| Home | Reflection Letter | Matrix | Courses Taken | Contact Me 

July 15, 2013

Dear Educational Technology Faculty,

My career path in education began when I received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in Management in the Spring of 2004. This was a huge accomplishment for me since I was a parent of two young children, working a full time job and entering college as an older student.  I felt it was important for my children to know that getting an education was important.   After graduation, I entered an alternative certification program out of McAllen. I received a probationary certificate in Office Education 6 -12, which is now Business Education 6-12.  I immediately applied for teaching positions in Los Fresnos CISD and was offered a job to teach keyboarding and career applications at Resaca Middle School. For five years I taught middle school students basic technology skills and in 2009 I was transferred to Los Fresnos United, a 9^th grade campus.  It was a dream come true, as I always wanted to teach at the high school level.

I had always envisioned myself obtaining a master’s degree, but I just was unsure in what area. When I heard about the Educational Technology Masters, my interest was piqued. After looking into the program, I decided that it was the time and that this program would not only benefit me, but more importantly my students. Technology is constantly changing and through these courses I have learned about current trends, resources and techniques that I was unaware of prior to these classes. I am thrilled to say that all that I have learned has made me a better teacher and my students more technology savvy.

I will never forget those first two classes I took in the fall of 2011. I was introduced to instructional technology and how it could be used in the classroom. I was required to use tools I was familiar with like Microsoft PowerPoint and others I was unfamiliar with like PBWorks to create a wiki and Camtasia something I had never heard of or used before.

I was introduced and learned to use several Web 2.0 tools. At this time I was leery of using them but overtime I have become more confident. Examples of some of the Web 2.0 tools are Wordle, Wallwisher, Diigo, VoiceTread, SlideRocket, Vuvox, SpicyNodes, Yodi, and Prezi just to name a few. I have actually implemented some of these Web 2.0 tools into lessons with my students. This past spring a colleague and I conducted a training on Web 2.0 tools with our teachers.  I would have never imagined doing this before. I have gained the confidence to teach what I have learned to others these past two years.

After taking these classes I have realized that integrating technology in the classroom is very important. This is a way to keep our students engaged and to be able to reach all types of learners. Even in my Business Information Management classes using different types of technology tools in the classroom can make a world of difference. That is why I made the right choice in obtaining a Master’s degree in Educational Technology. 

Sincerely,

Jessica Burnias