My Journey in the Master of Arts in Education Program
When I first embarked on my Master of Arts in Education, I had one clear goal—integrating technology into teaching in a meaningful way. My journey into education wasn’t exactly traditional, but it was one fueled by curiosity and a deep desire to make learning more accessible and engaging for young students.
Before stepping into the world of education, my academic background focused on writing and librarianship. I had a natural interest in technology and information management, which led me to internships that introduced me to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), User Experience (UX), and digital records management. These experiences gave me a front-row seat to the growing influence of digital tools in everyday life. Seeing how AI-driven assistants like Siri and Alexa influenced daily interaction made me wonder: Who was teaching young learners to use these tools effectively? This curiosity led me to explore PhD programs in digital education, but I soon realized that I needed hands-on classroom experience to truly understand how technology could be integrated into teaching. This decision led me to the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD), where I began teaching elementary students just before the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically reshaped education.
As an alternative certification instructor, I had support and mentorship, but when schools shifted to remote learning, it became clear that teachers weren’t given the training needed to effectively deliver digital instruction. Like many educators, I adapted quickly—leaning on colleagues, exploring new platforms, and finding creative ways to engage students in a virtual setting. However, I couldn’t ignore the glaring gap in teacher training when it came to technology. That’s when I knew I needed to take a more structured approach to learning about educational technology.
I pursued a Master of Arts in Education with a focus on technology and learning to bridge the gap in teacher training for digital instruction. Google Classroom transformed my teaching by streamlining organization, supporting personalized learning, and enhancing data tracking. I wanted to explore how digital tools could serve as more than entertainment—how they could actively support skill development in young learners. Throughout my studies, I examined research-based strategies to enhance instruction, leveraging gamified assessments and interactive learning applications to encourage student ownership of learning
One of the most rewarding aspects of my graduate experience has been the opportunity to merge pedagogy with technology in a way that is both accessible and engaging. I’ve deepened my understanding of how students interact with digital learning tools, and I’ve developed strategies for using technology to enhance—not replace—effective teaching.
Now, as I near the end of my program, I find myself just as passionate about this mission as when I started. My goal has never changed—it has only evolved. I remain committed to using technology to create dynamic learning environments that support student growth. This degree isn’t the end of my learning journey—it’s a stepping stone. Education is constantly evolving, and I plan to keep growing right alongside it.