Our courses are taught by an outstanding team of MSU adjunct faculty, many of whom are:

• K-12 classroom teachers themselves who have experience using educational technology in the classroom
• Graduates from our certificate program
• Exceptionally skilled in educational technology
• Winners of awards such as technology Teacher of the Year from the Michigan Association of Computer-Related Technology Users in Learning (MACUL) and the national award of the International Society for Technology in Education

This quarter’s instructor spotlight is . . .

Laeeq Khan, Instructor for MSU Master’s in Educational Technology Program.  He assisted with CEP 807 and CEP 820 this summer and is a co-instructor for CEP 820 this fall.

Laeeq brings to the program a wealth of expertise, combined with a diverse background. His academic areas of focus are in economics, business, and IT. He obtained his Masters degree in Telecommunications Systems Management and an MBA from Murray State University. He started his teaching career in 2005 as a business, communications & information technologies teacher. Over the years, he gained valuable leadership and teaching skills.

Besides serving as the coordinator for a business program, his passion and interest in technology and new media allow him to add value to the Educational Technology program, in which he is currently pursuing his PhD.

During his academic career he has conducted various professional training workshops and he enjoys teaching. He greatly values the importance of effective instruction and communication in teaching. He is also serving as the President of MSU Simply Speaking Toastmasters club. His special interests areas are video & learning, curriculum design and computer mediated collaborative learning.

Laeeq is a proud father of two sons and enjoys swimming, basketball and tennis in his free time.

This issue’s alumni spotlight is . . . Katrina Lehman

MAET Graduation Year: 2006

Current Employer: Taos Academy, Taos, New Mexico

Job Responsibilities:

Developer of Enrichment and Leadership Curriculum, Instructional Adviser, Digital and Classroom Facilitator

What are your “ed tech” responsibilities and challenges?

Since I’m on the faculty of a small, brand new charter school, every day brings new challenges. I’m learning the nuts and bolts of the programs that our middle and high school students use, including PLATO curriculum, Rosetta Stone, and SmartLabs: Creative Learning Systems. I’m especially excited about what could happen when students are able to self-direct and collaborate. They have access to programs that allow them to create robotics, claymation, and animation. The artistic applications and opportunities are endless. It’s all very exciting stuff!

How did the MAET degree program help prepare you for these challenges?

My MAET classes taught me, most of all, to not be afraid to dive in and try new things. As a digital immigrant, I grew up in a world without computers. My MAET classes provided me an educational framework to prepare me for 21st Century schools. Rather than fearing the technological changes that are occurring in education, I am now better able to see that the future of education is exciting, not scary. My professors served as models, and helped me to develop into a technology leader at my school. In many ways, my MAET experience was paradigm shifting: it exposed me to hands-on, student-centered educational models that I hope to emulate here in the States and abroad.

This issue’s alumni spotlight is . . . Patricia Boehm

Patricia, a 2006 graduate of our MAET program, recently had an article titled “Fostering Creativity While Nurturing Learners” published in the May/June 2009 issue of Knowledge Quest (KQ) from the ALA school library division, AASL (American Association of School Librarians).

In addition she is working on an article for School Library Media Activities Monthly for the Sept. 2009 issue on the new AASL program guidelines “Empowering Learners: Guidelines for School Library Media Programs.”

MAET Graduation Year:  2006

Current Employer: Brighton Area Schools

Job Responsibilities: Library Media Specialist, Brighton High School – Manage a school library and its budgets, purchase materials (print and online) to support the curriculum, teaching, and learning; collaborate with teachers to enhance their instruction to include inquiry based learning, technology integration, and 21^st century teaching and learning; develop relationships with students; website design and maintenance. I always hope to provide easy access to information and great resources.

What are your “ed tech” responsibilities and challenges?

