Hello! Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. My name is Michael Reaves, and I am excited to have this blog as my learning log as part of the Masters in Educational Technology Program at Boise State University.
I have lived in the Philadelphia area my entire life, and have worked as an educator for quite some time; my first year of teaching as a choir director and general education music teacher, serving over 200 students at a small private school. Currently, I am on staff in an educational support role at one of Pennsylvania’s largest cyber charter schools with a projected enrollment of 13,000 students this academic year, while also working as a studio music teacher at a private boarding school in suburban Philadelphia. My education includes a B.A. in Liberal Studies, as well as the A+ and Network+ CompTIA IT certifications. In addition, my own education came at a unique time in history; I was able to see firsthand the gradual integration of technology into my own education, and never having left the field, continue to see how technology shapes the classroom.
I believe in the online model of education because it can open the doors of education to students for whom it might never have been a reasonable option. I support many students from economically disadvantaged situations. Some choose the online charter school model because of dangerous conditions within their local schools. For some families, the computer that the school provides is the first computer in the home. It is personally fulfilling to see grandparents that may have never touched a computer before learn to become computer literate to support their grandchildren.
Recently I attended three days of professional development. One evening, as I sat in my hotel room reviewing my notes, going over my class list, I also took the time to reflect on my role as an educator, and why I love my job. I love teaching, but that is not the primary reason. Although I love technology and its ability to help educate students more effectively, technology alone is not why I love my job. I realized that I love the marriage between education and technology because together, they have transformative power in the lives of real people. This field is where I belong, and where I want to focus my attention.
For some time I have considered obtaining an advanced degree, but it was not until this realization that I had the clarity of thought and conviction needed to research an appropriate degree. My search led me to Boise State University, and I am excited to apply to the Master of Educational Technology program. I look forward to being able increase my knowledge in this constantly evolving area so that I am able to continue to serve my students more effectively. While I hope always to maintain a studio so that I never lose the joy of working directly with students, I hope that the Master of Educational Technology degree from Boise State University will enable me to reach more students through the professional opportunities that an advanced degree will provide.
Thanks for reading, and I am looking forward to taking this journey with everyone.
Best Regards,
Michael Reaves 🙂
Michael Reaves 