Sunday, August 31, 2008

Class Introduction

I have to admit that I approached the start of a new semester with trepidation this week. After my year of part-time work and full-time grad school last year, I have gotten used to a more flexible schedule. Now work is full-time, and I still want to fit in two classes. I need my classes to grab my interest so I actually want to do the work and forget that it is homework I'm doing.

Voila! Instructional Technology for Diverse Cultures. The title alone interests me. But, then I went to class and discovered that we, the students, will have an input into the curriculum. Is there any better way to ensure the interest of your graduate students? Our main project is to teach our topic of choice. As my classmates introduced themselves, I was inspired by the varied backgrounds, but similar passion for learning that we all have. I am excited about the discussions we will have thinking about how instructional technologies affect diverse learners.

Let the learning begin!

About Me

I blog here about learning, technology, traveling, photography and anything else that catches my interest. This blog started out as my reflection journal for a graduate class titled, "Instructional Technology for Diverse Cultures", and it was my first attempt at blogging. I am still working on finding my blogging voice.

I am an instructional technology specialist for a community college in Illinois. I help teachers design and develop their online classes as well as design and deliver technology training. In my former life, I was a high school teacher who thought (and still thinks) that ALL students can learn physics and math.

As an educational technology graduate student, I am interested in finding a successful model for professional development for teachers. I believe that a successful professional development program must include the creation of a community of learners through connecting online with social networking tools. I love teaching, learning, physics, math, technology, photography, my piano and traveling. And, I believe that a good education system can help solve many of the world's problems.

I welcome your feedback. Thank you for reading!