Dear Educational Technology Faculty,
My name is Yadira Flores and I am the first person from my family to graduate from college. My family emigrated from Mexico when I was 3 years old and I started the journey of my education in a small border town called La Grulla, Texas. Both my parents did not have a post elementary education or speak English, but were strong advocates of education and planted that seed in me. I am a mother of 4 and have been a migrant worker all my life letting me see that everything in life takes hard work and dedication. Any individual that sets educational goals can accomplish them and will succeed.
Currently I am pursuing a Masters in Education in Technology, and feel that success is very close as I am two classes away from graduation. I have learned that an education makes you a better person and I would like to continue planting that seed in all my students and colleagues. There are times that it may seem impossible that you have to overpass many barriers but hard work always pays off. When I started the journey of continuing with my post secondary education and pursuing a masters degree it seemed like it would take forever, now I can see the fruits of the sacrifices that my family and I.
The educational journey that I embarked back in 2012 has made an enormous difference as it has set higher expectations for me as an educator and has allowed me to grow professionally and personally. I was never afraid of breaking the computer or making a fool of myself when it came to technology but I would of never thought that I would acquire the skills that I possess at this time. I am truly blessed and feel fortunate that I made the decision to embark the journey in obtaining the degree. I have gained much knowledge that can be applied in many realms of my professional life and in the entrepreneur side of me. I have gained many skills that have been sharpened in the process. When I started I had no idea that I would gain the skills necessary to use many web 2.0 tools that allow me to be more effective and efficient on what I do.
I have applied many of the skills in the classroom, which has been the main setting for me as I am an educator at the elementary level. I have shared the knowledge that I have gained while obtaining the MTT Certificate, e-Learning Certificate, and ultimately the M.Ed. in Technology. I have learned the uses of technology and tolls that allow me to create interactive lessons to better prepare 21st century students. Now a days technology forms part of our daily tasks. When I say our lives it also includes our students and fellow colleagues.
In 6320, Instructional Technology, I gained many skills as practicing and learning appropriately how to set an educational website for all prospective employers and students of a degree in instructional technology. It is important to work cooperatively and learn from each other. Students in the classroom will practice what you model for them and they are fast learners. The skills that I acquired will be applied for a lifetime as I know that in today’s careers and workplaces team work is imperative for success. In the process I sharpened my skills in website building using Wordpress. Yet I am not very familiar with Wordpress but practice makes perfection.
In 6321, I developed a project that would be utilized by other teachers at my campus. The whole process of learning the order of steps to follow and the research conducted to develop an instructional unit of excellent quality truly was a learning journey. In a semester, I discovered the rationale behind why certain strategies work better than others. It inspiring and had many tasks that involved learning about how to be a better educator for early childhood to adults. As instructional designer we must be able to create lessons that are effective for any learner.
In 6323 I had a lot of fun as I saw the results of a well thought out plan or design document creating a website with learning modules that allowed me to test how good my skills are as instructional designer. The input that I received from different individuals allowed me to make modifications. I also appreciate the fact that the professor was very supportive always giving feedback and sharing experiences with students. I know that as time progresses and technology changes it is essential for us to stay up to date and one of the best ways is to become member of list servers and stay up-to-date by interacting with other professionals in places of communication such as blogs. It was very interesting and educational when individuals from your group or class shared experiences and knowledge with others.
In 6325 I created a Learning Module through Blackboard Coursesites, adding more knowledge and experience to my learning portfolio. I have worked with several interactive sites and from each have learned new skills that can be applied for future development of instructional units. I have shared many of my skills with colleagues at work being part of several district trainings as a trainer and feel very accomplished as I see others use what I have shared with them. I now know that e Learning can be as effective as a live class.
The last project that I will be completing this semester is the capstone project for 6332. Every time I start a project I know it will be different than the others and that there is more room for perfection. Even though this semester has been tough for me, I feel very accomplished as I have rounded many of the skills acquired through the journey and applied them in this project. The project consists of building an instructional unit of five modules for adult learners. So far it has been another learning experience but I know that my objective will be met when I see that all learners acquire the skills stated.
With all that has been mentioned I would definitely encourage anyone to pursue a degree in Education and technology, the skills gained are definitely in high demand and they can make any professional more efficient and effective. I know that UTB has made a difference in my life and even with all the bumps I would embark the journey again.
With my degree I plan to continue growing professionally and obtain a position that will allow me to influence many more individuals. I have been offered several positions and hope to make the decision of choosing the path that will have the most influence on more students. The current studies allow me to create interactive lessons that allow my students to be successful. My classroom differentiates from others as I better understand and have the tools and knowledge that allow me to implement the knowledge that I have gained. I truly enjoy sharing all that I have learned with my colleagues as I know that the strategies and techniques using technology that I am learning will help other teachers be successful in having their students master the content presented to them.
I would like to thank everyone that has had some influence in the journey that I commenced 4 years ago. I am proud to say that choosing UTB to continue my studies was the right decision.
Sincerely,
Yadira Flores
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