Week+5+Assignment+Part+5.2,+Comprehensive+Examination+Components

**Reflection on Overall Degree Program**
====How can I possibly sum up what I have learned in this program? I suppose that I have reflected probably hundreds of times in the course of this program. This program has given me a vision for what technology in education can be. I always knew it could be used to improve instruction and that it had tremendous potential. But I never knew much beyond those vague, general ideas and thoughts.==== ====Years ago I attended a seminar based on Classroom Instruction That Works (Marzano, Pickering, & Pollock, 2001). It was a pivotal learning for me. It both validated what I was already doing in the classroom and encouraged me to go farther. In some ways, the book I read in this program, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works (Pitler, et al., 2007) sums up what I have gained from this program.==== ====The basis for any implementation of technology is sound instruction that is standards based. Through courses such as EDLD 5306 Concepts of Educational Technology, EDLD 5335 Curriculum Management, and EDLD 5368 Instructional Design a foundation was laid. This foundation was good core instruction and curriculum. This is similar to Response to Intervention (RTI Action Network, 2010), where core instruction is the key.==== ====There were other courses that built on this foundation with specific educational technology. EDLD 5388 Web Development and Design taught me about the importance of an easy to navigate and informative website. Yet I also learned about all the complexities that are behind the scenes. EDLD 5364 Teaching with Technology allowed me to use web 2.0 tools to collaborate on a standards based unit that used constructivist principles and educational technology. And of course, EDLD 5363 Multimedia and Video Technology was engaging but required lots of detail, hard work, and collaboration. I was inspired with the possibilities of multimedia in the classroom.==== ====This final Internship course has made me realize that I really am a facilitator of instructional technology. As I studied the ISTE standards and reflected on the field-based activities, I understood how much of that role I have taken on at my new school assignment this year. It is such a blessing to be at a school that has the technology available to me and my students. Having the complete support of my principal along with the interest and encouragement of the rest of the staff is a wonderful way to end this program. I have the knowledge and the confidence to move forward in my own implementation while training and assisting others on the way.==== ====I can’t reflect on this program without thanking the professors, academic coaches, the IT department, and most of all, my classmates for the support and knowledge they have given me. I am a better educator and person for it. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to all of them.====

**Three Year Professional Development Plan**
====I am not planning at this time for any more degree programs such as a doctorate. In fact, being in the final stages of completing this rigorous program, makes it hard to consider what might be next. Educational technology is not just a moving target, it is a rapidly accelerating target. I feel like even now I am barely conscious of all that is available. In order to remain current, I will be taking classes offered by my school district, attending webinars through Digital Directions, and looking out for other learning opportunities.==== ====One of the reasons I wanted to obtain a Masters in Education is to possibly teach at the college level. This is something I will definitely pursue in the next three years. But to be honest, at this time I do not know what, if any, additional training I would need to accomplish that. I have seen classes offered at my local community college offering courses in how to get a certificate for teaching at a community college. So that is a real possibility as an entry-level position.==== ====Finally, I know I want to continue to grow as a technology facilitator and leader. I will seek out opportunities to assist and train other educators in how to implement technology in the classroom. Through my own experiences and learning I will continue to develop as a professional in this area. What training, informal or otherwise, I will need remains to be seen. But make no mistake, I am committed to helping educators harness the power and promise of technology in the classroom.====

**Personal Interests**
Guitar, music, gardening, photography, camping, and family