​     My quest for knowledge to better serve the students I teach guided me to the Masters of Educational Technology certificate program at Michigan State University.  The abundance of knowledge I obtained within those classes provided me with the beginning of what would become a wealth of information, teaching and learning strategies and most important, a network of educators who passionately care about educating.  Approaching technology integration began to take on a new life. I had a head start on how to evaluate and prepare learning so it is student centered.  The decision to continue into the master’s program was a no-brainer.  There was much more I needed to learn.​

     Technology like any other approach to learning is rooted in theory and as I revisited how applying what theorist believed about education and developmental stages provided the connection I needed.  When used in conjunction with effective teaching strategies, technology can be an effective way to achieve instructional goals. Instructions become more engaging, and encourage student exploration to learn independently. The advantages of integrating technology into teaching strategies is it provides a way to communicate a large amount of information to diverse learners, promote student centered learning, and creates a non-threatening atmosphere for students to learn.  Effective teaching strategies using technology create a learning environment that is active, cooperative, authentic and constructive.  Integrating technology added depth to my understanding of teaching and increasing student achievement using the traditional curricula and ingenuity.

     Using technology in my classroom beforehand was focused around my love for digital gadgets.  The allure of an Ipad, digitally media players and many of the new technologies on the market now have a different value than before.  Having the ability to effectively use technology to differentiate instructions and increase student achievement has now given my gadgets a different value. 
​
     On a personal note, my accomplishments have provided me with an unexpected reward; the respect I get from my colleagues.  Praise for educators in not as prevalent as it should be.  Being able to provide educators and children with a wealth of knowledge that will assist them in their personal educational endeavors validates my efforts within this program.  No grade can compare to the look of thanks I receive from my students and colleagues. 

     As I continue to pursue my goals outside of the classroom, I have found comfort in knowing I can better serve my students and the whole community with the wealth of knowledge I have gained and will continue to gain.