Masters of Science in Educational Technology

Michael Christopherson Portfolio Presentation & Exit Review May 2, 2006 Masters of Science in Educational Technology http://mc050.k12.sd.us/mset.htm

Agenda • Biography, Timeline Through Technology, & • MSET Inspiration 2. Philosophy of Educational Technology 3. Themes, Plan of Study, Coursework, Projects, and Link to Program Goals & Objectives 4. Reflections, Program Applications, Future Applications, Conclusions, and Open Forum for Questioning

Biography - Family *Married on August 6, 2005 to my wife Corinna. *Family of Educators and Agriculturists *Tech savvy niece and nephew *Personal Interests…..

Biography - Education Beresford School District 61-2209 South 4th Street Beresford, SD 57004 (605)763-5012

Timeline Through Technology DSU MSET Program H.S. Computer Classes TTL Academies Keyboarding class on digital typewriter SDSU Technology & Integration The timeline is continuous. As technology grows and changes, so will I. Lifelong learning is essential. Classroom Technology Update through grants

MSET Inspiration • TTL’s and love of technology in education and learning new technologies. • Beresford’s Tech. Coordinator position opening • Dr. Hawkes • Encouragement of Beresford Staff • The practicality of the coursework to my position in the school • DSU’s reputation for excellence in technology. • A quality education that fit my schedule, and allowed me to keep my teaching job. The utilization of synchronous and asynchronous learning through distance and on-campus learning.

Philosophy of Educational Technology *Lifelong Learning (More possibilities with distance education) *Technology should be a tool to motivate and facilitate student learning. * Instruction should be delivered in a way which is meaningful, interesting, and pertinent. “Curriculum should drive technology use---support learning in unique ways---not to have the technology become an end in itself.” (Mark Hawkes). It is like learning to read words. We don’t learn them as a goal in itself but because of the meaning that they convey. MSET instructors not only encourage this meaningfulness, but they also put it into practice through constructive problem-based learning scenarios. *Lifelong Service – Technology Leadership *"In this information age there are four skills that are absolutely essential - the ability to access information, organize information, analyze that information and present the information." -Dr. Douglas Knowlton *As technology grows and changes, educators must grow and change in the use of technology. (example with remote access (Dr. Haomin Wang) *Revitalization of current curriculum

Themes – A Journey in Educational Technology Three paths or themes have frequently crossed as I have set about taking courses in the MSET program. Now they all seem to have converged to form a solid pathway formed with components of each. For me, this knowledge formed a firm foundation, not only in helping those who have already joined me on my trip and those who will come aboard, but it also provided a useful vehicle no matter what road I travel in the future. The three themes to the left have provided a superhighway of applicable information that will be critical to the success of any future endeavor of which I am a part, both personally and professionally. Keep in mind, this metaphorical road is unending. It has its twists and turns. At times it seems like it is an uphill battle. But the ultimate reward is how it facilitates engaging and meaningful learning experiences. Technical Skills "First Steps of the Journey" Technology Leadership "Roadside Assistance" Instructional Technology - "The Road Map"

Technical Skills *Using technology is like setting off on the journey of a lifetime. The beginner needs guidance, but like a toddler who wants to explore the world, confidence is gained rapidly and every day brings new adventure. *Several MSET program goals were met through the technical skills theme. *Program objectives were incorporated into this theme as well. Technical skills learned in the MSET program form the foundation of our abilities to foster the other themes. Technical Skills "First Steps of the Journey" LT 731 CET 751 CET 756 TTL 580 CET 753 CET 792 - Fund. CET 792 – Adv.

Technology Leadership *Strong leaders are needed to facilitate technology usage. Technology can also create an educational revolution, but leadership is critical to its success. In the pursuit of educational excellence, we can use technology as a powerful tool. This can be facilitated by strong technology leadership. When leaders provide the necessary guidance, other educational professionals see the advantages of technology and are willing to follow the “bend in the road.” *This directly relates to the program goal of preparing educators to be leaders in educational technology. Those with knowledge of technologies and programming skills must act as educational leaders and with their knowledge of technology-based educational tools and products, share this expertise with other educators. *Program objectives are also addressed in this theme. Technology Leadership "Roadside Assistance" LT 785 CET 720 CET 765 ED 692

Instructional Technology *It is important to realize that the quest for these goals is endless and it is my job to instruct others about technology. I must also look to others to show me the way so I can continue to learn new skills and leadership abilities. Instructional technology reflects my philosophy of lifelong learning and the program goals. *As a part of this program, I have been prepared to be current in teaching and learning practices and have been instilled with a desire to continue to learn the latest innovations. In order to do this, I must continually update my knowledge of technology-based educational tools and products. Then I must evaluate which ones meet the goals of our school district and make selections accordingly. *Instructional technology also mirrors program objectives. Instructional Technology - "The Road Map" LT 712 LT 716 LT 741 TTL 500 SEED 792

MSET Program Links Philosophy Themes Program Objectives Coursework & Course Projects Program Goals

Plan of Study

Projects *Relevant and useful *All courses had a final culminating activity that highlighted the course information. *Practical application that can be personalized to a variety of individuals. *Technology enriched

Reflections Technology can make life’s arduous tasks simpler. More importantly, it is a way to provide learning opportunities. The world is at our fingertips in the comfort of our own homes because of the luxury of technological advances. Lifelong learning has been made more possible thanks to the unending advances available. A case in point is on-line learning. The MSET program has reinforced my opinion about it. Obtaining my master’s degree while maintaining a full teaching assignment with FFA and coaching would have been next to impossible or an extremely lengthy process had it not been for these on-line courses. I was able to save the expense and time in commuting while receiving a topnotch education while utilizing some of the very skills that this program promotes. E-mail, chats, and discussions kept me in close contact with my instructors and allowed collaboration with fellow students. Synchronous and asynchronous communication promoted convenience yet connection. This provided a perfect avenue for me to continue my education. The only suggestions I would offer, would be to incorporate some of Apple’s technologies into the program.

Future *Encourage others to take part in the MSET program. *Continue to gain knowledge of technology’s role in education. *Be a technology leader in my school district as well as outside the district. *Promote the use of technology in the curriculum. *Continue my lifelong learning process. Possibly through a doctorate program????

Conclusions I feel fortunate to be a part of keeping others aware of the ongoing changes. It also brings with it weighty responsibilities and obligations. One will never know all there is to know about the updates. What is cutting edge today is outdated tomorrow. That is where lifelong learning continues. I must practice what I preach. I must be on a constant vigil to find out everything I can that will be useful to my fellow teachers, students, community, family, friends, and myself. In addition to my belief of lifelong learning, I also believe in lifelong service which is as enriching to the giver as it is to the beneficiary. By continually seeking new and useful techniques of accessing, organizing, analyzing, and presenting information and being encouraging and informative to others, I will have a far-reaching impact in not only the educational arena but in the lifelong learning pursuits of all my future contacts.

Thank You Thank You for your time today. A special Thank You to all of my advisors and instructors that assisted me through my “Journey” THANK YOU!!!!!

Open Forum for Questioning At this time I would entertain any questions that you might have.

Masters of Science in Educational Technology