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This meme works for me because of all the great things we created this semester. I really enjoyed how much this class pushed me to think outside of the box in the product I created to demonstrate my knowledge. I guess this is obvious by now, but in this program there are not a lot of essays to write. In some ways that was always more comfortable for me, so not having that be the main product put pressure on me in a lot of good ways.
This class seemed to focus on ways to help us make actual materials.
Thank you for all the wonderful feedback given, and for the wonderful innovation everyone has demonstrated.

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Technology should be thought of as a tool. Teachers use these tools to organize their classrooms, enhance students learning and keep students engaged. It is our jobs as leaders to ensure that teachers have access to technology, and the necessary skills to effectively and safely infuse technology into their daily routines.

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This course was amazing! As many have said, it was not at all what I expected it would be, but I learned so much and have so many new ideas to take back to my classroom.

Working through the MET program has really helped me to be reflective on my teaching. When I first completed my undergrad and started teaching, I had all these great ideas and big plans to be different. And I look at my classroom now and find myself teaching the same old, tired, ineffective lessons I despised while in school.

I've heard this quote more times than I can count, but I think it has never been more important than it is now. The climate of education needs to change, and to accomplish that I need to not just hear this, but live it.

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My experiences during this course have only reaffirmed my thoughts that enrolling in the MET program at BSU has been one the best decisions I have made, both on a personal and professional level.

In a time when the world is moving at a faster pace than ever before in many ways, critical thinking and problem solving in the most efficient ways has become increasingly important.

Working with Dr. C. and my classmates to collaborate and complete the tasks throughout the course, I've come to realize that it's not about the tool itself, but how it's used that leads to the most growth.

The world is constantly changing and my poster represents my passion for not only education and technology, but a genuine love for learning and the promise to always continue improving.

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I chose to create two images. One from the refugee swimmer because during this course I had an opportunity to reflect on her story and how she was a leader. She made a comment about encountering problems and it made me think about this semester and the moments that really pushed me. I could wave the white flag or I could push and learn.

The other one I created was a quote by Nelson Mandela. Sometimes I would think "Where do I even begin" and then when I finish I would be so proud of myself for sticking with it.

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This course came into my life at a challenging time.  I have such a passion for technology but due to some struggles, I found myself wanting to give up and not be my best self.  Through it all, I have learned a few life lessons.  First, be your best self, even when you don't feel like it!  You will always know you tried your hardest at the very least.  Second, put yourself out there.  Being open and honest can be a huge weight off of your shoulders.  Last, you are your biggest critic.  I love to innovate and at times I feel my innovates is out of the box.  This class taught me that innovation is necessary and a key component of educational technology (sounds like a no brainer, right?)

Emily Colligan

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“Self-reflection is an important part of self-improvement."

During this course, I went through many stages moving from a slow and bumpy start towards smooth and focused navigation.

The experiences from this course and the support of the instructor, Dr. C, have solidified in my mind that sometimes our greatest limitation can be ourselves but if we are willing to push through “thick and thin”, we will eventually conquer and surpass our expectations without even realizing it.

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I am constantly amazed at how little value I put in what I already know. This class scared the hell out of me when I first started. I'm not a teacher, so I assumed I didn't know how to do any of this. What was great about this class and Dr. C, is it showed me I know a lot more than I thought I did, and what I do for work is translatable and portable into a variety of settings. I also learned how to use a number of 2.0 tools I'd never even heard of and have ported those into my career. I've learned a great deal and look forward to learning more.

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I really enjoyed this course. I am very passionate about blended learning, but my real passion lies in professional development. This course affirmed many of the ideas that I hold to be true about technology integration and supporting teachers in creating rich and meaningful learning experiences for students. I really appreciated Dr. McGregor's real-world experience and practical tips as it challenged me to think and work at a higher level!

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Throughout this course I was constantly challenged in an engaging and relevant way. My chosen motivational poster reflects that all learning, no matter what the level, should spark an interest to constantly want to know more, learn more, and be more. This class has definitely done that for me.

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So this wasn't really FROM this class, but it was a quote I learned DURING this class (in my "real life") that I've been sitting on the past few weeks and really wanted to share, especially when I consider how much things change in the world around us. Just when we think things are stable and we've figured them out, the whole ground shifts and we learn how little we know. To some, that could be exhausting and scary, but I've found peace in knowing that everyone—smarter, dumber, older, younger than me—has to go through the same thing as well, and so I can be confident in doing what I do in all things.

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I had anxiety at the beginning of this semester. The assignments were rigorous and required a lot of planning and creating, and using new tools and websites. I kept thinking to myself, "This is too hard. I can't do this!" However, completing these artifacts allowed me to step out of my comfort zone. It was actually ok to think outside of the box, to be creative, to be innovative, to reinvent. To be able to do this with assignments was challenging, but lots of fun.
My experience in EDTECH 554 has been meaningful and taught me that it was important to have high expectations of your students, that challenges can be fun, and to always provide a rubric for students. I also learned that these assignments I completed involved all the 4C's and i actually discovered new technology resources that I can use next year with my students.

