“In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment,” writes Carol Dweck. This mentality is exactly what the entire MSET program has taught me. The following classes and artifacts throughout the program have pushed the skills I already had to a new level and developed skills I had never previously thought of utilizing.
Objectives: 1.Apply learning theory and the principles of instructional design in curricular and instructional decision-making 2.Be proficient in finding, evaluating, and using current educational research to support continuous improvement in their profession
LT 741 Introduction to Distance Education This class was one of the first classes I took in the program and it opened a world of learning outside of the traditional classroom. Having never taken online classes before I was quite skeptical, but I went in with a positive mindset and I realized the benefits of this online educational setting. Working through this class also gave me ways to incorporate distance education into my classroom allowing students to work with other students across the state and not have to be in the same room. It is amazing how technology can open so many new doors.
LT 712 Instructional Technology for Active Learning During this class we learned about technology-rich active learning which is taking material covered in the classroom and rather than learning by lecture is taught by hands-on technology, enriched material. Project based learning is a good example of this because it allows teachers to make learning more active and fun and gives students the opportunity to present their projects to people outside the classroom and their parents. I had no idea when I took this class how beneficial it would be for my current job. Teaching technology education has made project-based learning become the center of my world and from the moment I took this class on, I have been pushed to continue utilizing and improving in this area.
LT 785 Research Methods in Educational Technology The mission for this class was to develop skills as an effective consumer of educational technology research to improve student learning. This class taught how to locate existing sources of research in educational technology, read and understand the research, critically analyze research projects and proposals, and describe the methodologies used in educational research. Never having much of a background in research, I really didn’t know what to expect from this class. However, it has really helped me make educated decisions on different types of educational technology since taking the class.