Aside from my responsibilities as a librarian, I am the sole teacher whose work includes supporting teachers as they infuse technology in teaching and learning. There are other tech savvy teachers here but they do not have the luxury of a flexible teaching schedule as I do. My vision is for teachers and students to use technology for collaborative learning. It’s through collaboration that we bring out the best understandings from the synergy of the group. Each individual brings a unique perspective to the discussion and collaboration, informing others and advancing their personal knowledge and that of the group. I’m honored to have opportunities to teach all students, as well as their teachers, in my work. I’m challenged by the enormity of the task but I love doing it!

How did the MAET degree program help prepare you for these challenges?

I became a better teacher focused on social constructivist learning – really. Learning is shifting to student centered and I’m feeling on top of the game. We worked closely with our cohort teams, laughed, created, taught each other, shared, and all on the beautiful MSU campus. We used Web 2.0 tools as they were emerging. I’ve made friendships that to this day still keep me informed of the latest technologies to use for teaching and learning. It was the best summer camp I’ve ever attended! I’m very proud to be a Spartan!

Our courses are taught by an outstanding team of MSU adjunct faculty, many of whom are:

• K-12 classroom teachers themselves who have experience using educational technology in the classroom
• Graduates from our certificate program
• Exceptionally skilled in educational technology
• Winners of awards such as technology Teacher of the Year from the Michigan Association of Computer-Related Technology Users in Learning (MACUL) and the national award of the International Society for Technology in Education

This quarter’s instructor spotlight is . . .

Brandon Blinkenberg, Producer at MSU’s Virtual University Design and Technology, Instructor for the MSU Master’s in Educational Technology, as well as the Educational Technology Certificate Program.

Working with the Virtual University for the last eight years, Brandon has helped faculty in many different colleges and programs select and integrate technologies that transform their teaching.  The bulk of his work has been with faculty in the College of Education helping instructors put their courses online, but he has also worked with faculty and courses in Human Medicine, Business, Family & Child Ecology, Arts & Letters, and Packaging.  He also offers workshops on blended instruction, which combines the best aspects of online and face-to-face teaching opportunities.

Brandon began teaching in the MAET program in the summer of 2005 in East Lansing and has taught CEP800, CEP815, and CEP822 in Plymouth, England for the past two summers.  He will be returning this summer to teach CEP810, CEP811, and CEP812.  This semester he is teaching CEP811 online in the Certificate Program.

In his free time, Brandon enjoys photography, woodworking, and metalworking.  And if you ever find yourself at Woody’s Oasis for lunch you’re very likely to bump into him!

Our courses are taught by an outstanding team of MSU adjunct faculty, many of whom are:

• K-12 classroom teachers themselves who have experience using educational technology in the classroom
• Graduates from our certificate program
• Exceptionally skilled in educational technology
• Winners of awards such as technology Teacher of the Year from the Michigan Association of Computer-Related Technology Users in Learning (MACUL) and the national award of the International Society for Technology in Education

This quarter’s instructor spotlight is . . .

Michelle Hart, Instructor of MSU Educational Technology Certificate Program, Technical Specialist, Ann Arbor Public Schools.

Michelle Hart has worked as a technical specialist and technical assistant for Ann Arbor Public schools since 1996.  Although much of her job is working with wiring and hardware, her first love is working with teachers and students in the classroom. She models lessons for teachers who might not know how to present technology to students, offers teacher training and professional development, actively participates on technology committees in each of her buildings and has been involved in three major technology bond rollouts for the Ann Arbor Schools. She is enthusiastic and committed to using technology in the classroom.

Before moving to Ann Arbor, Michelle spent time as a middle and high school language arts teacher in Minnesota and Wisconsin. When she moved to Michigan she spent time as a long term sub and when the opportunity came up to work with teachers and technology she jumped at the chance.  She has been a member of MACUL and is currently a member of one of her school’s MI Champions Team, a state grant whose purpose is to design and deliver a statewide model for professional development that will create the skill set necessary for building based “Technology Integration Champions” at the local level.

