My name is Clare Kinna. I initially graduated from Michigan State University in 2020 with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Five years later, I made the decision to continue my professional growth by pursuing my Master of Arts in Educational Technology through the College of Education.
As I explored the programs offered, this degree stood out to me because technology drives how we function, communicate and learn in today’s world. I wanted to deepen my understanding of how technology impacts education — particularly in the areas of data use, student engagement and meaningful learning. I completed this program in May 2026.
One of the most influential courses in my program was CEP 810: Teaching for Understanding with Technology. This course helped me understand that effective technology integration is not just about using digital tools, but about aligning technology with pedagogy and content knowledge. Before entering this program, I had never heard of TPACK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge). Learning about this framework transformed how I design instruction for my students. I now intentionally consider the intersection of content, pedagogy and technology when planning lessons to create deeper, more meaningful learning experiences.
Throughout the program, I developed the ability to design purposeful instructional plans and engage in thoughtful, data-driven conversations with colleagues about student learning. I also explored various artificial intelligence tools, learning to critically evaluate both their benefits and limitations within educational settings.
In one course, I had the opportunity to research a significant issue in education. While many educational challenges do not have simple solutions, technology plays a powerful role in strengthening communication and supporting instructional decision-making. Education continues to evolve — from increasing student engagement, to using data to drive instruction, to designing content that aligns with school and district expectations.
I believe technology, when used thoughtfully and strategically, empowers teachers to innovate and creates opportunities for students to explore, create and grow.
To learn more about ways to support student journeys like Kinna’s or to share your own, please reach out to Tonya Frisbey at frisbey2@msu.edu.