Educators seek to make a difference in the world; for most, it is what draws them to teach new generations of students. They want to inspire, learn, grow, and encourage a new generation of learners through modern technologies, 21st-century skills, and strategies for life-long learning. Whether your plan is to teach pre-K, K-12, higher education, educators, or corporations, your degree in educational technology can offer you a wealth of opportunities in order to make a difference.
A DET cohort 2 grad, Dr. Sharon Murchie has found numerous ways to share her knowledge and research with greater audiences. Graduates who wish to write for publication should consider that there are diverse ways to distribute information. For example, Murchie maintains or contributes to multiple blogs to discuss topics such as engagement and motivation. During both the MALDT and DET programs, students create a blog space and are encouraged to continue it after graduation. This can become the first space for you to share your ideas related to technology as you develop your own personal philosophy related to digital tools and education.
Graduates seeking a different option may find inspiration with various organizations and websites for those in the ed tech space to publish content for a wider audience. For example, Murchie writes for the Chippewa River Writing Project (CRWP) Teachers as Writers page and for FAAC, a simulation, training, and research company working with national and international law enforcement agencies. Using research and synthesis throughout their programs, MALDT and DET students have many reviews, papers, and articles ready to share with the world. When you find and develop writing on topics that are important to you and applicable to others, you should share those ideas with others. Throughout her research, Murchie developed her opinions related to technology use in classrooms. She is both an early adopter and a critical questioner, “Adding the screen adds a barrier between my humanity and yours. Yes, it makes life easier, but at what cost? Each piece of technology we bring into the classroom has to be considered both for what it can offer our students and for the barriers it presents, both in the disinhibition effect and the invisible wall it creates. And, always, equity has to be at the forefront.” At her Medium byline, she explores the specific niche of writing assistance technologies and their adoption into the English Language Arts classroom.
Seeking even greater reach, students are encouraged to publish and present findings with like-minded individuals who may benefit from your expertise. A piece of Murchie’s dissertation was published at Tropics of Meta, which–although not a conventional educational journal– was the right avenue for sharing her research. She has also been published in several peer-reviewed journals including the Michigan Reading Journal, The Language Arts Journal of Michigan, and the Wisconsin State Reading Association Journal. Further, Murchie has contributed to several books in order to share her zeal for education with others. Students who have pieces they want to share with the world should talk with their advisers, mentors, and professors to consider their publication options.
Overall, Murchie is passionate about teaching and learning, and inspiring others to challenge their thinking. When asked about sharing her thoughts on ed tech with MALDT and DET students, Murchie said, “Technology is ubiquitous but not innocent. Each ed tech decision we make needs to consider more than just ease of use and implementation. Ed tech has to be purposeful, thoughtful, and facilitate greater good for our humanity.” Let the many ways she shares her ideas inspire you to contribute to and leave your mark on the field.
Need more information about some of Dr. Murchie’s projects? Learn more here: