Summative Perspectives for the MAED in Instructional Technology Portfolio

            As I approach the end of my internship and reflect on my portfolio and participation in the MAED in Instructional Technology program, I cannot help but to feel a great sense of accomplishment. I am confident that I am prepared to begin a career as a Technology Facilitator and to use what I have learned to help teachers and students to be more successful.  The artifacts collected through this portfolio not only show I have a mastery of the standards, but also show the growth I have made throughout this program.

            When starting the MAED in Instructional Technology program, I was a bit nervous.  I had just finished a one-year AIG Specialist licensure cohort through ECU and it was not without many trials and tribulations.  So, I was concerned about committing for two years at the same Masters level and continuing to work full time.  However, due to the content of the classes, I was able to incorporate much of what I needed to do within my job, as a teacher, so not only did that make the tasks somewhat easier to accomplish, but it also made them much more relevant.  When I first noticed that this was possible I became very excited and worked toward using as much of my learning within my teaching as possible.  This became not only a less stressful situation for me, but it was also very beneficial for my students and the teachers I work with.

            When I first started this program, I thought Instructional Technology was simply finding resources to use in the classroom.  I thought I was going to spend two years creating folders and folders of “stuff” to share with my teachers.  What I did not know was that it was so much more.  Yes, I did find some very valuable resources that I immediately ran back to teachers to use in their classrooms, but that was not all I was able to share.  I was also able to share with teachers how to write effective technology-integrated lessons.  I was able to share with other specialists how to evaluate technology resources.  I was also able to share with my principals the importance of safe and responsible use.  So, through this program I realized that Instructional Technology is much more than folders of “stuff”.

            I believe my portfolio shows that through the MAED in Instructional Technology program I gained the knowledge to be a leader in my school.  I am able to lead teachers in creating effective technology-integrated lessons and to using technology appropriately to teach and assess students.  I have learned the importance of technology in the classroom and can explain to others that importance.  I am also able to justify appropriate use and can make recommendations for improvements to make use in our schools so much more efficient and safe for students and teachers.

            While my journey as a student at ECU is ending, I cannot help to be excited about the start of my new journey as a Master educator.   I look forward to continuing my work with children and teachers, now, with the new knowledge of Instructional Technology beside me.  It is exciting to me to face the unknown, as the world of technology continues to change, knowing that I have experiences and the education to guide me through it.