1.4+The+Internship+of+an+Emerging+Technologist


 * The Internship of an Emerging Technologist **

** A Reflection of Self as an Emerging Technologist **

**“**A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step” (Lao-tzu, 605 BC – 531 BC).

A step into a glorious future is what I took, the day I chose to enroll in graduate school through Lamar University’s Academic Partnership program and pursue a Master’s degree in Educational Technology Leadership. As I ventured into this extensive course, I enthusiastically embraced my mission. With a foundation in technology, I delighted in knowing that the path I was embarking on would, no doubt, satisfy a dream that I had often envisioned for my ultimate career goals. Prior to moving to Texas, while teaching in Georgia, I devised my mission statement for my online games and activities website. Since technology use was always an integral part of my classroom instruction and being the creative teacher I’ve been, I imagined entrepreneurship in the field of technology and learning. When the door opened for this opportunity, I thought, with a newfound fervor and joy, that this coursework was exactly what was needed to jump start my vision. As I began each course, my goal was to learn as much as I could by accomplishing each task set before me. As my knowledge increased, I discovered that the fascinating world of technology is bustling and teeming with opportunities for enthusiasts like me who aren’t afraid to embrace it. My direction was confirmed with mastery of the knowledge and skills assigned to this course. Many a time, I was challenged by the volume of work the coursework demanded, but I endeavored to pursue and not quit. This assures me that I’m equipped with the fortitude to keep going even in the face of adversity even if it comes from within. Because of my tendency to attend to details, I found myself requesting extensions because I always wanted to put forth my best work. One of the ways I did this was making sure every reading assignment was digested. This contributed to assignments that were reflective of depth of thought and understanding at a critical level. My learning style was assessed and affirmed through inventories that I learn best visually in a hands-on environment. This approach was also reflected in the //Teaching Style// //Inventory// by CORD (2005) that I found impressive. It showed that much of my plots were in Quadrant D which revealed, “Instructor prefers analysis to rote learning and focuses on familiar applications” for learning and “Instructor prefers to have students learn through hands-on activities completed collaboratively” for interaction (CORD, 2005). As a result of this inventory, I was assured that I am the professional that the educational community will benefit from because these approaches foster the constructivist theory which I am a proponent of to integrate technology in the classroom. The constructivist model is revered as an effective way to integrate teaching and learning process (Dede, 1995). All that I have learned about me is consistent with an emerging technologist ready to make an impact in education with the click of a mouse. I purport a new and original proverb of my own, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with ‘one click’ on the information highway.”

** A Reflection of My Technology and Leadership Skills **

Throughout the internship, I learned new technology and leadership skills that created an awareness to learn more. Each course exposed me to new layers and levels that suggested I was only a novice in the realm of all there was to learn about my new career. Much of my experiences prepared me for the coursework but were not advanced enough considering that they were rudimentary skills. My knowledge increased tremendously as we completed assignments that applied use of advanced technologies. Many of them I was unprepared for; nevertheless, the skills were adopted as a result of well planned courses that built on these experiences. To raise my level of proficiency, I assumed as many field based hours in technology professional development as my schedule could handle. One of the ways we become adept learners is to pursue professional development that will build these skills. Another profound way I did this was simply to use the technology. “One of the most successful is to use the technology to learn how to use the technology…” (Solomon & Schrum, 2007, p. 111). As a leader, I adopted the philosophy that the goals I was trying to reach on my campus were to be introduced with patience and understanding. Many of my collaboration with coworkers required me to guide teachers to technology use and facilitate it through one-to-one demonstrations. An example of this was working with my co-teacher last year and modeling use of the student response systems in our classroom. Mouza affirms that this kind of collaboration is beneficial to teachers building capacity in teaching with technology when she said, “Moreover, teachers need professional development that is hands-on, is directly aligned to curriculum goals, and allows for follow-up support in their classroom” (Mouza, 2002/2003, p. 275).

** A Reflection of My Attitude as an Emerging Technologist **

An attitude to learn and persevere has centered me throughout the program. Oftentimes, thoughts of giving up challenged me, but I knew that this was not the kind of attitude that determined emerging technologist take who dared to make a difference in a field a work that so desperately needs overhauling. I am grateful that I learned with the support of instructional assistants and professors who have been very patience with my progress in this course. I have, no doubt, adopted the same attitude of grace and recognize that it will be needed when I leading, guiding, mentoring, modeling, designing, influencing, and engaging other prospective technologists who will come behind me. I hope to be as considerate to them as the people who have encouraged me along this journey. To take on such a challenge as influencing teachers to use technology in the classroom will demand a relentless, yet caring attitude. For the most part, my attitude has been cooperative as I have had to adjust and adapt to the new demands placed on me in this course as well as my field based experience. As a result, I am flexible and find it easy to blend my ideals with others for a common good. Through a consensus, I yield to others which, according to Richardson, “incorporates the varied knowledge and experience of all involved” (Richardson, 2005, p. 34). With this attitude, collaboration and working with others as we integrate these engaging technologies will be rewarding for all.

Dede, C. (1995, September-October). //The evolution of constructivist learning environments: Immersion in distributed, virtual worlds//. Educational Technology, 35(5), 46-52.

 Lao-tzu. //The way of lao-tzu//. The Quotation Page. Retrieved May 6, 2011, from http://www.quotationspage.com/quote/24004.html

Mouza, C. (2002/2003). //Learning to teach with new technology: Implications// //for professional development//. Journal for Research on Technology in ﻿Education, 35(2), 272-89.

Richardson, M. (2005). //Consensus leadership//. Principal Leadership. National Association of Secondary School Principals. 6(4), 32-35 Solomon, G & Schrum, L. (2007). //Web 2.0: new tools, new schools//. International Society for Technology in Education.