Future Learning
“Around here, however, we don't look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we're curious...and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” - Walt Disney 1
Three and a half years ago I applied to the Masters of Education and Digital Technology program at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT). As I re-visit my application letter of intent I am struck by how uncertain I was of my future, where this program would take me, and how eager I was to be accepted. The following is an excerpt from my Letter of Intent to this Masters program that I believe reflects that uncertainty and eagerness.
When I began to write my letter of intent, I reflected upon the questions that were
being asked (i.e., What are my career aspirations?, What are my interests regarding this program?
Why a masters of education and digital technology?, What do I plan to do with this degree once I have achieved it?
The honest answer is that as of yet I am uncertain as to exactly what the future holds for me.
What I am more certain of is that this degree will enable me to gain a deeper understanding of
children’s learning and development and how technology can be embedded into the curriculum to
improve children’s academic outcomes.
-Jennifer Levine, 2011 ( Letter of Intent-UOIT)
Today, that uncertainty is replaced with confidence; confidence in my skills, confidence in my ability to critically think, and confidence in the knowledge that my academic journey is far from over and my professional journey is just beginning.
My background is in teaching children at the primary/junior level. In my heart I will always be a teacher. However, over the last 3 years I have learned that education does not always have to take place within the four walls of a classroom. When I first started teaching 10 years ago, it was difficult to break the traditional idea of teacher as possessor of knowledge. My Master's courses have stressed the idea of teacher as facilitator of knowledge. This idea was consistently demonstrated in how our professors conducted their courses and how we as students were challenged to create presentations that were informative, interactive and collaborative. This was an invaluable learning experience which challenged me to expand my traditional ideas of a teacher and to be comfortable seeking employment in a different field.
Currently, I am looking forward to a career as an E-Learning Specialist. In this role I will be able to combine my understanding of technology and education by creating innovative e-learning training modules. As an E-Learning Specialist I recognize that I will need to continue my education. I am currently looking to apply to programs that provide further insight into adult education and training. As well, I am looking for additional courses that could help to expand my knowledge in different e-learning applications (e.g., Captivate, Lectora ,e-learning design and development). These are all applications that would further my understanding of e-learning principles and applications.
During my time at UOIT I was fortunate to be able to interact with individuals that brought with them a plethora of experiences and ideas, and who always challenged me to stretch beyond my comfort zone. As I prepare to leave this program I recognize that I am leaving behind a community of learners who have consistently opened up my eyes to new ideas and theories of educational technology. Many of my classmates were in professions that put them at the forefront of technology in education and they would bring these experiences to the classroom. It is through them that I was introduced to different presentation platforms, i.e: prezi, sliderocket, camtasia, weebly, wordpress. As well, new innovations that would occur within their fields were continuously shared with the class i.e: iPad innovations etc.It is with a measure of sadness that I leave this community, but I am excited to embark on my new journey with the understanding that my education will never end.
Three and a half years ago I applied to the Masters of Education and Digital Technology program at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT). As I re-visit my application letter of intent I am struck by how uncertain I was of my future, where this program would take me, and how eager I was to be accepted. The following is an excerpt from my Letter of Intent to this Masters program that I believe reflects that uncertainty and eagerness.
When I began to write my letter of intent, I reflected upon the questions that were
being asked (i.e., What are my career aspirations?, What are my interests regarding this program?
Why a masters of education and digital technology?, What do I plan to do with this degree once I have achieved it?
The honest answer is that as of yet I am uncertain as to exactly what the future holds for me.
What I am more certain of is that this degree will enable me to gain a deeper understanding of
children’s learning and development and how technology can be embedded into the curriculum to
improve children’s academic outcomes.
-Jennifer Levine, 2011 ( Letter of Intent-UOIT)
Today, that uncertainty is replaced with confidence; confidence in my skills, confidence in my ability to critically think, and confidence in the knowledge that my academic journey is far from over and my professional journey is just beginning.
My background is in teaching children at the primary/junior level. In my heart I will always be a teacher. However, over the last 3 years I have learned that education does not always have to take place within the four walls of a classroom. When I first started teaching 10 years ago, it was difficult to break the traditional idea of teacher as possessor of knowledge. My Master's courses have stressed the idea of teacher as facilitator of knowledge. This idea was consistently demonstrated in how our professors conducted their courses and how we as students were challenged to create presentations that were informative, interactive and collaborative. This was an invaluable learning experience which challenged me to expand my traditional ideas of a teacher and to be comfortable seeking employment in a different field.
Currently, I am looking forward to a career as an E-Learning Specialist. In this role I will be able to combine my understanding of technology and education by creating innovative e-learning training modules. As an E-Learning Specialist I recognize that I will need to continue my education. I am currently looking to apply to programs that provide further insight into adult education and training. As well, I am looking for additional courses that could help to expand my knowledge in different e-learning applications (e.g., Captivate, Lectora ,e-learning design and development). These are all applications that would further my understanding of e-learning principles and applications.
During my time at UOIT I was fortunate to be able to interact with individuals that brought with them a plethora of experiences and ideas, and who always challenged me to stretch beyond my comfort zone. As I prepare to leave this program I recognize that I am leaving behind a community of learners who have consistently opened up my eyes to new ideas and theories of educational technology. Many of my classmates were in professions that put them at the forefront of technology in education and they would bring these experiences to the classroom. It is through them that I was introduced to different presentation platforms, i.e: prezi, sliderocket, camtasia, weebly, wordpress. As well, new innovations that would occur within their fields were continuously shared with the class i.e: iPad innovations etc.It is with a measure of sadness that I leave this community, but I am excited to embark on my new journey with the understanding that my education will never end.
1. Walt Disney Quotes. (2013). BrainyQuote. Retrieved November 30, 2013, from http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes
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