My Future as a Learner: A Master's and More
When I enrolled in Michigan State University’s Masters of Arts in Education in an online format, I expected to receive a good education in education! In an online format, I anticipated receiving a lecture of some type via PowerPoint or some other method, a homework assignment and a grade for that assignment. What I actually experienced was, yes, an education in education, but also so much more.
TECHNOLOGY
Prior to enrolling in an online Master’s degree, I felt I had a fairly decent grip on technology. I would not go as far to say I was by any means an expert, but I knew how to navigate around the internet and find various resources if I had to troubleshoot any problems. Now, I would say my grip on technology has only tightened. I still don’t claim to be an expert but I feel through having to create podcasts, videos and websites, etc. has enhanced my understanding of what is possible. Not only have I benefited from having to create these, I feel my education has been enhanced by having to utilize these various technologies. These made information available in a variety of ways which, when brought together, furthered my understanding of the topic at hand.
Having experienced technology by not only creating various pieces but also learning from them has helped me not only to “know” but to also understand that learning comes in many forms. What one student understands via one medium may not be well understood by another. Combining a traditional learning experience and technology will further assist in the student’s learning.
SELF
I feel I have become not only a better educator from having gone through the MAED program, but also a better learner. Not having come from an educational background in my undergraduate degree, I made a point to find background information on my own. Take “pedagogy” for example. I had never even heard this word in my other educational experiences because it was never a topic of concern. Not wanting to be ignorant, I took it upon myself to look up ideas and concepts such as this. This among others, are words, phrases and concepts that my professors and fellow students let flow rather freely. Having to look up information for ones’ self, I’ve come to find out, is actually part of a larger theory in education. It forces students to take learning into their own hands and, hopefully, further their own learning. I feel I have become well-equipped to do this. Previously, I would have asked and expected someone to give me an answer. Quite honestly, I have found I retain more information if I seek it out for myself. Because of this, I will approach education in a way that honors this method. Not because I do not want to give students the answer, but because I want them to become self-guided learners who are capable of taking responsibility for their knowledge.
THE FUTURE
Through professional experiences such as having students of athletic training, I found I have really come to enjoy teaching. I have decided that, at some point in my career, I would like to teach athletic training students in a more formal setting. While I still have a lot to learn as a young athletic training professional, I have even more to learn about educational theories. When I teach, I want to do so in the best possible manner for the type of education these students would need. Thus, I enrolled in a credible Master’s of Education program.
Having almost completed my Master’s of Arts in Education through Michigan State University has given me the confidence in my intellectual abilities, to take learning into my own hands and to manage my time wisely. Because my experience has been so enlightening in many ways, I am considering obtaining a Doctor of Athletic training through A.T. Still University. This educational program will further my knowledge in multiple areas with regards to athletic training, helping me to become not only a better clinician, but also a better educator by being equipped with the newest information in these areas.
The way I see it, being an educator is being a direct example of what you want your students to become. I take great pride in everything I do and my own education and teaching others are among those things. The future of my profession depends upon the education students receive. I want them to learn as much as they can as best they can so they can go out into the world and put their knowledge to use and represent the profession well.
TECHNOLOGY
Prior to enrolling in an online Master’s degree, I felt I had a fairly decent grip on technology. I would not go as far to say I was by any means an expert, but I knew how to navigate around the internet and find various resources if I had to troubleshoot any problems. Now, I would say my grip on technology has only tightened. I still don’t claim to be an expert but I feel through having to create podcasts, videos and websites, etc. has enhanced my understanding of what is possible. Not only have I benefited from having to create these, I feel my education has been enhanced by having to utilize these various technologies. These made information available in a variety of ways which, when brought together, furthered my understanding of the topic at hand.
Having experienced technology by not only creating various pieces but also learning from them has helped me not only to “know” but to also understand that learning comes in many forms. What one student understands via one medium may not be well understood by another. Combining a traditional learning experience and technology will further assist in the student’s learning.
SELF
I feel I have become not only a better educator from having gone through the MAED program, but also a better learner. Not having come from an educational background in my undergraduate degree, I made a point to find background information on my own. Take “pedagogy” for example. I had never even heard this word in my other educational experiences because it was never a topic of concern. Not wanting to be ignorant, I took it upon myself to look up ideas and concepts such as this. This among others, are words, phrases and concepts that my professors and fellow students let flow rather freely. Having to look up information for ones’ self, I’ve come to find out, is actually part of a larger theory in education. It forces students to take learning into their own hands and, hopefully, further their own learning. I feel I have become well-equipped to do this. Previously, I would have asked and expected someone to give me an answer. Quite honestly, I have found I retain more information if I seek it out for myself. Because of this, I will approach education in a way that honors this method. Not because I do not want to give students the answer, but because I want them to become self-guided learners who are capable of taking responsibility for their knowledge.
THE FUTURE
Through professional experiences such as having students of athletic training, I found I have really come to enjoy teaching. I have decided that, at some point in my career, I would like to teach athletic training students in a more formal setting. While I still have a lot to learn as a young athletic training professional, I have even more to learn about educational theories. When I teach, I want to do so in the best possible manner for the type of education these students would need. Thus, I enrolled in a credible Master’s of Education program.
Having almost completed my Master’s of Arts in Education through Michigan State University has given me the confidence in my intellectual abilities, to take learning into my own hands and to manage my time wisely. Because my experience has been so enlightening in many ways, I am considering obtaining a Doctor of Athletic training through A.T. Still University. This educational program will further my knowledge in multiple areas with regards to athletic training, helping me to become not only a better clinician, but also a better educator by being equipped with the newest information in these areas.
The way I see it, being an educator is being a direct example of what you want your students to become. I take great pride in everything I do and my own education and teaching others are among those things. The future of my profession depends upon the education students receive. I want them to learn as much as they can as best they can so they can go out into the world and put their knowledge to use and represent the profession well.