In December, I *should* be graduating from UHCL with a doctorate in Educational Leadership. This will be exactly 20 years after I graduated from college and 10 years after I graduated with my master's degree. Being a life-long learner is very important to me, especially in my role as a teacher. There will always be something new to learn in order to provide the best education to the students I work with.
Technology is one of those areas that is ever-changing and that requires continuous education. The biggest obstacles to learning about new technology and how to implement it? TIME! Over the past month, my time at school has been consumed with getting my students ready for the EOC they took yesterday. At home, I've been trying to finish up this semester of doctoral classes. I've learned that time management is so important to staying up-to-date on the latest and greatest information for the classroom. I basically have to set aside on my schedule time to catch up with the newest information. If not, it never gets done.
I feel that one of the characteristics I model the best for my students is that of life-long learner. It's important for them to realize that they must always keep learning and know how to do that so that they can be self-sufficient, independent learners throughout the rest of their lives. Using the iPads in class and modeling everything that can be done with them provides my students with experience that will help them in the future, especially when they start working in the "real" world. While I know that most of them are comfortable with technology, I hope that I have exposed them to something new that they can use for the rest of their lives.
Go life long learner! You really are a great example to your students and teachers around you. Teachers are busy, really. I think it is great that you take the time to keep yourself and your skills current.
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