One setting that I believe I would enjoy is my current path. I love working in a public school setting. I am very passionate about making a difference in the lives of students. I miss working with my own classroom on some days. But the sense of professional accomplishment I receive from conducting a staff training or modeling new technology in the classroom helps me through those times. Though at times I feel a frustration with the philosophy that technology should drive instruction. My goal with my degree is to change this concept. The needs of the student and the curriculum demands need to be the driving force. Even if it means having to spend money or educate the tech support staff. For example, not allowing students/staff to use USB thumb drives out of fear of viruses. This memory saving device is too vital to not find a workable solution. I hope my degree will empower me to find workable solutions to issues such as these--where the fear of the unknown does not cause the process to become stagnant and cumbersome.
However, having taken this course one of my other goals has resurfaced with a bang. I started working in an elementary school as an assistant and have traveled from there to the county office, middle school, and high school--as my educational levels have increased. But one of my hidden desires was to work on the college level. I find myself looking these past few weeks into switching from a MAEd to a MS degree. I could take the 6 courses for the add on certification and do the MS degree so that I can continue with my job as tech faciltator but also have the opportunity to explore a part time job on the college level. Before all is said and done--I really want to work in higher education. I feel that I would be using my knowledge to educate others and also enjoy the fact that I am challenging myself. I would have my own "class of students" but also working with adults. Distance education would be an excellent starting point for me.
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Our paths seem a lot alike. I have also become very frustrated because of the restricitions placed on technology in the school setting. We are not allowed to right click on anything. I would much rather use my personal laptop, but we are not allowed to bring them to school. I hope that soon people will overcome their technology fears. Maybe we can use our degrees to help.
I agree with you that there is a certain fear about technology. Some teachers and school systems are afraid of the unknown. It seems like you have had a lot of experience with different levels of education. I have only taught fourth grade and I would like to expand my horizons. I will actually be teaching my first staff development in December about how to use NCWISE. This will help me realize if I want to take my career in this direction.
I don't know if you know this, but ECU offers a distance learning certification - 3 classes. Some of them can be electives. This may be helpful with your career goals.
I am also considering switching to the MS program. I like your idea about getting the certificate. I agree with you that it is a nightmare working with the school level IT department. I believe that some of these individuals are not trained enough to handle all the needs in a k-12 setting. Therefore, they take the easier road and band things like thumb drives.
The restrictions you mention are one of the reasons I have been hesitant to work in th K-12 arena. I work at a community college with adults, but also work with high school students taking college classes. Even these students comment on how much nicer it is to come to the community college!
Ok Harolyn, please explain to me why the school won't let you right click on things! What are they afraid of? Is it the fear of the unknown?
Yes, do tell about the right click. If they're afraid that students will mess around with things on the computer/network they shouldn't be, there are administrative rights that can be set that will prevent this sort of thing.
Very interesting, indeed. I am only somewhat surprised. What really surprises me is not being allowed to bring your personal laptop. I'm guessing the school doesn't have the largess to issue you one, so it seems that they are selling the students short by cutting into the ways you can add so much value to your students' learning experience.
I would encourage any of my fellow classmates to explore the instructional world at the community college level; it is a rewarding experience.
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