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!