Learning From a Distance
Aside from one course and two optional workshops I completed during the summer 2019 term, all courses from the MSET program were completed online. I was able to experience the true meaning of distance education as I worked on the coursework outside the United States but still had the same access to materials and opportunities for collaboration with peers. I learned both through the coursework and with first-hand experience that distance education is not only a powerful way to take in information, but also how distance education can continue to be an impactful method of learning in the future.
MSET Objectives
Some of the objectives that align to this theme include:
- Be aware of current trends and issues in computer education, distance education, electronic communications, computer hardware and software.
- Be proficient in finding, evaluating, and use current educational research to support continuous improvement.
- Be knowledgeable of emerging technologies.
- Be knowledgeable of current. technology-based educational tools and products.
MSET Courses
LT 741 - Introduction to Distance Education
This course focused entirely on distance education. It included information on various online learning settings (i.e. synchronous and asynchronous), and even methods of being an online instructor. Many of the weekly topics had foundations in what we know as good teaching practices. Regardless if the learning environment is online or face-to-face, as an teacher we should be prepared, knowledgeable, able to connect with the learners, use multiple methods of instruction, conduct assessments to guide instruction, and give quality feedback.
Throughout the course, we completed four different types of assessments:
1) Discussion Boards
2) Quizzes
3) Article Summaries
4) Position Paper
The discussion boards were a way for my peers and I to connect virtually and discuss our thoughts about the content of the week. Quizzes were technically "take home" quizzes, as we were able to respond to the few questions and submit them for a grade. I found this to be a purposeful way of reflecting on my learning. Article summaries were our interpretation of an article we selected according to its interest and relevance to our teaching practices. The article summaries allowed us to prepare the the position paper, which was a topic for debate within distance education. In My position paper, I wrote about how instructional methods used in the face-to-face classroom are effective in an online learning environment.
Article Summary #1
Article Summary #2
Article Summary #3
Position Paper
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CET 725 - Educational Applications for the Mobile Environment
This course gave me an opportunity to explore different apps and tools that I will be able to apply to my teaching to benefit the students' learning. With just three other students enrolled in this course, we had a lot of discussions about what mobile devices can add to the classroom in terms of learner relevance and engagement. Just as important of a consideration, though, is how to manage this type of learning and develop independent thinkers and creators along the way.
Imagine Learning Overview
Tools for ESOL
Innovate with iPad
Presentation Software Comparisons
18 Challenges Assignment
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CET 723 - Inclusive STEM Instruction
Before starting this course, I wasn't sure it would be a proper fit for me, since I don't teach science, technology, engineering, or math! However, this course served as a great learning opportunity, as I was able to apply creativity with a new lens and see the applicability of STEM learning into my area of focus: literacy.
Another thing I appreciated from this course was the multiple perspectives that were presented in each week's discussion. Because this course was also open to those outside the MSET program, area teachers were posting about their successes when applying the learning concepts in their classrooms. It was great to see teachers in elementary and middle school talk about how they incorporate STEM activities into science and math disciplines, and others less directly related to the field such as English and fine arts.
Each week's assignment built from what was learned in prior weeks, whether that come from implementing an idea and reflecting on its effectiveness or taking the authors' suggestions from the book and applying the content within our own teaching practice.
STEM Explainer Video
Assistive Technology
STEM Activity Outline
STEM Technology Tools & Activities
STEM Learning Portfolio
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CET 692 - STEAM Camp
I was so pleased to see that STEAM camp was offered as course credit towards the MSET Program! I love taking online courses, and it is great to have the opportunity such as STEAM camp to visualize how the theories we learn about are put into practice. That is exactly what the STEAM camp offered to me in each of the 90 minute sessions I attended.
Be A Hero, Use Gimkit - This session introduced me to some of the features that Gimkit offers its users. I have used Gimkit before as a student but I hadn't created any assessments prior to learning more about it in this session. I think it is a valuable tool for student engagement as well as formative data gathering.
Discover the Power of Global Learning for STEM Connections - In this session I was introduced to technology tools, resources, and methods to help bring STEM into the picture of global learning. Tools I am familiar with, such as Skype, Good Chrome extensions, and even YouTube help bring the class into a larger audience.
