It was fun to look back at my first blog post and read at how excited I was to start this program and today I am just as excited to move forward and implement all I have learned. I am a little sad to be done because I have truly enjoyed getting to know everyone, but mostly I am sad to not be learning new tools and tricks each week. So many of the things we have discussed I have used in my classroom and I hope to keep exploring new things on my own.
This program has greatly affected me professionally. The first time I realized how much I was truly learning was when I attended the TIES conference last year. I have attended the conference for numerous years and have truly enjoyed it, but most years I have to look up so many things they are talking about because I didn't know what they were (example Web 2.0 tools). Last year, I knew or had applied most of the things they discussed. I actually felt like I belonged with that group of people. That I wasn't just an outsider looking in wishing I could do half of those things. When this years Keynote speakers came out I was thrilled because they were people I knew and have learned about.
The second way this program has affected me professionally is by giving me the confidence to become more of a tech resource for our district. There has even been talk about me becoming our districts technology integrationist. I feel like this program has opened many doors for me.
Personally, this program has challenged me in many ways. Balancing work, kids (including having one during the course of the program), and this program has been a huge challenge. Sometimes I have wanted to quit or thought I was never going to get it all done, but I pushed through. This program has made me realize how much I can do and given me the power to believe in myself more. Although, I will miss the program I am excited for more time with my family.
I don't know if there is more I wish I knew. I don't feel like I know much about hard drives, servers, etc, but I am not sure that is something I would ever use anyways. The only thing I wish I had more of was time to explore all of the great tools, ideas, software, etc. that we learned about. I have a list of things I want to check out, but never find the time. Maybe someday....
Overall, I would recommend this program to anyone interested in getting their masters! I have learned a lot and truly feel like I have grown as an educator.