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The actual quote for this poster is something else--pretty hilarious in my mind, but I didn't want to offend anyone. It has something to do with a colostomy bag...

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A similar poster with these words and a picture of Steve Prefontaine hangs in my class (for the uninitiated, Prefontaine was a middle and long distance runner at the University of Oregon who is regarded as running’s “James Dean”, and I legitimately teared up when I saw one of his quotes the first time I ran a half-marathon because I’m bizarre like that).  This class reminded me that, regardless of how gifted I may be when it comes to various elements of technology, talent is no substitute for grit and effort.  For a few months this class, my other Boise State course, marathon training, and that pesky job of mine occupied the majority of my time (I guess I slept a little too).  But I did my best to approach every task with an open mind and my best effort.  It’s something I intend on taking with me into my next courses and beyond.

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I think sometimes that I am often caught up in many things at once. I need to be honest with myself and figure what needs priority. I like to come up with grand ideas, but sometimes lack the ability to have some follow through. The pacing of this was pretty easy to follow. I appreciated how easy it was to complete work and the encouragement the instructor gave. Lot's of positive feedback and I appreciate that!

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This has been my life this semester. Stressed out and eating lots of chocolate! This has been a great class. I learned a great deal about policy, blended learning, how to evaluate tech programs at schools, etc. I have to complete the Portfolio class next semester and I am on my way to graduation!

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The majority of the assignments for this course took me out of my comfort zone. From deciding what makes a good 21st Century Leader to having to collaborate on what makes a great Acceptable Use Policy; the end result stayed the same...everything I learned in this course is for my future. I don't know if I will create another rubric for a technology rollout, but I now have a reference and something to show that I have the "know how" if needed.

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I was very excited to take this class.  On paper, the class seemed to really fit with my professional goals.  It turned out to be exactly what I hoping for and more. However, I underestimated just how much work this class would actually be.  I appreciated how complimentary Dr. C would be, all the while requiring that my work hold to her very high standards.  Often times I feel very insecure, not sure if my thinking matches with what is required.  It was these times that I needed to courageously step out and trust my instincts.  Of course, there were many humbling experiences as well and I was reminded to always remain teachable.

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This semester I really had to think outside the box. I had to create a podcast recording my own voice. I'm an introvert, so that was asking a lot of me. However, I went to my boss and asked if we could share it with the students. That is not like me at all. Many of the assignments caused me to think outside the box too. After this semester, I will be challenging myself to continue to think outside the box.

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It's easy to be really hard on yourself. There were several times throughout this course that I felt like I didn't create something or meet Dr. McGregor's expectations. I was surprised to see that I kept heading the right direction. I feel like all of the ideas and thoughts from all of us have been really insightful and helpful for helping us all grow and learn new things. I'm really sad that this is my last class-class before my portfolio this summer.

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This semester I learned something very important: trust myself and my own ideas. I have so many ideas for the use of technology in my classroom but sometimes I don't use them or try them out of fear. Fear of what? They won't work right? They might not. Fear they aren't well-thought out enough? Welcome to the real and do better next time. From now on I will try and remember to:

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I stepped well outside my comfort zone in this course, especially while creating three podcasts and a Digital Learning Experience. However, these experience have been rewarding because I now have a solid understanding of how to lead change in my two schools, and in my district. I also have more tools to help my colleagues become the technology leaders of the present and future!

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This class challenged in a lot of ways. However, the greatest reward came when I challenged myself to learn or a new tool or to explore content areas that I often ignored. While there is still much for me to learn, I leave the class with a renewed appreciation for challenging myself. I will need to continue to do this in my new role next year and I'm looking forward to all the challenges ahead.

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I was kicked off of the ledge and didn't die. This class pushed me to do some things that were out of my safe zone. I feel better for learning something new. I will be a better Instructional Technology professional....hopefully :)

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This class wasn't what I expected... I thought we'd be learning about what a District Tech Integration professional would be doing, and boy am I happy that wasn't what happened! I really enjoyed creating the e-dossier and all of its contents throughout the semester. This class is exceptional!

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This class stretched my imagination. I had to continuously conjure up new ideas and methods to tackle complex assignments. I learned a great deal about myself and for that, I'm grateful. EDTECH 554 forced me to challenge myself through the exploration of delivering products in new mediums, which made me uncomfortable at times. Looking back, I am now more assured in my abilities to adapt and produce exemplary work.

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Double click anywhere on this page. Then select the "camera" icon below and navigate to your motivational poster jpg