Michelle received her bachelor’s degree from University of Minnesota in Secondary Education. She went on to pursue her education and received a Masters Degree in Educational Technology from Michigan State University in 2006.

In her free time, Michelle enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, working with her dogs and traveling.  She has two college age children, one of them is currently attending Michigan State.  Go Spartans!

Our courses are taught by an outstanding team of MSU adjunct faculty, many of whom are:

• K-12 classroom teachers themselves who have experience using educational technology in the classroom
• Graduates from our certificate program
• Exceptionally skilled in educational technology
• Winners of awards such as technology Teacher of the Year from the Michigan Association of Computer-Related Technology Users in Learning (MACUL) and the national award of the International Society for Technology in Education

This quarter’s instructor spotlight is . . .

Myra Khattab, Outreach Coordinator for the MSU Educational Technology Certificate Program – Dubai

Myra Khattab began her career in 1993 as a Physics, Chemistry, and Integrated Science teacher at the Lebanese American School and College Elite in Beirut, Lebanon.  As a Tech-Integration Specialist at Cairo American College, she coached high school faculty and staff in infusing technology into their curriculum. She then worked at Dubai American Academy as an IT instructor teaching Filming, Web Design, XHTML, Digital Photography and Flash Animation.

As a member of several science and technology committees, she gained extensive leadership and administrative experience in developing curricula and professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators using an eclectic learning approach, sharing expertise through collaboration and innovating through pedagogical research and classroom best practices.

She obtained a B.S. in Chemistry from Lebanese American University, her Teaching Credential for Secondary Science Education from American University in Science & Technology and a Master’s degree in Educational Technology from Michigan State University.

In 2008, Myra has joined the MSU-Dubai team to coordinate the Educational Technology Certificate Program. She is currently working closely with her department, local authorities and principals providing support and vision to schools on transforming the teaching & learning process through the effective use of cutting edge technologies.

*K-12 classroom teachers themselves who have experience using educational technology in the classroom

*Graduates from our certificate program

*Exceptionally skilled in educational technology

*Winners of awards such as technology Teacher of the Year from the Michigan Association of Computer-Related Technology Users in Learning (MACUL) and the national award of the International Society for Technology in Education

This quarter’s instructor spotlight is . . .

Eric Spicer, Instructor for the MSU Educational Technology Certificate Program, Technology Teacher at Latson Elementary School in Howell, MI

Eric Spicer is currently the technology teacher at Latson Elementary School in Howell, Michigan. His job includes teaching students in grades kindergarten through 5th , technology skills where he believes that his passion for technology, combined with his teaching skills will allow his students to work better together in groups to solve real-world problems and present them to real audiences.

Prior to teaching in Howell, Eric was a technology teacher at Belding Middle school in Belding, Michigan where he taught 6th through 8th graders technology. He also has experience teaching adult and community education technology classes in both Howell and Belding.

Eric received his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in Child Development and Elementary Education. After the completion of his bachelors he continued on to get his Master’s Degree in Educational Technology from Michigan State University.

Eric lives in East Lansing with his wife, Jodi, and their two sons – Cameron, 8, and Kailer, 4. In his spare time, Eric enjoys spending time on the links, playing baseball and soccer with his boys, and enjoying the pool at the Michigan Athletic Club!

Our courses are taught by an outstanding team of MSU adjunct faculty, many of whom are:

• K-12 classroom teachers themselves who have experience using educational technology in the classroom
• Graduates from our certificate program
• Exceptionally skilled in educational technology
• Winners of awards such as technology Teacher of the Year from the Michigan Association of Computer-Related Technology Users in Learning (MACUL) and the national award of the International Society for Technology in Education

This quarter’s instructor spotlight is . . .

Carrie Albin, Outreach Coordinator for the MSU Educational Technology Certificate Program.

