Hi and thanks for reading my Lesley University student blog. My name is Jen and I am an 8th grade language arts teacher who has returned to school to obtain my Master’s degree in Technology in Education. Being a full-time teacher and mom to two kids (ages 3 and 5) takes up a lot of time, so the option of completing my degree online was one of the options that sold me on Lesley. Being a distance learner is fantastic—it fits into my schedule and allows me the flexibility I need to be successful in all areas of my life. One of the concerns I had when I first began the T.I.E. program was how I would manage my time. As it turns out (I’m about half way through), managing the work is easy! All my professors post assignments and allow about a week for completion. They are available by email, phone, or other technology (Skype, IM) and are always willing to help. When I tell people that I am completing the work online, they sometimes say, “Oh, I would miss the personal connections with my classmates.” This is another myth my classes at Lesley have dispelled! All of my professors have a discussion board (and a variety of “required” posts), and my classmates have always been warm, exciting, educated people who are eager to share ideas and discuss teaching in the 21st century. I have made many friends in the T.I.E. program and keep in touch with some former classmates several semesters later. On more than one occasion, I have been stuck on an assignment and reached out to classmates. The response is almost overwhelming! My classmates are generous and enthusiastic. They are willing to share ideas, lessons, links, units and more. Being an online student is much more manageable and rewarding than I ever imagined.
I had a recent conversation with a distant cousin who also completed her Masters (in Literacy) from Lesley. As we chatted about our experiences with Lesley, she said, “The great thing about Lesley is that it has a great reputation. The tough thing about Lesley is that it has a great reputation.” The T.I.E. program has been challenging and very rewarding. Hard work pays off, and the level of learning I have received at Lesley has been worthwhile and satisfying. I can honestly say that I have learned more immediately useful information in just a few semesters than I ever imagined. From all my classes, I have implemented many ideas and activities immediately.
Increasing the use of technology is something that has really changed my teaching style. Instead of just promising to use technology and asking my students to type their work in Microsoft Word, I am encouraging them to create iMovies, Podcasts, PowerPoints and other methods of presentation. Implementing the fun, interesting and technology-laden lessons I learned from Lesley makes work in my classroom come to life. On many occasions my students have said, “This is the class I look forward to!” I have also shared my knowledge with my colleagues by creating, hosting and teaching “Technology with Jen” classes, where I teach others how to implement technology in their own classrooms!
If you are considering joining the T.I.E. program at Lesley, I say, “Go for it!” The program is rewarding, exciting, stimulating and totally worthwhile.
