Reflection: From Reactive to Proactive: A Reflection on My Journey with Educational Technology

Before starting this course, I didn't have specific expectations but was genuinely curious about how deeply the course would delve into the impact of technology on education. I wondered whether it would simply cover basic tools and applications or if it would explore the broader implications of technology integration in educational settings. My approach was open-minded, hoping to gain practical insights that could enhance my role as Dean of Student Culture and improve the learning experiences for both students and staff at my campus.

During the course, I learned extensively about how technology impacts education from multiple perspectives - students, staff, and administrators. The course provided a comprehensive view that helped me understand the complexities and nuances of educational technology implementation. I discovered that successful technology integration isn't just about having the latest devices or software, but about understanding how different stakeholders experience and interact with these tools. The course revealed the importance of considering the needs, challenges, and perspectives of all parties involved in the educational process when making technology decisions.

My understanding of educational technology has fundamentally changed through this experience. I'm now better prepared to approach technology integration with a more strategic and thoughtful mindset. I've learned to intentionally think about what types of technology and devices I would utilize, how I would train others effectively, and most importantly, how to assess the effectiveness of technology implementations. Overall, my thinking towards and use of technology in education is now more considerate of various variables and driven by intentionality rather than simply adopting new tools because they're available. This shift from reactive to proactive thinking will undoubtedly improve how I support technology initiatives on my campus.