Painting a Picture of the Future

It is difficult to put into words how far I have developed professionally over the length of my master's program. The experience has made me grow into a true leader and catalyst for change. This is reflected in my final project for this course. It shows that I am not only up-to-date with educational technologies but that I feel comfortable exploring the potentials there are on the horizon. This is the result of piecing together all the elements built upon throughout my program.

I believe that I have now formed an effective network of professional support and resources through joining Ning groups, receiving RSS feeds from blogs I have identified, following professionals using technology in the classroom on Twitter, and even identifying potential networking locations within Second Life, that will continue to inspire me towards improvement in my teaching practices. Most importantly they can also help me keep a finger on the pulse of those emerging technologies to come. Through my efforts to integrate technology in my classroom, I have moved into a leadership position at my school. As the Technology Teacher Leader, I have a greater influence over the application and adoption of new and emerging technologies at my school. I plan to continue my efforts in training my fellow faculty members in the use of technology to reach all learners and keep improving my leadership skills in this area.


I have become confident enough in my abilities to push my influence to another level. I recently became part of a group of nine teachers who volunteered to develop online courses for our school district to offer as professional development. Participating in this venture allows me to influence change in two ways; one, to use technology to provide learning on-demand for busy educators who need alternatives means for professional development, and two, to develop on-line courses to instruct teachers beyond the walls of my school building about how they can use technology in the classroom to teach content standards and support 21st century skills.


My hope is that by taking this three tiered approach to sharing what I have learned and what I continue to learn about teaching 21st century learners and emerging technologies, will insure that my efforts will make a difference in some child's life.