Graduate Showcase
This page is designed to showcase my journey through the Master of Arts in Educational Technology (MAET) from Michigan State University (MSU). I was challenged to take on the role of an innovator, to step into the role of a student, as well as reflect on my role as a teacher. This program offered many opportunities to push me out of my educational comfort zone. Below you will find some of my work that highlights my time in the MAET program.
Reflecting on my time in the program, I concluded that two main categories define my experiences. I was pushed to become an innovator and step into the role my students who play. I chose this category because innovation is an essential theme within the MAET program, but also within the modern educational system. I wanted to present artifacts from this category to show that I have grown as an innovator, something that I will have to teach my students, and how this will benefit my future as a teacher. My second category is how I grew as an educator. I redefined my pedagogical beliefs and learned new ways to improve my classroom. I believe that the program truly pushes educators to reflect on their current practices, build professional relationships, and truly think deeply about how technology and best practices fit together to create an amazing learning experience for our students.
Becoming an Innovator
(Re)Designing a Learning Space
One of my favorite projects during this program was to design a flexible seating classroom. I designed a room using a website called Floor Planner. I used colors, different types of seats, open space, and levels to create a classroom that would accommodate many preferences and welcome students. This really pushed me as an innovator because I had to figure out how to make such a small space feel safe and inviting. What was really exciting was when I showed my principal, who loved it, and was able to make my concept a reality! This was made possible because I showed my ability to thoughtfully plan out a space that would benefit my students and make the classroom feel more welcoming and open.
Networked Learning Project
During my Networked Learning Project, I used only online resources to learn how to decorate a cake using fondant. I was able to explore different types of resources such as social media, video platforms, and affinity spaces such as Reddit. I faced challenges like finding specific resources and having to practice something new without having a teacher there to guide me. However, I was able to look for answers as I needed them and found a plethora of resources to demonstrate techniques. By the end of the project, I had successfully learned how to decorate a cake using fondant and shared my product with interested and excited coworkers. While I learned how to make a delicious cake, this project also showcases my ability to find resources online and build a network to help me learn how to do something. This idea is essential for me to keep my practices relevant and effective in the classroom.
Learning to Question
A More Beautiful Question By Warren Berger proved an incredible resource when reflecting on my own questioning practices. How does questioning tie into being an innovator? Makers and innovators must constantly question what they are doing in an effort to make improvements. This is what I learned while reading the book and participating in an activity. I dove deeper into my own teaching practices and narrowed them into one wicked problem. This video shows my ability to not only develop important questions, but also to reflect on their impact on my students and practice.
Cooking with TPACK
While learning about Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK), I was asked to participate in an activity called "Cooking with TPACK." This was a one-take video in which I had to complete a task that was chosen by pulling a number from a bowl, using tools chosen for me by someone else. The catch was that the person choosing my items had no idea what they would be used for. I had to become an innovator and figure out how to make a "fruit salad" using the materials in the video. I learned about using what you have to get the job done and comparing this to using tools meant for the job. This activity shows my ability to be flexible and resourceful with the tools available within my classroom.
Growing as an educator
A Wicked Problem
In one of my courses, I was really challenged to tackle a wicked problem. My questioning led me to the problem of socialization in school. Throughout this process, I conducted research into why school isn't as social as most other aspects of life and how we can change this. I have already started applying more student talk in my classroom in the hopes of improving communication skills and engagement in school. My blog shows my growth and thoughts throughout my exploration of my wicked problem. I was able to document the process which concluded with my Wicked Problem Presentation. This presentation showed my ability to question, reflect, and create possible solutions to a systemic problem.
Creating an Online Unit
I have been fortunate enough to explore online courses for my own students. For this, I used a website called Schoology to create a hybrid unit. I applied what I learned about flipped classrooms and hybrid courses to create a more seamless online experience for my students. Instead of listening to lectures in class, they have been moved online so that most of class is spent helping students and digging deeper into content. The link below is my completed online course model and it exemplifies my ability to create a hybrid course. It's made to meet the needs of several student needs and encourage interaction and technology integration.
Access Code: SWP7-SHH7-8RVTF
Educational Research
One of the most challenging courses I took during my program was on educational research. I chose to make the focus of my research Project Based Learning (PBL). This is something I am passionate about and am also required to do in my school. I learned how to research and be as unbiased as possible while also understanding how to decode data. From this course, I am able to effectively research educational topics and find sources that will both support and oppose it. I will be better prepared for my students and understanding teaching best practices.