My goals upon entering UGA's Instructional Technology and School Library Media program were:
To grow professionally by acquiring knowledge in information and instructional technology, enabling me to be a valuable resource for my school.
I believe I have accomplished this goal through participation in numerous graduate classes including Information Technology, Information Literacy in School Library Media Programs, and Introduction to Computer Based Education. I have already put the knowledge I have gained through the program to use at my current school. In many instances I was able to draw from my experiences in my graduate classes when I was approached by a fellow teacher with a technology problem. I've also instructed my own students in different ways, especially when it came to research and collaboration with other students, because of what I have learned.
To grow personally by successfully completing UGA's masters program and, consequently, earning a higher salary.
With graduation looming on the horizon, I look forward to completing this goal very soon. Since I am the first person in my family to earn a masters degree, I feel a wonderful sense of accomplishment. Completing this program has renewed my work ethic and taught me valuable lessons in time-management. Also, as a newlywed, my husband and I plan to purchase our first home with some of the money I will earn with my salary increase.
To gain the knowledge necessary to become a thriving media specialist.
I definitely believe the time and energy I have invested into the program will enable me to be the best media specialist possible. I have learned how to manage a media center, how to collaborate with teachers, and how to instill a love of reading into my students. I have been instructed in cataloging, media center policies, and copyright laws. I have greatly enjoyed listening to seasoned media specialists discuss the pitfalls they fell into when they were new to the position and what I should do to avoid them. Most importantly, I have treasured the field experiences and internship opportunities that placed me in different media centers to experience and absorb everything for myself.