Learning something new can be terrifying as we often fear the unknown and more so not getting it right. This was definitely my feelings when I decided at the age of 45 to begin the journey to obtaining my Bachelor of Education degree. As a mother and wife, we often put everyone’s needs before our own and it was a struggle to work through that guilt when I decided to start this journey. Thankfully my daughter and husband have stuck with me every step of the way, through the fear, victories and mis-steps. Now as I rapidly approach my destination, I am embarking on yet a new journey, exploring the world of educational technology and blogging.
As an educational assistant at the high school level, educational technology is not completely foreign to me. I see teachers using a host of technology in their teaching from YouTube videos to the Google Suite and now Teacher AI that is designed to lessen their workload. I have watched my colleagues make the switch to the EDSBY program, and the struggle and frustration as they tried to learn the new program and navigate it. I have been involved in many discussions regarding students’ use of AI programs such as chatGPT and PhotoMath as a way of cheating and how do we handle it. As I embark on this course, I am looking forward to gaining more insight into the role technology will play in my future classroom, but at the same time am apprehensive about learning to use new technology including creating and maintaining this blog.
I have had some exposure to blog posting in previous classes, but to be honest it is not something I overly enjoy. I struggle with what to include, how to format it and what the purpose is. Once again, fear is rearing its head. Fear that I won’t do it correctly; fear that I won’t captivate my audience; fear that something I post upsets or offends someone; just fear. As I reflect on my apprehension and anxiety as I write this first post, I remember a Sheena Koops article that I had read for my Teaching Treaties in the classroom and an “aha” moment that I had. Any new journey, whether it is learning something new such as educational technology or blogging or teaching, is not about getting everything exactly right. What counts is deciding to begin, not giving up, remaining dedicated and committed and learning from our mistakes and most importantly, it is during the learning process that incredibly beautiful things happen.
So join me as I take on my next journey through educational technology and blogging toward my degree.
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