Personal Reflection
Year One:
The most important thing that I learned thus far in the ETEC program is how to analyze my job as a Special Education teacher and apply change for the success of my students. I am constantly reflecting on the changes that need to be made in order to fill gaps and overcome problems. I truly understand that change needs to be implemented by coming up with solutions, but my job as a teacher is very task oriented. Currently, I am doing an informal job task analysis of my role as a special education teacher. Rather than complaining about what needs to change, I am able to take the perspective of an instructional designer by identify the discrepancies to find solutions and to go further with the change that needs to be implemented.
It is important to analyze my role and the factors within the Department of Education (DOE) because it is a very diverse system and many teachers are facing the same problems. I find it significant that I am dealing with an issue that I allows me to directly use the systems approach. I realized everything that teachers complain about has to do with the system we are working in. All that I have learned thus far has benefited my career and the goals I have for myself as a future educator.
Upon completion of this program, I will be confident that change is possible if you do it correctly. Although it may seem impossible to change the DOE, if everyone had the mentality of an instructional designer I believe the system would be much less stressful and much more effective for teachers, students, and parents alike. There is a solution to every problem, but it depends on the angle you are viewing. As a Special Education teacher there are a significant number of problems that I am viewing and experiencing first hand. The systems approach is a significant method of overcoming the problems I am currently experiencing, which I hope to implement through my journey as a teacher.
Year 2:
My how time flies. I have learned so much, but forget how rich of a learning experience I had until I actually reflect on the projects, conversations, and people I met along the way. It is obvious that I have gained a deeper understanding of Educational Technology and all that it encompasses, but I still have a lot to learn and practice as an educator, instructional designer, and researcher. I know my learning won't stop here, but I hope to land a job that will encourage and allow room for improvement. There's no stopping here...It's just the beginning.
My how time flies. I have learned so much, but forget how rich of a learning experience I had until I actually reflect on the projects, conversations, and people I met along the way. It is obvious that I have gained a deeper understanding of Educational Technology and all that it encompasses, but I still have a lot to learn and practice as an educator, instructional designer, and researcher. I know my learning won't stop here, but I hope to land a job that will encourage and allow room for improvement. There's no stopping here...It's just the beginning.