Conclusion

Embarking on this journey, I had no idea how it was going to turn out. It actually surpassed any expectations. This is my second Master’s degree and I can honestly say that the knowledge gained is beyond any comparison. When I joined in, the courses had already started and I had to hand in my first assignment after two weeks. I knew nothing of the system at the Canadian universities and got a pleasant surprise when I got my first high mark. And the journey continued; I kept working hard, trying to absorb any information provided by the Professors but also any details shared by my peers regarding the different educational systems as well as culture, not only from Canada but from the rest of the countries the student population came from. I have to admit that at times things were really hard for me, because I already had a busy schedule before taking up this program. Generally, I am a positive, optimistic, and strong person but there were moments that I felt utterly exhausted! These past two years have been the busiest but also the most rewarding in my entire life, mostly because I made a huge effort to apply all the new knowledge to my real-life contexts.

I still support that one of my most important goals is never cease having learning goals and this is a process in constant need of revision. As for the initial ones, there is not even a single goal that was not achieved:

• To acquire new skills regarding technologies in education

When I entered the program my computer literacy was very low. I mean I knew basic things about technologies in education but nothing close to the skills I have acquired so far. In all of my Artefacts, there are instances where I mention what kind of technological tool I used to pull it off. I have even conquered Augmented Reality, which was pure science fiction to me. Keeping up with the technological advancements regarding education is an ongoing process since things rapidly change in this field.

• To keep building a solid theoretical background on teaching and learning

I had hoped for a solid theoretical background before embarking on this journey. It is extremely important for me to build on strong foundations and learning theories can lay these. My confidence as a teacher has grown because my studies in geology actually lacked any learning principles and all I had was my teaching experience.

• To gain more insight into how the brain processes and stores information

There have been a lot of courses that have provided evidence of how our brain works and, as an educator, this insight has helped me design lessons more efficiently. Apart from that, I came to know myself a little better and understand the process of how I process and store information, which is very helpful.

• To keep updated with current the developments around science education

One of the best parts of this Master’s program was that I had access, through my peers and professors, to different educational systems. Additionally, the course material was updated and literally, a new world full of possibilities was opening in front of me.

• To find ways to transform my teaching experience into creativity

When I started, all I had was my teaching experience and tons of will to improve as an educator and as a person. I have always been creative but through this program, I was given the chance to sharpen this skill.

• To be open and embrace new challenges and design more inclusive learning environments

During the courses, I have faced a lot of challenges and accepted each one of them. It is an educator’s job be able to do that and not play it safe, stuck to old-school practices. The world is changing and we need to revise the way we teach, but also embrace the diverse student body and do everything in our power to accommodate their diverse needs. I have applied inclusiveness to all classes and I just enjoy the process and the creativity I am required to exhibit.