Teaching in a Digital World

 ”Please discuss your definition of learning technologies, and the implications of this definition for your career as a teacher and a learner.”  I think that learning technologies is exciting and essential.  It is the future of teaching and the future of most companies.  When I think of the term “learning technologies,” I think of things like adaptive keyboards, specialized joysticks, voiceover assistance, larger display, and things of the like.    I realize, that as a teacher, I must stay updated with these technologies in order to help my students in every way possible.  If a boy with cerebral palsy wants to write, but cannot grasp a pencil or use a keyboard, it is my responsibility to help him in any way, whether that be an adaptive keyboard, or what, technology can greatly assist in making that happen.    Here is a video of a woman who seems to be able to speak much better than I can to a camera.  She clearly has a passion for education and sees technology to be a great venue to that. 

Video Post

Here is my video that I recorded of myself.  

I noticed that it was very awkward to talk to the camera while nothing else was happening.  I think its hard enough to maintain focus on the phone, let alone a webcam where I am talking to myself! I mentioned a lot of the same things in my video that I did in my post, but you actually get to see my train of thought falter.  It is almost painful to see me struggle for what to talk about.  I also look like I’m drunk.  sexy. Enjoy it!  

Who Am I?

Well, for starters, I am one of three men in the SpEd class of 2010, so that should limit it down to who I am in the class.  

One of my passions is music.  I love listening to it and I love making it happen.  Some of my favorite artists are The Beatles, The Who, The Rolling Stones, Queen, and the like.  So basically, I’m a big fan of classic rock.  As far as making it happen, I’m in a band that covers, what do you know, classic rock songs!  We actually have a few videos posted on youtube that maybe I’ll post at some point.  

 

I am the middle child of 5 in your basic nuclear family.  That, of course has its advantages and disadvantages, but regardless, family is one of the most important things in my life.  

 

Some other points of interest you may want to know about me is that I have made all the way through the Oregon Trail, I had a lizard that killed itself, and I cannot do a backflip, for fear of my life.  

 

I come from Bourbonnais IL, which is about 80 miles or so north of Champaign.  It is the summer home of the Chicago Bears, but other than that, we have nothing.  

 

I decided to do Special Education after I worked at a Special Recreation day camp the summer after my Freshman year at U of I.  I fell in love with the work and the students, so I decided to switch my major Sophomore year.

I really looking forward to working with the cohort and spending a lot of quality time with them!