MA-L1: Auto e-ography
‘For this first entry think back to a well-remembered event, and something that stands out for you related to technology (could be positive or negative or both). Describe this event, why it is a critical or memorable event for you, and the questions it now raises for you.’
Hello all,
The memorable event that stands out for me related to digital technology includes a very sad event in my life unfortunately. My step-father was slowly suffering with grade 4 throat cancer in a hospice in our city (Red Deer) back in 2005. Since he was given 6 months to live, before he had surgery after he was diagnosed, he asked me to do him a favour. He asked me to create a memorable video for the family for the funeral. Why me – not sure but I think it’s because being a teacher my parents figured that out of the five of us kids I should be able to do anything quite easily – how misguided they were! Worse – the catch was, he wanted me to create it while he was still alive so he could see it. Wow – lots of pressure for a technophobe – yep, that was me prior to MET!
Out of respect I accepted but I was so overwhelmed because I had no clue how to make a video. I had just learned how to create power points a couple years prior and hadn’t experimented much with them or any other digital technology let alone scanning and uploading pictures into a power point. Even scarier – how was I going to add music? I had no clue! I called a good friend to bail me out and she showed me step by step how to scan and upload pictures but I will admit she did the rest because I was so afraid that my first time would not work out and I couldn’t afford it to flop. I didn’t even own a digital camera until 2007 and a Smart phone until January of 2011. Anyways, the video was a success – my friend and I pulled it off! Thank goodness dad approved. He was very pleased with the video.
So…why does this even stick out in my mind? This event was very relevant for many reasons but mainly because it fuelled my passion for learning about technology. I was continually getting strong encouragement and being groomed to take a Masters Degree by a few ‘powers that be’ in my school district. They had seen my passion for learning and sharing my expertise with others as I’ve been continually engaging in, participating in and presenting at district professional development (PD) workshops and mentorship programs over the past 10 years. Prior to choosing the MET Program, I had been undecided about which direction my Masters should go and what focus it would have. However, before this video experience in 2005, I wasn’t ready yet to embark on a Masters journey.
After that video experience in 2005, I found myself intrigued by technology and signing up for every technology PD seminar or workshop in the area for the next couple years & timely too. From 2005 to present my school district has been increasing the variety of technology PD opportunities and I was introduced to some Web 2.0 tools. I was hooked! I had found my niche – technology! I couldn’t wait to learn more. I was ready to take the plunge and start my Masters Degree. But now the hunt was on to find the right program and the right school. Both Alberta universities couldn’t compare to UBC’s MET program so I officially started the UBC MET Program in the fall of 2009.
And now, thanks to MET, two and a half years later and nearing completion of the program, I have learned far beyond my expectations of what I had anticipated. Each challenge has been a learning experience and guide for future problem solving. I’ve fallen in love with how technology can enhance learning and make my job more efficient while making the learning experiences for my students more meaningful. And….. better yet, I am no longer a technophobe!!!!! I have a well-equipped toolkit to tackle most that comes my way! I’ve actually had to pull out my Bates & Poole’s (2003) SECTIONS framework at couple meetings last year to make a few relevant points about our technology selections (before our district purchased all new teacher laptops, software and laptops for laptop carts in a few schools that don’t have space for computer labs).
So…. What questions does my experience raise for me in my context now as I’m nearing completion of my MET Degree? Many questions come to mind when I think of technology and my context, specifically since I’ve been writing a case study on technology integration over the past few years in my school district. The biggest questions always center around budget and whether the money being spent matches the vision for our school district. How do we ensure a sustainable and long-term plan for technology in the budget (of course, according to our district’s vision)? And, how do we ensure that our staff are well equipped and well trained (of course so we can stay within our budget)? It always comes back to $$$$$ unfortunately!
Reference
Bates and Poole. (2003) “A Framework for Selecting and Using Technology.” In Effective Teaching with Technology. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Pages 75-105.