Flight Path
My name is Conroy Hall, a Jamaican who resides in the country of my birth. I have been teaching Physics, and Mathematics at a teachers’ college in the parish Manchester for over eight years. I am a teacher of Physics and Mathematics for over thirteen years. I am also a writer and marker of some national Physics and Mathematics examinations for in Jamaica.
I hold a Master of Science degree in Digital Technology and Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Mathematics from University of the West Indies, Mona Jamaica. I also hold a diploma in Double Option Science 9 Physics, Chemistry and Biology)Education. In addition, I have done some research on solar energy in my pursuit of a MPhil degree in solar energy.
I am currently taking my 7th MET course along with the 8th ETEC531. My ultimate goal in the MET program is become more competent in the use of technology in my classes and to assist my colleagues in using technology with their students. In addition, I hope to learn how to effectively and efficiently integrate technology into my teaching.
Prior to this program I was introduced to MOODLE and as a result I downloaded its manual to teach myself at a later date. Unfortunately I have not read the manual because my institution has opted to offer distant learning through LMS and I did not find the time to teach myself. In addition I have taught and used many software in Mathematics and Physics including SPSS, Algebrator, Geometer Sketchpad and Omnigraph.
At the start of this MET programme I was not very enthused about learning many new things because I thought I already had a working knowledge about technology integration in my lessons. After I read the Jonassen, Carr & Yueh’s (1998) article entitled “Computer as Mindstools for Engaging the Learner in Critical Thinking”, I began to realize that there was a lot I needed to learn about technology integration in my lessons. Furthermore the reading “Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education” by Chickering and Gamson caused me to do a retrospect on my use of technology in my lessons. From my reflection, I realized that in order to meet the needs of our generation I needed to use technology more effectively my lessons.
I am very anxious about learning the various educational tools highlighted in this 565 course outline. I am looking forward to be actively using MOODLE, online communication tools, Java, macromedia, multimedia and social software tools. Although I use some the technologies frequently there is still a lot I do not know and hope to learn in this course. I am interested in finding out more about multimedia, HTML coding, and good assessment tools that allow for quality self and peer assessments and explore various features of MOODLE. From previous courses in this program, I realized class discussions is an effective tool in learning new ideas in technology integration in the classrooms and hope to do so in this course.
References
Bates, A.W. & Poole, G. (2003). Chapter four: A framework for selecting and using technology. In Effective teaching with technology in higher education: foundations for success. (pp. 75-105). New York: Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated.
Chickering, A.W. & Gamson, Z.F. (1987). Seven principles for good practice in undergraduate education. American Association for Higher Education Bulletin, 39 (7). Retrieved from http://www.aahea.org/bulletins/articles/sevenprinciples1987.htm
Jonassen, D.H., Carr, C., & Yeuh, P. (1998). Computers as mindtools for engaging learners in critical thinking. Techtrends 43 (2), 24-32.
Perkins, M., & Pfaffman, J. (2006). Using a course management system to improve classroom communication. The Science Teacher, 33-37. Retrieved from http://www.nsta.org/publications/article.asp