FINAL REFLECTION

Where I Started

When I began EDT 500, I thought educational technology referred only to the technology teachers used in the classroom or what students learned during STEM. I thought of programs like Clever, Edmentum, and SAVVAS, but I quickly learned that educational technology is much more than apps and devices. It is about creating engaging learning experiences, improving communication, increasing accessibility, and giving every student opportunities to learn in meaningful ways. I will admit that I was nervous when I saw this was an iPad-based course. As a diehard Android user, I knew I had a lot to learn, and some of the projects seemed intimidating before I even began. I had never created a Bitmoji classroom, built a website, or explored the accessibility features on my own devices. While I had some exposure to coding from taking my one-to-one student to STEM classes, many of the assignments pushed me well outside of my comfort zone.

Challenges That Changed Me

I realized that the projects that challenged me the most taught me the most. The movie trailer assignment completely changed my thinking. Because of a hospitalization, I needed an extension and then had to coordinate filming around medication restrictions and my children's softball schedules. Once everything finally came together, I was incredibly proud of what I created. I even discovered there was an easier way to make the movie trailer after I finished it, but instead of feeling discouraged, it made me excited to create another one. In fact, I am already planning to surprise my family by creating a vacation movie as a keepsake.

A New Perspective

I also discovered that technology should never replace good teaching. Instead, it should enhance learning, strengthen communication with families, increase accessibility, and help educators reach every student. I now see technology as a tool that can remove barriers and create opportunities rather than something that simply makes lessons look more exciting. The greatest lesson I learned was about myself. I have always struggled with self-doubt, but every completed assignment reminded me that I am capable of learning things that once seemed impossible. Dr. Penny often reminded us that the process was more important than the final product, and that message stayed with me throughout the course. Each successful project and every positive grade gave me a little more confidence to keep trying.

Looking Ahead

As I continue teaching, I plan to explore new technology instead of avoiding it. I want to use digital tools to create stronger partnerships with families, make learning more engaging, and explore accessibility features that help all students succeed. I leave this course with greater confidence in myself.

Five weeks ago, I was nervous about taking a technology course and worried I would be completely lost. Today, I leave this course knowing that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to, and that is a lesson I will carry far beyond EDT 500. Technology may still challenge me from time to time, but I am no longer afraid to learn it and use it to improve teaching and learning in my classroom.