Competency Outweighs Competition
Goal Statement Reflection
Lauren E. Pate
The journey to my Master of Arts in Educational Technology has resulted in the greatest change in my thinking thus far in my life. My thought process now parallels with the quote by Harry S. Truman, “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” In the current school system, we are trained from a young age to base one’s success on extrinsic rewards, even though research has proven extrinsic motivation to be over justification and actually decrease intrinsic motivation. I have carried a competitive edge since I can remember throughout my undergraduate years. My parents, teachers, and coaches always expected me to get A’s in school and win every game and if I didn’t the overwhelming feeling of guilt would set in. I embody my roots and the discipline I gained from my youth, but as I break away from the sheltered lifestyle I have been able to come into my own. As a graduate student, I eliminate the pressure of what others expect and rationalize my decisions based on what will help me grow as an individual and become a competent, well-rounded professional.
Since I submitted my application in September of 2011, my interest in learning how to integrate technology into the classroom in a meaningful and engaging way has grown. Along the way, I have been able to accomplish some of my goals I set forth two years ago. I have become proficient in technologies, such as Course Management Systems, RSS feeds, blogging, and others that expanded my personal learning networks tremendously. These resources help me stay connected with local and global colleagues and keep me updated on professional development opportunities. I have learned how to seamlessly integrate technology in my classroom in ways that support the core curriculum, as well as serving as a differentiation tool. I have succeeded in working in a low income area and sharing my technology resources with my team. I was also the representative for my school to update our technology standards in alignment with the International Society for Technology in Education.
As I continue my journey past graduation, my role will remain revolving between a teacher and learner. I will continue to study effective ways to make learning authentic and efficient through technology because that is my passion. I want to inspire lifelong learning skills that intrinsically infuse exploration and discovery the way this program has flourished those skills in me.
Since I submitted my application in September of 2011, my interest in learning how to integrate technology into the classroom in a meaningful and engaging way has grown. Along the way, I have been able to accomplish some of my goals I set forth two years ago. I have become proficient in technologies, such as Course Management Systems, RSS feeds, blogging, and others that expanded my personal learning networks tremendously. These resources help me stay connected with local and global colleagues and keep me updated on professional development opportunities. I have learned how to seamlessly integrate technology in my classroom in ways that support the core curriculum, as well as serving as a differentiation tool. I have succeeded in working in a low income area and sharing my technology resources with my team. I was also the representative for my school to update our technology standards in alignment with the International Society for Technology in Education.
As I continue my journey past graduation, my role will remain revolving between a teacher and learner. I will continue to study effective ways to make learning authentic and efficient through technology because that is my passion. I want to inspire lifelong learning skills that intrinsically infuse exploration and discovery the way this program has flourished those skills in me.