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July 24,2013

Dear Educational Technology Faculty,

In May 1986, I received a Bachelor's of Business Administration specializing in management from Pan American University.  After I graduated, I began to work as a substitute teacher because I have an older sister and brother that taught at the elementary schools in Raymondville.  While I worked as a substitute teacher. one of the principals told me about the Alternative Certification Program (A.C.P.).   I then was admitted to the Pan American University A.C.P. during the summer of 1987 and earned my certification 1988.  My interest in technology first started while I was in college and was required to take BASIC and COBOL computer classes.

As I first started my teaching career, I was known for being a teacher that liked to use computers in the classroom.  If there was any type of professional development that involved technology, I was usually one of the first teachers that was asked to attend the training or present a training.  I thought I new a lot about technology before I started working on my Master's in Educational Technology, but I was wrong.  Just starting with the first class I learned about so many different Web 2.0 tools that are available and most of them are free.  The plethora of these tools is incredible and they keep the students engaged in their learning.  I also learned about problem based learning and the flipped classroom which make the students responsible for their learning.  The coursework involved in earning my Master's Degree has turned me into a better teacher. 

Besides all of the tools on the Internet, I am now capable of designing online lessons for my students and my colleagues.  I know the many different multimedia principles one must know when creating multimedia lessons.  I used to be one that thought the more you put on a page the better the page would look like.  Now, I know about how the brain can be overloaded with too much text, images, and audio.  Everyone loses out when the learner is not able to learn due to cognitive overload.  I also learned how important is to manage my time in my Practicum.  I have been very lucky to be part of the MSTTPA Go Tech program.  This program has enabled me to earn a Master's Degree that I never thought I could have earned.   

By earning my Master's Degree I will continue to integrate technology even more to the curriculum I teach my students.  I know students are more engaged in learning when they use technology.  Most students nowadays have technology in their hands whether it is at school or at home.  The use of the web tools is a way of getting our students to collaborate with one another.

 Sincerely,

Sergio Perez