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Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Final Blog

I distinctly remember setting up this blog about 2 years ago. I was filled with excitement and anticipation for what was to come. After completing the skills survey for the first time, my excitement and anticipation changed to concern that I wasn’t as computer savvy as I thought! As I got past the initial set of questions, the skills listed were like Greek to me! Honestly, I considered looking into a different program. My husband is actually the one who convinced me to stick with it, and I’m glad he did! By the end of that first class, my mind was wide open to the endless possibilities the web offers. I wasn’t just impressed with the possibilities, but I grew to understand the significance of integrating technology with education. It was at that moment that the paradigm began shifting for me.

This program has helped me to recognize that technology without purpose is cumbersome and ineffective. Sharing with my colleagues the need to engage students through technology was a challenge at the start, but I've gotten more convincing as time has gone on! I’ve become a resource for the people in my building, as well as, some other ITL’s in the district. Use technology with purpose has become my motto.

One of the most memorable lessons I am taking with me from my experience is the Change Game. The politics and strategy that goes into planning for and implementing necessary changes has been most useful to me during this time of crisis for my district. As a leader in my school, I have been able to apply my new found understanding to help facilitate the changes that are/will be affecting the staff and students in my building.

It has been so fulfilling to be able to take what I’ve learned and feel confident enough to implement it with staff and students. It is because of this that I feel so fortunate to have participated in a program with such practical application. I am a person who must find and understand the purpose of everything I spend time and energy on. I was able to be successful in earning my ME-IT from Cardinal Stritch University