Michele Brannon-Hamilton's Blog

Flight Path

 

I started this journey with my eyes closed.

 

I wanted a change from teaching computer literacy but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do next. So, I combined my main interests of writing, education and technology to see what I could come up with. As a passionate writer, I knew I would add writing to any job I found so I took it out of the equation to see what was left: education and technology.

 

So what do you get when you Google education and technology? MET of course. Shortly after making the decision to apply to UBC, I got a new job as a Learning Skills Advisor for Conestoga College in Ontario. With a huge leap of faith, I joined the college as an employee and the university as a student and so began my flight.

 

My Background

My teaching experience includes 7.5 years experience as a literacy instructor, computer instructor and literacy assessor. Shortly after I began working with older adults, I realized many of them feared new technology and felt out of touch with their children and grandchildren so I created 4 computer literacy courses to help bridge the gap. I had no computer background or training so I learned along with my students. I was curriculum designer, teacher and IT personnel.

 

I also worked as a freelance writer specializing in web based material. The freedom of working at home and publishing my articles online fuelled my love of modern technology. The visionary in me envisioned a generation of parents who could work at home while caring for their children. My eyes were wide open and the possibilities were endless.

 

My Goals

Because I spent most of my working hours on the computer, I was usually knowledgeable about the latest technology but it soon became apparent that the more I knew, the less I knew. I joined MET to gain a deeper knowledge of technology but also to become an expert at curriculum design. I want to engage learners, reach people who can’t make the journey to school, and empower students using educational technology.

 

Recently, I created a literacy course using Moodle which included interactive quizzes, chats, journal activities and presentations. I would like to learn more about which features are the best educational tools and why. I’d also like to know the advantages of different platforms, the ways to create synchronous communication, which social software I should choose and how to know if multimedia will enhance the learning experience.

 

I believe the courses in MET will help me understand the value of new technology as it relates to education. Already, I find Chickering and Gamson’s (1987) seven principles or guidelines for teaching invaluable as they remind me to always place education before technology. So as I continue my flight, I will collaborate, reciprocate, communicate, and engage with those I encounter along my journey.

 

Good journey to all!

 

Chickering, A.W. & Gamson, Z.F. (1987).  Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education.  American Association for Higher Education Bulletin, 39 (7), 3-7. Retrieved online 12 May 2009
http://www.aahea.org/bulletins/articles/sevenprinciples1987.htm