Cybersecurity for All- By attending this session I learned how cybersecurity has implications for not only schools, but also my personal life.
STEAM Camp 2019 had three main focuses: Innovate, Create, Integrate. As a reflection of my participation during STEAM camp, I had to discuss how I would use these three focuses in my teaching practice.
STEAM Camp Reflection Video
This course focused entirely on distance education. It included information on various online learning settings (i.e. synchronous and asynchronous), and even methods of being an online instructor. Many of the weekly topics had foundations in what we know as good teaching practices. Regardless if the learning environment is online or face-to-face, as an teacher we should be prepared, knowledgeable, able to connect with the learners, use multiple methods of instruction, conduct assessments to guide instruction, and give quality feedback.
Throughout the course, we completed four different types of assessments:
1) Discussion Boards
2) Quizzes
3) Article Summaries
4) Position Paper
The discussion boards were a way for my peers and I to connect virtually and discuss our thoughts about the content of the week. Quizzes were technically "take home" quizzes, as we were able to respond to the few questions and submit them for a grade. I found this to be a purposeful way of reflecting on my learning. Article summaries were our interpretation of an article we selected according to its interest and relevance to our teaching practices. The article summaries allowed us to prepare the the position paper, which was a topic for debate within distance education. In My position paper, I wrote about how instructional methods used in the face-to-face classroom are effective in an online learning environment.
Article Summary #1
Article Summary #2
Article Summary #3
Position Paper
---
CET 725 - Educational Applications for the Mobile Environment
This course gave me an opportunity to explore different apps and tools that I will be able to apply to my teaching to benefit the students' learning. With just three other students enrolled in this course, we had a lot of discussions about what mobile devices can add to the classroom in terms of learner relevance and engagement. Just as important of a consideration, though, is how to manage this type of learning and develop independent thinkers and creators along the way.
Imagine Learning Overview
Tools for ESOL
Innovate with iPad
Presentation Software Comparisons
18 Challenges Assignment
---
CET 723 - Inclusive STEM Instruction
Before starting this course, I wasn't sure it would be a proper fit for me, since I don't teach science, technology, engineering, or math! However, this course served as a great learning opportunity, as I was able to apply creativity with a new lens and see the applicability of STEM learning into my area of focus: literacy.
Another thing I appreciated from this course was the multiple perspectives that were presented in each week's discussion. Because this course was also open to those outside the MSET program, area teachers were posting about their successes when applying the learning concepts in their classrooms. It was great to see teachers in elementary and middle school talk about how they incorporate STEM activities into science and math disciplines, and others less directly related to the field such as English and fine arts.
Each week's assignment built from what was learned in prior weeks, whether that come from implementing an idea and reflecting on its effectiveness or taking the authors' suggestions from the book and applying the content within our own teaching practice.
STEM Explainer Video
Assistive Technology
STEM Activity Outline
STEM Technology Tools & Activities
STEM Learning Portfolio
---
CET 692 - STEAM Camp
I was so pleased to see that STEAM camp was offered as course credit towards the MSET Program! I love taking online courses, and it is great to have the opportunity such as STEAM camp to visualize how the theories we learn about are put into practice. That is exactly what the STEAM camp offered to me in each of the 90 minute sessions I attended.
Be A Hero, Use Gimkit - This session introduced me to some of the features that Gimkit offers its users. I have used Gimkit before as a student but I hadn't created any assessments prior to learning more about it in this session. I think it is a valuable tool for student engagement as well as formative data gathering.
Discover the Power of Global Learning for STEM Connections - In this session I was introduced to technology tools, resources, and methods to help bring STEM into the picture of global learning. Tools I am familiar with, such as Skype, Good Chrome extensions, and even YouTube help bring the class into a larger audience.
Cybersecurity for All- By attending this session I learned how cybersecurity has implications for not only schools, but also my personal life.
STEAM Camp 2019 had three main focuses: Innovate, Create, Integrate. As a reflection of my participation during STEAM camp, I had to discuss how I would use these three focuses in my teaching practice.
STEAM Camp Reflection Video