Neringa Tuyilingire
In Fall 2010, I enrolled in my first CEP class with a goal to improve my technological skills and learn more about emerging new technologies. Time flew by and in Spring 2011 I earned my Certificate. In Educational Technology I knew I had to continue in the program and earn my master's in educational technology. On March 29, 2011 I submitted my personal goal statement and applied to be admitted in the Master of Arts in Educational Technology program.
As I review my personal goal statement, I am very surprised that I stayed on the same path and my goals hardly changed. When I applied for this program, I was two years in my job as an international student and scholar advisor. I was assigned to provide training to department administrators on work visa processing and provide workshops to international students regarding various immigration topics. I noticed how boring it is for students to sit in lengthy workshops and I knew that some technologies must be incorporated to increase students’ interests in these workshops as well as understanding.
My personal goals in my statement were incorporation of innovative technologies in my work environment, create professional presentations for department administrators using innovative technologies, create e-tutorials for different visa processes, and learn how to communicate with students using informational videos, podcasts, or presentations that include various technologies. Another goal that was not work related was to create a foreign language program/website upon completion of my master's degree for small children to learn basic Lithuanian. As I reflect upon these goals, I can definitely state that most of these goals stayed the same and that I accomplished these goals in my master's in educational technology program. One of the goals that was not stated in my personal goal statement was to present in conferences on various technologies and its incorporation in international office and/or education. I do not think that is the change to my goals but an addition.
As I am taking my last class in my master's program, I am grateful for my profession, which inspired me and gave me purpose to pursue another degree. I am grateful to my supportive colleagues whom I worked with on some of the projects together and was able to co-present at state and regional conferences. This is definitely not the end but only the beginning and I am planning on taking additional courses in the future to keep myself up to date in the field of technology.
A PDF version of my reflective essay is also available by clicking here
Inspired by International Education
by Neringa Tuyilingire
Words in Lithuanian published with Wordle program.