leader there are qualities that make an outstanding leader. My new goals for the middle school staff and students will help to create educational technology within all classrooms. To reach my goals I have discovered that I need to become a tech specialist so that staff can come to me for support.
My original goal statement that I used for my application was somewhat off base on what I originally thought I was going to be indulging in with the Masters of Arts in Educational Technology (MAET program). If you take a look at it you will find I used Prezi and Camtasia as my technologies as my venue to communicate my MAET Goal Statement. I thought they wanted to see if I had enough savvy with technology to actually be accepted into the program. My goal began with a common statement “Engaging students in learning by creating a culture of education that immerses students in diverse methods of learning.” That is still one of my goals, but it is very broad and I feel that I should be expanding that statement with more specific information. There is just so much out there that can make learning fun and creative. By using technology, student learning can be delivered in a creative manner. That is the main purpose for pursuing the MAET degree is to do exactly that.. As the building leader, it is my job to continue to support and guide teachers in learning new methods. Through the program, I have learned first-hand how integrating technology can impact learning for our students, and that has been invaluable to me. I discovered a wide variety of classroom resources and tools during my time in CEP 810, CEP 811, and CEP 812. I learned the value of repurposing technology tools for educational use and I discovered dozens of resources.
Another part of my goal statement geared toward me being the principal, “As the building instructional leader my passion is to embrace technology and be able to support teachers and students in learning 21st century skills” I believe that this program has given me the tools to complete this goal. My theoretical approach to technology education was most heavily influenced taking CEP 800, CEP 815, CEP 822. These courses were taken during the summer of 2013 in the East Lansing “Hybrid” Program. During this time I learned how to become a technology leader providing resources to lead others about the use of learning and technology.
Throughout the MAET program I have been challenged to be reflective about my leadership and the use of technology education. Through the use of the TPACK Framework I can continue to grow as an educator and at the end of the day, the staff and students I work with will be much better for it.
My original goal statement that I used for my application was somewhat off base on what I originally thought I was going to be indulging in with the Masters of Arts in Educational Technology (MAET program). If you take a look at it you will find I used Prezi and Camtasia as my technologies as my venue to communicate my MAET Goal Statement. I thought they wanted to see if I had enough savvy with technology to actually be accepted into the program. My goal began with a common statement “Engaging students in learning by creating a culture of education that immerses students in diverse methods of learning.” That is still one of my goals, but it is very broad and I feel that I should be expanding that statement with more specific information. There is just so much out there that can make learning fun and creative. By using technology, student learning can be delivered in a creative manner. That is the main purpose for pursuing the MAET degree is to do exactly that.. As the building leader, it is my job to continue to support and guide teachers in learning new methods. Through the program, I have learned first-hand how integrating technology can impact learning for our students, and that has been invaluable to me. I discovered a wide variety of classroom resources and tools during my time in CEP 810, CEP 811, and CEP 812. I learned the value of repurposing technology tools for educational use and I discovered dozens of resources.
Another part of my goal statement geared toward me being the principal, “As the building instructional leader my passion is to embrace technology and be able to support teachers and students in learning 21st century skills” I believe that this program has given me the tools to complete this goal. My theoretical approach to technology education was most heavily influenced taking CEP 800, CEP 815, CEP 822. These courses were taken during the summer of 2013 in the East Lansing “Hybrid” Program. During this time I learned how to become a technology leader providing resources to lead others about the use of learning and technology.
Throughout the MAET program I have been challenged to be reflective about my leadership and the use of technology education. Through the use of the TPACK Framework I can continue to grow as an educator and at the end of the day, the staff and students I work with will be much better for it.