Introduction
My name is Zita Tiamuh, and I have just completed my first year in the doctoral program, and currently pursuing my degree in Educational Research, Evaluation, Statistics, and Assessments, and a minor in Instructional Technology. I currently work with the Student Academic Enhancement Program (Athletics Department) as a graduate assistant. The majority of my work experience is in marketing and business administration. My current transition to academia is a result of my desire to work within the educational environment in either a faculty or administrative role.
My name is Zita Tiamuh, and I have just completed my first year in the doctoral program, and currently pursuing my degree in Educational Research, Evaluation, Statistics, and Assessments, and a minor in Instructional Technology. I currently work with the Student Academic Enhancement Program (Athletics Department) as a graduate assistant. The majority of my work experience is in marketing and business administration. My current transition to academia is a result of my desire to work within the educational environment in either a faculty or administrative role.
Learning Experiences
I have previous experience taking online classes, with the last pure online class taken several years ago when pursuing my MBA degree. I remember when Web 2.0 first came out and it’s use in online instruction, and now we see the evolution of teaching technology with educational software such as Blackboard 9.0. Since re-entering college, the only type of online class that I have had, previous to the current course, was a hybrid class, which mixed classroom instruction with online instruction. As technology rapidly changes, I recognize the advancement in the technology used today to facilitate learning that did not exist several years ago. I realize that staying abreast current technology is essential for effective classroom instruction.
Technical Abilities
I have varying degrees of competence with software tools and application. Even at a level of proficiency, the constant improvement of technology means that there is always something to learn. Those where I deem to be proficient (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, PDF) are a result of years of experience using the software in accomplishing tasks at work, or for creating personal and school projects (Google Apps, Prezi, GoAnimate). Those that I have less proficiency in, is a result of infrequent use (Access), or because I was briefly introduced to it in previous courses, or through my own curiosity (HTML, coding, Publisher).
E-Communication Tools
There are so many different forms and methods of electronic communication that exist today that there is almost no reason why people can’t stay in touch - with the exception of the inability to access the technology that hosts the medium. I have several email accounts set up for work, personal use, and school, allowing me to organize communication with the different groups, efficiently and effectively. I also use instant Messaging applications such as Viber, and WhatsApp to instantly communicate with family and friends all over the world, for FREE! I use discussion boards in classroom settings to interact and communicate with classmates. Electronic communication tools have made the transfer of information seamless, and instant. As a result, it raises the expectation for immediate response from the receiver because of the ability to access it from anywhere. Initially, as these tools became more advanced, I perceived them as an infringement of personal time, however, I quickly saw the benefits of it in getting task completed more efficiently at work, school and with friends and family, with the ability to collaborate easily.
Technology Tools in Education
As mentioned earlier, I clearly remember the anxiety I felt when web 2.0 was newly introduced in the early 2000’s. The transition from classroom interaction and instruction to an online community of learning, meant new skills had to be developed for learning material. Having been absent from education for several years, upon returning to classroom learning in higher education, I have seen the increase use of YouTube videos to demonstrate concepts, and to post lectures. I have not yet been exposed to the practical use of podcasts, and Wikis in the educational setting yet (only in organization/business), however, I have a theoretical understanding of their application in the classroom. This is my first course where blogs have been used in the curriculum; however, I am familiar with its use in other settings.
I have previous experience taking online classes, with the last pure online class taken several years ago when pursuing my MBA degree. I remember when Web 2.0 first came out and it’s use in online instruction, and now we see the evolution of teaching technology with educational software such as Blackboard 9.0. Since re-entering college, the only type of online class that I have had, previous to the current course, was a hybrid class, which mixed classroom instruction with online instruction. As technology rapidly changes, I recognize the advancement in the technology used today to facilitate learning that did not exist several years ago. I realize that staying abreast current technology is essential for effective classroom instruction.
Technical Abilities
I have varying degrees of competence with software tools and application. Even at a level of proficiency, the constant improvement of technology means that there is always something to learn. Those where I deem to be proficient (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, PDF) are a result of years of experience using the software in accomplishing tasks at work, or for creating personal and school projects (Google Apps, Prezi, GoAnimate). Those that I have less proficiency in, is a result of infrequent use (Access), or because I was briefly introduced to it in previous courses, or through my own curiosity (HTML, coding, Publisher).
E-Communication Tools
There are so many different forms and methods of electronic communication that exist today that there is almost no reason why people can’t stay in touch - with the exception of the inability to access the technology that hosts the medium. I have several email accounts set up for work, personal use, and school, allowing me to organize communication with the different groups, efficiently and effectively. I also use instant Messaging applications such as Viber, and WhatsApp to instantly communicate with family and friends all over the world, for FREE! I use discussion boards in classroom settings to interact and communicate with classmates. Electronic communication tools have made the transfer of information seamless, and instant. As a result, it raises the expectation for immediate response from the receiver because of the ability to access it from anywhere. Initially, as these tools became more advanced, I perceived them as an infringement of personal time, however, I quickly saw the benefits of it in getting task completed more efficiently at work, school and with friends and family, with the ability to collaborate easily.
Technology Tools in Education
As mentioned earlier, I clearly remember the anxiety I felt when web 2.0 was newly introduced in the early 2000’s. The transition from classroom interaction and instruction to an online community of learning, meant new skills had to be developed for learning material. Having been absent from education for several years, upon returning to classroom learning in higher education, I have seen the increase use of YouTube videos to demonstrate concepts, and to post lectures. I have not yet been exposed to the practical use of podcasts, and Wikis in the educational setting yet (only in organization/business), however, I have a theoretical understanding of their application in the classroom. This is my first course where blogs have been used in the curriculum; however, I am familiar with its use in other settings.
Teaching Philosophy
My teaching philosophy is that true learning happens by doing. Learning is not a static process, instead, it is integrative, and as students gain new knowledge, and theoretical understandings, it should be coupled with practical application, in order, for deep learning to occur. This concept is supported by Blooms Taxonomy, which emphasizes deep learning as students engage, and demonstrate what they have learned. I have not yet implemented this philosophy into classroom instruction as I have not yet had formal teaching experience, however, upon gaining that experience, I believe that techniques such as online reflective journaling, discussion boards, and the use of appropriate online tools will be useful in supporting efforts as students demonstrate their learning.