Learning Log
This blogger account will serve as my learning log while I works towards earning my master's degree in educational technology. It will include my experiences, growth, and development in the field of education technology through the artifacts that I create during my time in the program. I hope to showcase my personal ideas, thoughts, and progress as a learner and an educational professional.Present
I am excited to be a part of the education technology program and look forward to learning individually, and as a community. I hope my progression from outdoor educator, to classroom educator, to educational technologist will be full of experiences that will strengthen me as an educational professional.
Background
My path to becoming an educator and teacher seems surprising to me at times. Once I finished high school, I had no desire to pursue post secondary education. I worked a variety of jobs for a number of years, trying to find my place in this world. One job that was most influential in my life was when I moved to Alaska, and worked in the commercial fishing operations on the Pacific Ocean. This job sparked my interest in the natural world. When I returned to Colorado I enrolled in Colorado State University and obtained a bachelor's in biological science. During my time in college I began working for the Colorado Outward Bound School instructing, and course-directing mountaineering courses for youth. These were powerful courses that used the mountains, climbing, and outdoors as metaphors for personal growth, and development. I felt like I was making a difference in young peoples lives and wanted to continue that process. I then obtained my teaching certificate and have been happily teaching secondary science for the past seven years.I currently live in Fort Collins Colorado teaching grades 9-12 at Fort Collins High School, and teach a variety of different science topics. When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my wife, and 2 year old son. We enjoy cycling, climbing. running, and spending time outdoors together.
Hi Chad, nice to meet you. I enjoyed learning more about your background and path to becoming a teacher.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting. My father-in-law also left for the Alaskan commercial fishing industry out of high school with no real interest in college. After his experience, he was actually motivated to enroll in a business program in college.
I find it so interesting that so many people can find different meaning in similar experiences!
Hi Chad,
ReplyDeleteI complete understand the simultaneous love of technology and the outdoors, which sometimes seems dichotomous. When considering a Master's Degree program, I was almost tempted to pursue one in Environmental Education. Luckily there are many avenues that combine the two realms, and there are many environmentally-focused schools that value technology (and vice-versa). Enjoy all the growth that comes from each, and I look forward to hearing more!
Hi Chad,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to spend your early adulthood! I had aspirations to work in the Tongass as a young adult, but never quite made it.
I think it's great your have some exciting work experience to draw on and share with your students. I hope they appreciate it.
Thanks, Chad, for a very nice introduction. Your post is an excellent example of how students should be writing in their learning logs. If you want to embed your video, click the video icon in the visual editor of your blogger post and then select from my YouTube videos. You will then see how the video automatically embeds in your post. I enjoyed reading your introduction and welcome you to this course.
ReplyDelete