"We're changing the world with technology."
Bill Gates

Where I came from.....    
    When I look back to May 2008 at my goal statement that I wrote when applying for my Master's in Educational Technology at MSU I said, that I felt that I had a "good handle" on technology and that I did "ok" integrating it into my classroom. 

My main goals of these courses:
    1. Learn how to use and incorporate age appropriate learning
        programs and internet sites for my students.
    2. Learn how to integrate wiki's and podcasts into my curriculum.
    3. Use my new knowledge to teach other teachers new technology.

Where I am now.....
    As I sit at my computer today, I am amazed at really how little I knew about technology when I started this program four summers ago.  (I say four summers ago becuase with teaching and raising two young boys I only am taking classes during the summer.)  I want to start with reflecting on the goals I set for myself.  My first goal had to do with being able to incorporate age appropriate learning programs into my classroom. I am now able to do this with ease.  I have a lot of new resources and have even created a homepage that I can use with my students with sites that match our curriculum. 
    My second goal had to do with learning about podcasts and wiki's.  I have had experience with both over the courses of classes.  I honestly have to say that I have not used them in the past year in my classroom, but I may give them a try in the near future. 
    Goal number three was to use my new knowledge to teach others. This past year, I have worked closely with the other first grade teachers and shared with them my homepage, WebQuest, and a KidPix project that I created.  Along with sharing, I have also provided them encouragement and support to try something new!  I also worked closely with our technology consultant and was nominated to be a part of the Elementary Technology Integration Commitee.  I am excited and looking forward to helping all the elementary teachers in our district learn new ways that technology can enhance learning!

Where I am going.....
    Please click here to read my Future as a Learner Essay".