Final Blog

Reflecting on my IGNITE presentation, I have learned a lot about myself. I have learned that my number on priority when I am a teacher will be my students. I want to be the positive role model and mentor in their life that makes a difference. I want them leaving my classroom feeling prepared and confident for their future. 

Listening to my classmate's IGNITE presentations, I learned that they are very similar to me. Many of them had their students as their main focus and will do anything to help them succeed. I found many things in other presentations that I could easily add to my IGNITE project as well. Many of my classmates and I have similar goals and beliefs in the professional field. 

I learned many things in CI 302 that will help me succeed in my future. It was helpful to watch demonstrations of the 3D printer and other devises in the CTLT. It was also interesting to hear professionals in the learning technologies field talk about their everyday life and careers through Google Hangout. Learning about the new uprising digital tools is fun and innovative. I will try to incorporate as many useful digital tools in my future classroom, so seeing a variety of tools was helpful to know what would and wouldn't work in my classroom. 

CI 302 was helpful in many ways for me, because the digital technology in schools will double by the time I am a teacher. I will be expected to know how to use each tool, and I will be expected to utilize them. My goal is to try and use each tool efficiently and to incorporate digital tools into my lessons.

Google Hangout Interviews

Google Hangout is a great way to conversate with multiple people from across the world. I have never used Google Hangout before this class, and I am thoroughly impressed. Through this app, I was able to witness three great professionals tell their stories. 

The role I found most interesting was Lance Lennon's. He works as an event coordinator for ITEC as well as a technology position in the Eagle Grove School District. I could see myself in his position for many reasons. I love event management and planning events. I think it would be a ton of fun to plan a technology event for educators. I am also intrigued with his school location, because that is something I eventually see myself doing someday. I have always said that I want to start out as a teacher and someday become an administrator of some sort. His job sounds very upbeat, and interactive. I noticed that he gets to make some big decisions for the school and is very passionate about what he does.

I saw many repeated themes through these professional interviews. I noticed that most professionals in technology in education started off as teachers. Most of them started off in a classroom, strayed away, and ended up wanting to be back in the school. I noticed most professionals are heavily involved in social media and helping out students. 

Watching these videos taught me a lot. I realized that there are so many different professions and opportunities out there. I realized that it is okay to not be satisfied with a job and move around until you find your true passion. Most of all, I realized that there are so many people who care and are willing to help around me.