My name is Debbie, and I am currently seeking a Ph.D. in Instructional Technology and Design. This semester marks my first semester back to school since I finished my MBA in August 2002. I am excited to be starting this new venture in my life. In addition to my MBA, I also have a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting. I completed both of these degrees at The University of Southern Mississippi.
As I was completing my bachelor’s degree, I seemed to be the only person in most of my classes who was obtaining this degree so that I could pursue a career in education. It was always my dream to teach, and my dream became a reality the same semester that I completed my MBA. In August 2002 I began teaching Business and Office Technology as an adjunct instructor at the community college level. I was an adjunct instructor for six years before I received my full-time position; I have been a full-time instructor for the past seven years and feel extremely blessed to work with students to help them achieve their goals.
I feel my work experience in the private sector that I received prior to teaching provided me with real-world skills that I use in the classroom to enhance my teaching. I successfully managed a video store which was my first job after high school. After my five-year venture as a manager, I spent the next several years working in a real estate office as an administrative assistant.
Education has changed substantially since I completed my degree in 2002. Online courses were not even an option for us. Virtual learning platforms for online and hybrid courses did not exist. Assignments were completed using word processing software and printed, and written tests were administered during normal class time. Technology in education has certainly changed the face of the “traditional classroom” of the past.
I have a high level of confidence with many technology software applications. I am proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF. I use these programs extensively in my professional and personal life. Not only have I taught Microcomputer Applications which introduces the Microsoft Office Suite to students, but I also require students to complete assignments using this software as well. Most of the documents that I upload into my online learning platform are PDF files. In my personal life I use Microsoft Word to create personal correspondence and journal my thoughts; I use Excel for tasks such as creating my monthly budget and balancing my checkbook. To date I have not worked with Concept Mapping or Publisher.
Electronic communication tools such as email, discussion board, and chats are staples in both my professional and personal life. On the job I send and receive many emails from students, colleagues, and suppliers daily. I have integrated discussion board chats into my online classes so that students have a venue to use to get to know each other. I feel that students learn not only from the instruction that I provide but also from the experiences of their classmates. My personal life is also inundated with the use of electronic communication tools as well. I sometimes find that I use these electronic tools to avoid long conversations via telephone with family and friends. However, I strive not to let electronic technology take the personalization out of my contact with people in my personal life, but sometimes the lack of time gives me no other options. Finally, listserv is a new concept for me, one for which I have no experience.
I teach my students about exciting new technology tools such as blogs, podcasts, video clips, and Wikis that can be used to enhance education and can be used on the job as well, but unfortunately, I have yet to implement these tools into my classroom. My interest in incorporating these new technologies is my primary motivator for continuing my education in the instructional technology field.
My philosophy on education is simple. Provide a comfortable yet professional learning environment, and students will have the best opportunity to learn. I want students to look forward to coming to my class. I strive to get to know my students on a personal level so that they feel comfortable approaching me for help and advice. The more I get to know about them, the more likely I am to be able to adjust my approach to teaching to better fit their learning styles. I can also expand my philosophy to include adding technology into my classroom. As a new generation of technologically advanced learners enter college, it is imperative that the classroom moves forward technologically as well to meet the need of these new learners. If I want students to have the optimal learning experiences in my classroom, I must use technologies that cater to their electronic learning style. Lastly, I feel that teaching is my calling in life; it is such a rewarding job, and it is such an honor to help students reach the goal of successfully completing their degrees.
As I was completing my bachelor’s degree, I seemed to be the only person in most of my classes who was obtaining this degree so that I could pursue a career in education. It was always my dream to teach, and my dream became a reality the same semester that I completed my MBA. In August 2002 I began teaching Business and Office Technology as an adjunct instructor at the community college level. I was an adjunct instructor for six years before I received my full-time position; I have been a full-time instructor for the past seven years and feel extremely blessed to work with students to help them achieve their goals.
I feel my work experience in the private sector that I received prior to teaching provided me with real-world skills that I use in the classroom to enhance my teaching. I successfully managed a video store which was my first job after high school. After my five-year venture as a manager, I spent the next several years working in a real estate office as an administrative assistant.
Education has changed substantially since I completed my degree in 2002. Online courses were not even an option for us. Virtual learning platforms for online and hybrid courses did not exist. Assignments were completed using word processing software and printed, and written tests were administered during normal class time. Technology in education has certainly changed the face of the “traditional classroom” of the past.
I have a high level of confidence with many technology software applications. I am proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF. I use these programs extensively in my professional and personal life. Not only have I taught Microcomputer Applications which introduces the Microsoft Office Suite to students, but I also require students to complete assignments using this software as well. Most of the documents that I upload into my online learning platform are PDF files. In my personal life I use Microsoft Word to create personal correspondence and journal my thoughts; I use Excel for tasks such as creating my monthly budget and balancing my checkbook. To date I have not worked with Concept Mapping or Publisher.
Electronic communication tools such as email, discussion board, and chats are staples in both my professional and personal life. On the job I send and receive many emails from students, colleagues, and suppliers daily. I have integrated discussion board chats into my online classes so that students have a venue to use to get to know each other. I feel that students learn not only from the instruction that I provide but also from the experiences of their classmates. My personal life is also inundated with the use of electronic communication tools as well. I sometimes find that I use these electronic tools to avoid long conversations via telephone with family and friends. However, I strive not to let electronic technology take the personalization out of my contact with people in my personal life, but sometimes the lack of time gives me no other options. Finally, listserv is a new concept for me, one for which I have no experience.
I teach my students about exciting new technology tools such as blogs, podcasts, video clips, and Wikis that can be used to enhance education and can be used on the job as well, but unfortunately, I have yet to implement these tools into my classroom. My interest in incorporating these new technologies is my primary motivator for continuing my education in the instructional technology field.
My philosophy on education is simple. Provide a comfortable yet professional learning environment, and students will have the best opportunity to learn. I want students to look forward to coming to my class. I strive to get to know my students on a personal level so that they feel comfortable approaching me for help and advice. The more I get to know about them, the more likely I am to be able to adjust my approach to teaching to better fit their learning styles. I can also expand my philosophy to include adding technology into my classroom. As a new generation of technologically advanced learners enter college, it is imperative that the classroom moves forward technologically as well to meet the need of these new learners. If I want students to have the optimal learning experiences in my classroom, I must use technologies that cater to their electronic learning style. Lastly, I feel that teaching is my calling in life; it is such a rewarding job, and it is such an honor to help students reach the goal of successfully completing their degrees.