Hi All!
I am very much looking forward to further exploring how mobile technologies can be purposefully used in education, particularly in elementary grades. I am currently a grade 2 teacher in Blackfalds, AB, and I’ve been in the education field since 1998. I live in Red Deer with my partner Tim who is a grade 6 teacher, our daughter Sloane who is just about to turn 16, and Beck who is 13.
The longer I teach, the more I love my job, however, I was beginning to feel antsy and ready for a change, as seems to happen every couple of years. I had been putting off pursuing my masters, waiting for a “good time” to take it. Well, it seemed like the best time was always two years ago, so I decided to jump in last year. This is my fourth semester in the MET program, and I’m also taking ETEC 521 right now. Although this past year has been extremely busy, I have very much enjoyed being a student again and have a renewed appreciation for the learner role.
I have been interested in educational technology for the past ten years. In addition to being a classroom teacher, I’ve also been a learning coach for my school division where I focused on supporting teachers with literacy strategies and purposefully integrating technology into their practices. I also just completed a contracted summer job with my school division as part of our Virtual Learning Program. Although I’ve been a grade 2 for the past four years, I’ve taught all grades K-6 during my career. But grade 2 is the best!
When I’m not teaching or working on my grad courses, I love travelling, skiing, playing volleyball, working out, reading (spy fiction and thrillers, yes please!), and having popcorn movie nights with my family. I’ve also caught the college football bug from Tim who’s American, so this fall will again be full of watching games, especially the Michigan Wolverines. Go Blue!
I’ve enjoyed reading everyone’s introductory posts, and am excited to learn alongside you all during this course. Best of luck to everyone in achieving balance and success this semester!
KJ
Oh Gary, that’s great! My first two years of teaching were in Delia, so I have a good idea where Hussar is, although I’ve never actually been there. I haven’t read those authors but when I have time again, I’ll have to check them out! My favourites are classic Robert Ludlum and Tom Clancy, and I just bought a Daniel Silva that I’m saving for our fall break! Yes, I’m in my final two semesters, whoo hoo! I look forward to sharing with you in this course as well, Gary!
Hi Kendall, the question marks at the end are what a smiling emoji got inexplicably turned into in case you’re wondering 🙂
Hi Kendall, my family is originally from Hussar, Alberta and my older sister lives in Lacombe so i know the Red Deer and Blackfalds area well. Love reading spy fiction too, Eric Ambler and Alan Furst are favourites but I’m always open to new authors if you have recommendations. Looks like you’ve passed the half way mark for the MET so congrats on that. I look forward to learning and sharing together in ETEC 523. Good luck! ????