Reflection

Before embarking on my journey in educational technology, my life was filled with challenges and limited opportunities. Growing up in the barrio of "El Jardin" in a small town in South Texas, I experienced the harsh realities of a disadvantaged community. We had to rely on walking as our primary mode of transportation, and our living conditions were heavily impacted by the seasons. Education was always emphasized, but its true importance eluded me until later in life when I became a husband and a father.

I vividly remember the moment when I decided to break free from the constraints I had set for myself. It was a turning point in my life. Determined to give college another chance, I pursued an associate's degree. At that time, I believed that completing my associate's degree was the pinnacle of my journey. I felt accomplished and satisfied with my achievements, or so I thought.

However, fate had different plans for me. While employed as a copier tech, I had a chance encounter with an office worker studying for an exam during their lunch break. Noticing the bookds on her desk our conversation touched on the time we had been in and out of college. As I uttered the words denoting the time I had been out of college she mentioned that with the time I had been out of school, I could have already earned my bachelor's degree. Those words resonated deeply, fueling a fervor that ignited within me.

Driven by this newfound motivation, I wasted no time. I researched colleges that aligned with my work and life schedule, and a couple of years later, I proudly graduated with my bachelor's degree. It was a transformative experience, and it taught me the power of perseverance and seizing opportunities.

But my journey didn't end there. Two months after graduating, the fire within me still burned bright. I yearned to become the best version of myself and reach even greater heights. With that determination, I enrolled in the graduate program for educational technology at UTRGV.

Throughout the program, I have encountered valuable experiences and acquired a wealth of knowledge. One significant artifact I would like to highlight is a research paper I wrote on teacher burnout and strategies for self-care. This project allowed me to delve into the complex issue of burnout among educators and explore practical techniques to promote well-being and prevent burnout. It highlighted the importance of self-care practices, such as mindfulness, work-life balance, and seeking support from colleagues and mentors.

Another noteworthy artifact is the instructional unit I designed on the implementation of Google Classroom and EdPuzzle for onboarding new teaching staff. I created a comprehensive guide and demonstration video showcasing how these tools can be effectively used to enhance student engagement, streamline communication, and facilitate personalized learning. The integration of Google Classroom provided a centralized platform for assignments, discussions, and resource sharing, while EdPuzzle enabled me to create interactive video lessons with embedded assessments to promote active learning and comprehension.

Another artifiact I would like to highlight is a project where I applied Meyer's 12 principles of multimedia in designing instructional materials. This artifact exemplifies my understanding and application of evidence-based principles to optimize multimedia presentations for effective learning. I incorporated principles such as coherence, signaling, and personalization to create engaging and impactful learning experiences for my students. By employing these principles, I witnessed increased student attention, retention of information, and overall satisfaction with the learning materials.

These artifacts, among others, represent my growth and development throughout the program. They symbolize my journey of becoming a knowledgeable and tech-savvy educator. The educational technology program has provided me with the necessary skills, theoretical foundations, and practical experiences to excel in my current job role as well.

Reflecting on my experiences, I have learned valuable lessons that I would like to share with myself and others. First, never underestimate the power of education and the doors it can open. It took me years to fully understand the significance of education in shaping my life and opportunities. I would advise my past self to embrace learning with an open mind and to never give up on pursuing knowledge.

Second, I have learned the importance of seeking opportunities for growth and advancement. The encounter with that person studying for an exam was a pivotal moment for me. It taught me to be proactive and seize opportunities that come my way. Sometimes, a simple conversation can spark a fire within us and lead to transformative journeys.

I have realized the immense impact that technology can have on education. The educational technology program at UTRGV has shown me how technology can enhance teaching, engage students, and facilitate meaningful learning experiences. My advice to others would be to embrace technology as a tool for innovation and leverage its potential to create dynamic and inclusive learning environments.

Looking ahead, my future goals and vision in relation to educational technology are clear. I aspire to become a Technology Integration Coordinator, a role where I can guide and support educators in effectively integrating technology into their classrooms. I envision myself collaborating with teachers, designing professional development programs, and identifying innovative ways to leverage technology to enhance instruction and student outcomes.

I am excited about this new journey and the endless possibilities it holds. The educational technology program at UTRGV has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact in the field of education. I am confident that with my passion, dedication, and the lessons I have learned, I can contribute to the transformation of education through the thoughtful integration of technology.