4. Think Critically and Reflectively
Sub-Competencies
Develops a personal vision of inclusive educational practice
Describes the relationship between Educational Technology and the broader fields of Education
Critically evaluates theory and practice
Artifacts
king_a__edci66000a_initial_and_final_reflective_essays.docx |
Supporting Narrative
The first sub-competency states that I have developed a personal vision of inclusive educational practice. In the artifact that is listed, I was asked to think about my future goals and what brought me to Purdue. I discuss things such as wanting to focus solely on educational technology. In my reflection, I recognize my opportunities, my goals and the steps necessary to meet these expectations. I do not rush into decisions. How I felt when I wrote this artifact is still completely true. I am also happy to announce that I met my goals and will be moving to become my current building’s technology integrations specialist. After developing a personal vision and accepting the practices it would take to reach my goals, I was fortunate enough to make it happen. I brought this competency to full circle since originally writing the artifact.
The second sub-competence states that I can describe the relationship between Educational Technology and the broader fields of Education. In my artifact, I discuss lifelong learning and teacher attitudes towards change. To progress in educational technology, teachers must understand that they must become lifelong learners. Teacher attitudes are not the focus of many topics, but might be considered a broader field. It is still an area that we need to focus, but not a main point in educational technology. However, happy teachers dive into unknown waters easier, including technology. I demonstrate in my artifact that I demonstrate that lifelong learning is also a broader field that connects with educational technology. Technology, including hardware and software, is always changing. Reflecting on the changes and thinking critically about the future is very important. Technology is a very complex and expensive investment for a school. We need to be ready to implement and use any new and available technologies for our students’ sake.
The third sub-competence states that I can critically evaluate theory and practice. In my final reflective essay, I do tend to reflect on study habits. I discuss how I need to balance my studies with my career. Being self-aware and able to reflect on such areas takes a great deal of honesty and critical thinking about yourself. In my final reflection, I demonstrate that I understand the changing of situations and the need to be flexible and practice. Although, this paper is referring to my studies while at Purdue, I would argue that this is true of my life personally and professionally. During my time at Purdue I have also been applying the situated cognition theory to my own academic life which states that learning is also a social endeavor. Working with other students while at Purdue and bouncing ideas off my colleagues, has been a tremendous help. Using the situated cognition theory in my lessons for students will be very beneficial as well and something that I continue to in the future. We learn best when we work together. I believe these artifacts demonstrate my ability to be honest and critical about my work ethic and my goals.
Areas I could grow would include quality over quantity. This is something that mentioned in my artifact as well. I mentioned that at Purdue, I was understanding that quality was far more important. I have grown tremendously in this area; however, I would argue that being concise and not drawing out a point is my latest challenge when thinking critically and reflecting in an area. I like to be thorough, but I do not want to be too wordy.
The second sub-competence states that I can describe the relationship between Educational Technology and the broader fields of Education. In my artifact, I discuss lifelong learning and teacher attitudes towards change. To progress in educational technology, teachers must understand that they must become lifelong learners. Teacher attitudes are not the focus of many topics, but might be considered a broader field. It is still an area that we need to focus, but not a main point in educational technology. However, happy teachers dive into unknown waters easier, including technology. I demonstrate in my artifact that I demonstrate that lifelong learning is also a broader field that connects with educational technology. Technology, including hardware and software, is always changing. Reflecting on the changes and thinking critically about the future is very important. Technology is a very complex and expensive investment for a school. We need to be ready to implement and use any new and available technologies for our students’ sake.
The third sub-competence states that I can critically evaluate theory and practice. In my final reflective essay, I do tend to reflect on study habits. I discuss how I need to balance my studies with my career. Being self-aware and able to reflect on such areas takes a great deal of honesty and critical thinking about yourself. In my final reflection, I demonstrate that I understand the changing of situations and the need to be flexible and practice. Although, this paper is referring to my studies while at Purdue, I would argue that this is true of my life personally and professionally. During my time at Purdue I have also been applying the situated cognition theory to my own academic life which states that learning is also a social endeavor. Working with other students while at Purdue and bouncing ideas off my colleagues, has been a tremendous help. Using the situated cognition theory in my lessons for students will be very beneficial as well and something that I continue to in the future. We learn best when we work together. I believe these artifacts demonstrate my ability to be honest and critical about my work ethic and my goals.
Areas I could grow would include quality over quantity. This is something that mentioned in my artifact as well. I mentioned that at Purdue, I was understanding that quality was far more important. I have grown tremendously in this area; however, I would argue that being concise and not drawing out a point is my latest challenge when thinking critically and reflecting in an area. I like to be thorough, but I do not want to be too wordy.