About
About Me
I am an Instructional Technology Specialist currently working at the American International School in Chennai, India. I have been working as an Instructional Technology Specialist for the past 7 years. My current interests are Online Learning Communities, Personal Learning Networks, Creativity in Education, and Education Reform.
Resume
http://katiechristo.emurse.com
Presentations at Conferences
- Summer Technology Conference June 2008 Burke County Public Schools http://stc08.wiki.burke.k12.nc.us/ Concurrent Sessions: Digital Cameras and Picasa, Digital Storytelling, Flickr, Google Custom Search Engine, Google Reader, iTunes, Visual Communicator, When the Best is Free, and You Can Take it With You – Portable Free Software.
- North Carolina Association for Educational Communications & Technology (NCaect) Conference March 2008 http://www.ncaect.org/conf2008.html Preconference Session: ITS Time to Shift into High Gear: CONNECT…..SHARE…..EXPLORE! Concurrent Session: How Do You Get Staff to Connect…Share…Explore?
- Summer Technology Conference June 2007 Burke County Public Schools http://stc07.pbwiki.com Concurrent Sessions: Digital Cameras and Picasa, Elementary Interactive Websites, Google Reader, iTunes, PhotoStory and Google Video, and Podcasts.
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More about me (or How I got into Instructional Technology):
My undergraduate degrees were in Graphic Design and Elementary Education. During my practicum I quickly realized that being a classroom teacher was not my cup of tea. I got a job right out of college with SmarterKids.com. I worked there for 2 years as a Graphic Designer and although I loved the people I worked for and the company (people brought dogs to work and we had the quintessential pool table and big screen TV), I found that something was missing. I missed being in a school system. I missed making an impact. Our dotcom was bought out and I received a 2 month severance package. During my 2 months I was lucky enough to stumble upon a Graduate Program in Instructional Technology. I loved it! I had found where I belonged.
I received my MEd in Curriculum and Instruction in Instructional Technology from Northeastern University in Boston, MA in June 2003. I then worked as an Instructional Technology Specialist in both Elementary and Middle Schools in North Carolina for 5 years. In 2008, my husband and I moved from North Carolina to Chennai, India.
Even more about me
I am a team player, problem-solver, big picture conceptual thinker, leader, motivator, and just all around cheerful person! I enjoy being presented with a problem or hurdle and finding ways around it. I strive to motivate and encourage my staff as they grow as teachers and learners. I am fascinated with innovative learning technologies and am constantly testing new sites/applications and then figuring out how these resources can enhance the teaching and learning that is happening in my school.
My experiences in educational technology span teacher trainings, presentations at conferences, planning of conferences, and recently an understanding of instructional technology in international schools. I also constantly promote, through my wiki and blog(s), innovative learning technologies and their use to further teaching and learning.
I believe strongly that if educators are aware of what learning technologies exist, how to implement them, and are provided with training and support teaching and learning can improve.
I’m Artsy too…
I’m also an artist. I enjoy working with water-based oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, and charcoals and often find myself creating mixed media pieces. My paintings have been in shows in North Carolina and South Carolina and have sold around the world. My Art, Illustrations, and Design Work
Random Facts:
- Current Theme Song: Renegades of Funk by Rage Against the Machine
- Favorite Education Guru: Sir Ken Robinson http://www.sirkenrobinson.com/
- I am a big fan of Daniel Pink’s A Whole New Mind and incorporating those ideas into the curriculum.