Carrie Albin is the Outreach Coordinator for the Educational Technology Certificate Program at Michigan State University. She is responsible for setting up new locations for the Certificate program in Michigan, recruiting teachers, updating the curriculum, managing the EduTech Today newsletter, and presenting information about our program at conferences. In this role she was a key participant on some international projects in the College of Education. She also worked on the team that developed the online versions of the Certificate courses. Carrie will be traveling to Plymouth, England this summer to teach the Certificate courses.

(more…)

Our courses are taught by an outstanding team of MSU adjunct faculty, many of whom are:

* K-12 classroom teachers themselves who have experience using educational technology in the classroom
* Graduates from our certificate program
* Exceptionally skilled in educational technology
* Winners of awards such as technology Teacher of the Year from the Michigan Association of Computer-Related Technology Users in Learning (MACUL) and the national award of the International Society for Technology in Education

This quarter’s instructor spotlight is . . .

Leigh Graves Wolf, Program Coordinator for the MSU Master’s in Educational Technology.

Leigh started her career in 1997 as a network administrator and technology coordinator at the International Academy in Bloomfield Hills. While at the International Academy she ran the desktop publishing club and assisted the faculty with integrating a relatively new technology “the Internet” into their classes. In 1999 she moved to Detroit Country Day Junior School where she taught elementary keyboarding and also assisted the staff with integrating various technologies into their curriculum. In 2000 she moved to the Upper School to coordinate the one-to-one laptop initiative and assist faculty with laptop integration. (more…)

Our courses are taught by an outstanding team of MSU adjunct faculty, many of whom are:

• K-12 classroom teachers themselves who have experience using educational technology in the classroom
• Graduates from our certificate program
• Exceptionally skilled in educational technology
• Winners of awards such as technology Teacher of the Year from the Michigan Association of Computer-Related Technology Users in Learning (MACUL) and the national award of the International Society for Technology in Education

This quarter’s instructor spotlight is . . .

Susan Way ,Instructor for the MSU Educational Technology Certificate Program and Academic Technology Coordinator for the Dept of Physiology at MSU.

Sue Way has taught the Educational Technology Certificate courses for 6 years. Her undergraduate degree is in Education with a major in Physical Education and a minor in Biology from Central Michigan University. She completed her Master of Arts in Educational Technology at Michigan State University and is in the process of completing a teaching minor in Computer Science.

Sue served as the Academic Technology Coordinator for the Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Special Education and as the Program Manager for the Educational Technology Master’s program in the College of Education at MSU for 8 years. During this time, she was part of the development team for the Educational Technology Certificate online courses, where she updated and revised course content.

For 24 years prior to working at MSU, Sue was a Gymnastic Coach, Instructor, and Program Director for gymnastic programs in Lansing, Okemos, and Ann Arbor.

Sue currently serves as the Academic Technology Coordinator with the
Department of Physiology under the College of Human Medicine at Michigan
State University.

Sharing ideas and teaching the Educational Technology courses at Michigan
State University is very exciting and rewarding. Technology use in education
provides rich opportunities for understanding subject matter content by
bringing these concepts to life, allows for the development of and
participation in learning communities, and makes a difference in the
classroom by providing a multitude of resources from the Internet.

Our courses are taught by an outstanding team of MSU adjunct faculty, many of whom are:

• K-12 classroom teachers themselves who have experience using educational technology in the classroom
• Graduates from our certificate program
• Exceptionally skilled in educational technology
• Winners of awards such as technology Teacher of the Year from the Michigan Association of Computer-Related Technology Users in Learning (MACUL) and the national award of the International Society for Technology in Education

This quarter’s instructor spotlight is . . .

Kathryn Dirkin , Lead Course Designer for the MSU Educational Technology Certificate Program and Endorsement courses, PhD student at MSU and a faculty member at Central Michigan University starting this fall.

