As my time in the MAET program at Michigan State University comes to a close, along with my formal education in general, I sit here and ponder the ways in which I will continue to grow and evolve as a lifelong learner.  I have always loved school, so continuing my formal education in a master’s program was a great first step. It could not be just any program; however, it had to be the best. MSU’s program has afforded me many opportunities in which to remain relevant and knowledgeable in the field of educational technology; but first, let me take a step back to the beginning of my journey in this program.

 

I knew that I wanted to continue my formal education in the area of educational technology. I searched for a long time at many institutions for a program I felt matched what I was looking for. The program that I felt most connected to was the MAET program at MSU.  The courses in the program have provided me with the tools necessary to successfully remain a lifelong learner. In CEP 810, for example, I learned the importance of describing and developing my personal learning network. Recognizing and being able to grow this network is very important. I plan on developing my personal learning network by continuing to collaborate with educators in the field, locally and across the country. I will collaborate with these individuals face to face as well as through numerous technological means. I intend to make a solid effort to collaborate with my school colleagues as well. I have learned a vast amount of information during my time spent in this program. I plan to take what I have learned and share that information with the people I work with. I foresee myself as a leader in the technological professional development of my colleagues. We live in a completely connected society; using all of the tools (Web 2.0, smartphones, video conferencing, etc.) at my disposal I can collaborate with others, as I believe that collaboration in any arena is the key to learning and growing one’s personal learning network. The world that we live in no longer requires people to be consumers of information, but rather creators and sharers of information.

 

Aside from growing my personal learning network in the previous ways; I hope to join a few professional organizations, not only for technology, but for my undergraduate degree in business education as well. I anticipate using some more generic ways to stay on the edge of technological innovation too. For example, my RSS feed will have the appropriate subscriptions, I will utilize social networks like Facebook, Twitter, and Edmodo.  I am going to continue to access online discussion communities like Classroom 2.0 as well as access blogs and podcasts.

 

My goal as a lifelong learner is to stay active as a consumer and contributor of technology. I realize that the most important part of expanding my personal learning network is to collaborate as much as possible with others and to experiment with technology in other non-formal ways.  Although, I am a fan of using online collaboration tools, I enjoy more formal means as well. I will participate with other people in the field through conferences, professional development workshops, collegiate courses, and other activities that are available.

 

Regardless of what endeavors I decide to partake in as an educator learning, growing, and evolving in the realm of educational technology, I hope that I gain knowledge from positive experiences that I can use to make a difference in the educational community. I realize that technology is extremely important on a worldly scale, and not just in education. Technology has the capability to enhance learning in powerful and meaningful ways for all people.  A personal learning network is extraordinarily important as an educator and growing mine will give me the chance to provide more meaningful experiences to others. I have grown and will continue to grow my network through the various professionals I have met in the MAET program and at my school, using social media, collaborating with my students, as well as traditional means of education. I love to learn, especially when learning relates to technology. I am a 21st century learner and wish to share my passion to those around me (online and in person).