Open or Close?
Edit and Save
-My Future as a Learner-
By: Lindsey Ferstle
Throughout my online Masters program at Michigan State
University, I have been challenged to learn more about computer technology and
develop a close relationship to my personal computer. While
most of peers gravitate towards utilizing new innovations, I have always dreaded the thought of technology. My excuses have been, “It takes the personal
touch out of relationships,” and “Why type mail on a computer when you can have
engaging conversations in person?” So, after five years in Michigan State
University’s undergraduate teacher education program, I moved to Atlanta, Georgia and was faced with a difficult
decision- open or close? Was I going to
open up to a new adventure and finally learn about new technologies, or was I
going to close my relationship with a university that prides itself in
preparing the best teachers in education through a collaborative online learning program?
After weighing out the pros and cons of participating in an online only Masters program, I decided that I needed to be challenged to learn more about technology, without sacrificing relationships. I opened a new chapter in my life that consisted of several goals:
1. Become proficient in a program other than Microsoft Word
2. Use the computer to celebrate and extend relationships
3. Learn safe ways for students to use technology that help them advance in society
Throughout my education through MSU’s Master of Arts in Education (MAED) program, I have been able to use my goals to challenge myself and create new visions for the future. My accomplishments through the MAED program has given me experience in a plethora of programs including PowerPoint, Publisher, PhotoStory, and MovieMaker as well as broadened my depth of knowledge of teaching websites and interactive ways to teach and learn. I have been inspired by how applying innovation has allowed me to create a class blog, webpage, and a professional portfolio on the web to showcase my learning while inspiring others to open up to the endless possibilities of technology.
After two years in Michigan State’s online program, I have gained a new perspective on the benefits innovation can achieve by connecting learning with application. Throughout the MAED program, I have edited my teaching philosophy to include a need for new ways to reach students and prepare them for success. As I look into my future as a life-long learner, I plan to devote my efforts to teaching and learning more about technology. I plan to pursue the following challenges:
Technology in the classroom
· Give students experience with a variety of technologies including software, telecommunications, and video
· Teach my students how to create their own blogs
Technology in the field of education
· Educate faculty with meaningful design and implementation of authentic technology
· Foster a challenging and supportive learning relationship between the staff, parents, and community members
Technology at home
· Create a family blog to keep in touch with members across the country
· Create a photo sharing site for others to see our documented life experiences
Overall, the advances of technology have opened my interests and inspired me to rethink how to grow my skills both in the classroom and at home. Prior to my experiences at MSU, I was reluctant to take on the challenge of adopting technology in my life, but I have learned to save my new learning as I head into adventures the future will bring. I look forward to the journey ahead with the words of Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft Corporation, at the heart of my future with my computer.
After weighing out the pros and cons of participating in an online only Masters program, I decided that I needed to be challenged to learn more about technology, without sacrificing relationships. I opened a new chapter in my life that consisted of several goals:
1. Become proficient in a program other than Microsoft Word
2. Use the computer to celebrate and extend relationships
3. Learn safe ways for students to use technology that help them advance in society
Throughout my education through MSU’s Master of Arts in Education (MAED) program, I have been able to use my goals to challenge myself and create new visions for the future. My accomplishments through the MAED program has given me experience in a plethora of programs including PowerPoint, Publisher, PhotoStory, and MovieMaker as well as broadened my depth of knowledge of teaching websites and interactive ways to teach and learn. I have been inspired by how applying innovation has allowed me to create a class blog, webpage, and a professional portfolio on the web to showcase my learning while inspiring others to open up to the endless possibilities of technology.
After two years in Michigan State’s online program, I have gained a new perspective on the benefits innovation can achieve by connecting learning with application. Throughout the MAED program, I have edited my teaching philosophy to include a need for new ways to reach students and prepare them for success. As I look into my future as a life-long learner, I plan to devote my efforts to teaching and learning more about technology. I plan to pursue the following challenges:
Technology in the classroom
· Give students experience with a variety of technologies including software, telecommunications, and video
· Teach my students how to create their own blogs
Technology in the field of education
· Educate faculty with meaningful design and implementation of authentic technology
· Foster a challenging and supportive learning relationship between the staff, parents, and community members
Technology at home
· Create a family blog to keep in touch with members across the country
· Create a photo sharing site for others to see our documented life experiences
Overall, the advances of technology have opened my interests and inspired me to rethink how to grow my skills both in the classroom and at home. Prior to my experiences at MSU, I was reluctant to take on the challenge of adopting technology in my life, but I have learned to save my new learning as I head into adventures the future will bring. I look forward to the journey ahead with the words of Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft Corporation, at the heart of my future with my computer.
The number one benefit of information technology is that it empowers people to do what they want to do. It lets people be creative. It lets people be productive. It lets people learn things they didn't think they could learn before, and so in a sense it is all about potential.
~Steve Ballmer
~Steve Ballmer