Kathryn has been teaching in the Masters program since 2002. She has taught at all three cohort sites. She was so excited about working with teachers around the state as well as around the world as they implement technology for meaningful learning

Kathryn graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in American Culture, and received her teaching certificate from Michigan State University.  She is also a graduate of the Masters in Educational Technology program here at State. She is currently in the process of completing her dissertation and will begin a position as a faculty member at Central Michigan University in the fall.  Kathryn lived in Pennsylvania for four years where she taught second and fourth grade elementary students. During that same time she was a building technology coordinator.  As a technology coordinator she planned and implemented workshops for teachers, served on a district wide committee for distance learning, and engaged in a national project to connect teachers across the U.S.

Since her work in Pennsylvania Kathryn has had a special interest in online education. She has had teaching assistantships helping faculty build online courses. She has also co-taught CEP 816: Technology, Teaching. & Learning Across the Curriculum and CEP 894: Action Research. She is dedicated to understanding and developing new and innovative online courses. In 2006 she was hired to convert the first and second year of the masters program into online courses. She has found it extremely rewarding to work with a group of people so dedicated to making MSU’s courses a great experience for teachers around the state and the world.

Our courses are taught by an outstanding team of MSU adjunct faculty, many of whom are:

• K-12 classroom teachers themselves who have experience using educational technology in the classroom
• Graduates from our certificate program
• Exceptionally skilled in educational technology
• Winners of awards such as technology Teacher of the Year from the Michigan Association of Computer-Related Technology Users in Learning (MACUL) and the national award of the International Society for Technology in Education

This quarter’s instructor spotlight is . . .

Michael Partridge, Instructor for MSU Educational Technology Certificate, Technology Training & Support Specialist at Pinckney Community Schools, and
MACUL SigWEB Asst. Dir.

Michael Partridge, a Michigan State alum, is our newest instructor in the program. “I just LOVE this!” Michael has said of the certificate program. “We provide an opportunity for teachers to spend time, often in their own district, on their own equipment, learning with their peers.” 

Michael’s passion for education, combined with his interest in technology, are evident in the workshops and courses he presents for the Regional Technology Academy, the Pinckney Instructional Technology Academy, and the many workshops he presents in conjunction with the Pinckney Office of Curriculum.

Michael has a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts and Elementary Education from Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa, and a Master’s degree in Educational Technology From Michigan State University. He has over ten years of experience working with students and teachers in K-12 settings in Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. Michael has worked as an Elementary Classroom teacher, Computer Center teacher, and now focuses on technology and professional development, helping to build capacity in the teachers of the Pinckney School District.

Michael and 3 other educators from his district also have a weekly podcast show. To learn more about it you can visit http://geek-ed.com.

Our courses are taught by an outstanding team of MSU adjunct faculty, many of whom are:

• K-12 classroom teachers themselves who have experience using educational technology in the classroom
• Graduates from our certificate program
• Exceptionally skilled in educational technology
• Winners of awards such as technology Teacher of the Year from the Michigan Association of Computer-Related Technology Users in Learning (MACUL) and the national award of the International Society for Technology in Education

This quarter’s instructor spotlight is . . .

Tammy Maginity , Instructor for MSU Educational Technology Certificate, Instructional Coordinator for Pennfield Schools

Tammy Maginity is currently the Instructional Technology Coordinator for Pennfield Schools.  Pennfield is located on the Northeast side of Battle Creek.  Her job includes training staff and assisting staff with the use and integration of technology in a meaningful way.

Prior to Pennfield, Tammy was a Computer/Technology teacher at Northeast Middle School in Comstock Public Schools for sixteen years.  She has also had experience teaching 6th, 7th and 8th grade science, language arts, and math.

Tammy received her Bachelors degree from Michigan State University in Elementary Ed with a major in Fine Arts and Science.  She went on to get her Master’s degree in Educational Technology from Ferris State University in August of 2000 with highest distinction. 

She started teaching for the MSU Educational Technology Certificate program in the year 2000 mainly in the Comstock Area and has enjoyed it very much.

When Tammy isn’t working, she is an avid MSU fan and loves to sing and play guitar in the church worship band.  She enjoys sports, both playing and wathcing and loves to play golf.