Reflection Letter

I graduated from the University of Texas - Pan American (now UTRGV) in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. I have been a CTE Teacher at Juarez Lincoln High School since 2010. When I started this portfolio, I pursued an M.Ed. in EdTech with a certification in Technology Leadership. I aim to work full-time as an EdTech Coach (Technology Integration, etc.).

Throughout my time in the program, I have learned much about the theory, research, and applications of educational technology. The following are my reflections on the EdTech program.

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Instructional Technology is not just about the tool but, instead, the correct tool for the task. Writing performance objectives is crucial, and I found the "Condition, Behavior, & Criteria" format helpful in creating measurable objectives. In our group project, we explored how Educational Technology is a field backed by rigorous standards with a long history rooted in technology, historical developments, learning theory, and psychology. Our purpose was to describe the skill set and job opportunities.

The Instructional Design course provided a systematic way to develop effective instruction. The instructional systems design model guided me in understanding theoretical and practical issues in designing instruction. In my project, I created four Instructional Units where an instructional designer can use IU3 templates to create lessons on how to use Google Sheets, which includes a website that educators can copy.

The Interactive Multimedia course was valuable in understanding how to use hypermedia in education. My project aimed to understand how to use conditional formatting in spreadsheets where teachers could apply conditional formatting to a Google Sheet based on students' grades. Developing interactive instruction using audiovisual and web-based technologies was a great experience, and as a teacher, I found it meaningful in an educational context. 

The E-learning Design course provided a research-based rationale for selecting and utilizing technologies for designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating instructions like using Canvas. My project's e-learning course allows teachers to create a meaningful classroom website. That elegant website will include classroom content and student work with a personalized URL. Thus, it allows teachers to prepare for when they or students are out, similar to the COVID pandemic shutdown. The E-Learning Design course helped me have a better understanding of that development process.

For my Practicum, I created a Google Classroom course where the goal was to manage an esports tournament bracket using Challonge for Super Smash Bros Ultimate. EDTC 6323 provided me with guided observation and practice in technology applications in a specified educational setting. This course was a valuable experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to apply my knowledge in a practical environment.

In addition to earning an M.Ed. in EdTech, I also had the opportunity to earn a graduate certificate in Technology Leadership, Online Instructional Design, and E-learning. This program has been a valuable experience, and I am well-equipped to work full-time as a Technology Integration leader or Instructional Designer.

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In summary, the M.Ed. in EdTech program has allowed me to demonstrate the knowledge necessary to create, use, assess, and manage theoretical and practical applications of educational technologies and processes. I have also demonstrated effective implementation of educational technologies and strategies based on contemporary content and pedagogy. I am confident in facilitating education by creating, evaluating, and managing effective learning environments. Additionally, I have been able to design, develop, implement, and evaluate technology-rich learning environments. Finally, I have explored and applied methods of inquiry to enhance learning and improve performance.

I appreciate your consideration,

Carlos O. Garza