Does learning ever end . . . ?
A forward thinking reflection by Emily Davidson
Our Early Life
When do we ever truly stop learning in our life? Our learning started from the minute we were born and we began to notice every little thing. We began to understand our parents' actions and the actions we could take to get what we wanted. With a little crying we could get all of the love, and attention, that we desired. Once we learned how to walk and talk we had the whole world available to us and all of our actions were wonderful learning experiences. Our learning was expanded from our crib to areas of play and life. We were learning social skills as we came in contact with new people in different environments. We were not worried with a formal education but one in how to work with other people. Our brains were like sponges soaking in all different types of socialization experiences.
Once we could officially venture into the classroom our social skills were greatly expanded and we should have been prepared for learning. Our parents had taught us how to treat others with respect and how to be a team player. In the classroom we were exposed to learning that you don’t find on the playground with math, science, social studies, and English. Also gym time provided an education in staying healthy. The knowledge that we learned would eventually decide how our future education would proceed. If we had an affinity for the knowledge that was being shared then we were guaranteed a bright future in school. However if we struggled in the beginning then there was no guarantee that our future would hold a welcome sign for education.
Once we could officially venture into the classroom our social skills were greatly expanded and we should have been prepared for learning. Our parents had taught us how to treat others with respect and how to be a team player. In the classroom we were exposed to learning that you don’t find on the playground with math, science, social studies, and English. Also gym time provided an education in staying healthy. The knowledge that we learned would eventually decide how our future education would proceed. If we had an affinity for the knowledge that was being shared then we were guaranteed a bright future in school. However if we struggled in the beginning then there was no guarantee that our future would hold a welcome sign for education.
My Goals
My experience with education was one of wonder and happiness as I was curious about everything. Coming from a family of educated individuals I was taught that education was the key to my future. If I was properly educated then I could do whatever I wanted with my life. I took this to heart and I made sure to never take a moment of my education for granted. Like any student I found myself distracted by things along the way but I never lost sight of what I was taught along the way. I was so happy with the life of education that I wanted to emulate my teachers and become one myself.
My goal then became to enter MSU to become the best teacher possible. After four years of undergrad (and internship year) I got the chance to become a teacher. With this I got the chance to give back to others what was once shared with me: a door to the world of knowledge. Then I decided that I couldn’t be done with education and I ventured into the world of the Master’s program. I decided upon a concentration in technology because this represented where the world was heading. I always am trying to think ahead of what I will encounter and technology is something that cannot be avoided.
My goal then became to enter MSU to become the best teacher possible. After four years of undergrad (and internship year) I got the chance to become a teacher. With this I got the chance to give back to others what was once shared with me: a door to the world of knowledge. Then I decided that I couldn’t be done with education and I ventured into the world of the Master’s program. I decided upon a concentration in technology because this represented where the world was heading. I always am trying to think ahead of what I will encounter and technology is something that cannot be avoided.
My Master's Program
With many courses in educational technology under my belt I feel prepared for the future of my teaching career but what of my education? Where will I go from here without a formal education to lead me onwards? It is now that I remember how in our courses we stayed away from focusing too much of our energies on specific brands of technology rather discussing the general types of technology that we can make use of. This is important because of the race to continually update our technology in our classrooms. Where overheads once were king now stands interactive white boards but what will take their place 5 years from now? The one technology that has in many ways proven its test of time is the internet and its many uses. With so many free education sites available there is a world of information available to students at all times. Also with the world of social networking, blogging, website creation, etc. there are so many more options for students to show what they have learned.
As a teacher I will continually have to keep learning about the different types of technology that are available to be used in the classroom. I will hopefully learn about all of this through my continued exploration of technology myself along with what I have learned from my students. While it is important that I am able to teach my students the content area it is also important that I learn from them about what is available. When we complete projects I allow for my students to pick their media method and I find that most of my students will gravitate towards the digital arena. Through them I have already learned about many amazing websites, interactive education opportunities, and different types of free create your own website opportunities. Beyond just having my interest piqued in the search to find a body of free educational open resources I would like to make use of professional development to continue my learning of in class technology. As a math/science teacher there is a multitude of instruments that can be used in the classroom I just have to go out there and search for it. Though funds are limited there are wonderful grants available to those willing to make use of the technology for the bettering of their students’ education.
As a teacher I will continually have to keep learning about the different types of technology that are available to be used in the classroom. I will hopefully learn about all of this through my continued exploration of technology myself along with what I have learned from my students. While it is important that I am able to teach my students the content area it is also important that I learn from them about what is available. When we complete projects I allow for my students to pick their media method and I find that most of my students will gravitate towards the digital arena. Through them I have already learned about many amazing websites, interactive education opportunities, and different types of free create your own website opportunities. Beyond just having my interest piqued in the search to find a body of free educational open resources I would like to make use of professional development to continue my learning of in class technology. As a math/science teacher there is a multitude of instruments that can be used in the classroom I just have to go out there and search for it. Though funds are limited there are wonderful grants available to those willing to make use of the technology for the bettering of their students’ education.
My Future in Education
My school is currently on a pay scale freeze for an undetermined number of years where the only pay scale jump I can make is for formal education. This may mean that instead of just sticking to informal education that I may find myself reaching the goal of becoming a doctoral candidate in the field of education. I have always loved expanding my knowledge base and it is odd to think that there could be an end to formal education. If this formal education of a doctorate does not end up happening then it will be my goal to pursue as much professional development as I can handle through organizations like the Oakland Schools professional development. By learning from other members of the field of education such as teachers, textbook companies, etc. I will be able to grow in my understanding of how to become a better teacher. I never see a point in my future where I will be able to stop truly learning because I know that the world of education is a constantly changing “thing” that needs to be constantly kept in check. So where my learning will take me I am unsure but I do know that I never want it to stop. Whether it be from a student, parent, co-worker, family, educational opportunity, or just an article I pass by I hope to keep finding new methods to improve my teaching abilities. I hope that I am learning something to better myself, and share with others, until the day I take my last breath.