Discussion thread: Introductions

Instructions

Please introduce yourself here, tell us a bit about you. What are your motivations to join the Wiki Skills Workshop and what do you expect to learn.
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Gladys Gahona

I am a mexican private teacher. In 1981 I graduated in chemical engineering at Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán (UADY), in Mérida, Yucatán, México. In 2002 I graduated in Technology Management at UADY.

For over thirty years I have taught mathematics, physics and chemistry. Currently I own a small academy where I teach: AF Centro. I have been in touch with computer technology since 1980 and started navigating the Internet since the early 90's.

The knowledge I have gained in teaching/tutoring comes from my personal experiences and self-studies. I have also been a self learner in computing, web programing, ITC and web 2.0 platforms and tools. As a perseverant learner and passioned for challenges, I have spent thousands of hours seeking new ways to integrate personal learning experiences into my teaching activities. I have devoted my professional life to my two passions: teaching and learning.

I am currently involved in several wiki-activities: developing open educational resources, participating in workgroups, assisting and facilitating eL4C workshops, participating in discussion groups, promoting our community outside, assisting in learning design projects, etc. I am deeply proud and honoured to collaborate with a team of very experienced and enthusiastic WikiEducators. Please feel free to post your introduction and comments on the page.

You may also want to contact me via email or Skype. --Gladys Gahona 21:21, 8 September 2009 (UTC)

Nellie Deutsch

My name is Nellie (Muller) Deutsch. My formal educational background is varied but my informal studies are even more so. I have a BA in English literature and linguistics, an MA in education specializing in curriculum and technology, and have completed a doctoral program in educational leadership specializing in curriculum and instruction at the University of Phoenix online in 2009. I have been teaching English as a foreign language for over 30 years and integrating technology into the ESL/EFL classroom since the 1990s. I have been involved in international collaborative projects and WebQuests via Moodle for the past 5 years. My first website, Nellie's English Projects was an experiment that evolved from a WebQuest and started me off as a webmistress in the days of html before web 2.0 tools. I facilitate online (Blended and full) and face-to-face workshops on how to use Wikieducator as a collaborative tool to improve instruction and learning and conduct online workshops and conferences. I also moderate live online workshops for Electronic Village Online which is a project of TESOL's CALL Interest Section, storytelling and cultures, and integration of technology and web 2.0 tools into the classroom on WiZiQ.

I am passionate about learning and am currently completing my doctoral studies in educational leadership specializing in curriculum,and instruction online at the University of Phoenix and writing my dissertation. I am researching blended learning and instructor use of technology in higher education. In my spare time, I mentor educators on how to integrate web 2.0 tools for instruction and learning. I would like to see e-learning available and free worldwide.

I am interested in collaborative and engaged learning, social networking, philosophy, mindfulness meditation practice, the Alexander Technique, art, writing and poetry. I am looking forward to collaborating with other educators on the best ways to integrate technological tools in order to facilitate and improve instruction and learning.

Please feel free to contact me by email.

Giles Lancaster

I currently teach Engineering a Marlborough Boys College. The course of study is based around New Zealand Industry Training Organisation (ITO) Unit Standards. These standards are designed for Industry but can be credited to NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement).

I am also the ICTPD (Information Communication Technologies Professional Development Cluster) director and facilitator for Marlborough Girls College and Marlborough Boys College

Gilesl 07:24, 26 October 2009 (UTC)

Gilesl 03:00, 7 October 2009 (UTC)

Re: Welcome aboard Giles, looking forward to sharing experiences on ICT. --Gladys Gahona C. 06:14, 22 October 2009 (UTC)

I wonder what some of the differences are between teaching in a boys and a coed school. --Nellie Deutsch 21:58, 25 October 2009 (UTC)

They are loud, physical and like to do things at the last minute with no planning on the positive side any issues are over quickly and relationships are restored easily. --Gilesl 04:58, 9 November 2009 (UTC)

Charmayne

My name is Charmayne (Char) Paul and I am an online tutor:mentor for uni/college students across the globe. Students tend to be in the social sciences, business and ESL/EFL.

Following my disillusionment with the local uni institution, I thought I could better provide support, encouragement and facilitate student learning by working from home. Works so far ~:-)

I want to develop as a professional tutor, keeping up with technology is part of that, to better meet the needs and expectations of students, and the wider community who need competent and confident professionals.

Looking forward to getting to know you all and learning and sharing together.

~ Char www.psitutor.org

Psitutor 02:02, 22 October 2009 (UTC)

Re: Welcome Char, tutoring is challenging but it is certainly highly rewarding. Have fun! --Gladys Gahona C. 06:14, 22 October 2009 (UTC)

Hi Charmayne, I think you will find working online very rewarding. --Nellie Deutsch 22:00, 25 October 2009 (UTC)

Sarita Marooty

My name is Sarita Marooty. I graduated in the field of Textile Technology in 2002 at the University of Mauritius. I am working as laboratory technician at the University of Mauritius in the Department of Textile and I am also enrolled for a Master's course in Educational Technologies. My motivation for joining this workshop is to learn more about the wiki technology and maybe I can integrate in my classes. --Sarita marooty 12:50, 24 October 2009 (UTC)

Re: Hi Sarita and welcome to L4C31. Wikis are an incredible way to collaborate. --Nellie Deutsch 22:02, 25 October 2009 (UTC)

Ricardo Valenzuela

Hello to all participants in this workshop. I am Ricardo Valenzuela and I am a Mexican graduated Architect. I studied English in Centro de Enseñanza de Lenguas Extranjeras at Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mèxico. I had some courses in Art History.

I came across wiki educators last March and I enrolled in a workshop like this that time. I am here again because I would like to advance in the knowledge of this interesting tool. I am now learning other web2.0 tools as well. I am taking a course on line about Connectivism and I will take a Moodle course run by Nellie starting next week. I work as a free lance construction consultant at home. I also give private classes on line and public classes on wiziq about Architecture & Art History; I also give English and Spanish language classes. User:Ricardo Valenzuela 13:23, 24 October 2009 (UTC)

Re: Hola paisano! Learning is a pleasant ongoing journey for devoted educators. Have fun :-) --Gladys Gahona C. 01:31, 25 October 2009 (UTC)

Hi Ricardo! Great to "see" you here once again. I am looking forward to learning with and from you. --Nellie Deutsch 22:08, 25 October 2009 (UTC)

Paulette Cato

--Paulette Cato 18:40, 24 October 2009 (UTC)--<Mikki>--Paulette Cato 18:40, 24 October 2009 (UTC)</Mikki> I am a new teacher of sixth grade students in public school . We are learning about new technologies.Learning concepts are constantly changing and I need to learn in order to be a better teacher.I hope to learn about many new tools of education . I am the first to admit I need to learn.

Re: Hello Paulette, soon you will learn how to use wikis as Web 2.0 tools for collaborative learning. Enjoy! --Gladys Gahona C. 01:24, 25 October 2009 (UTC)

Hi Paulette and welcome to L4C31. Learning about learning is a great way to gain confidence as a teacher. --Nellie Deutsch 22:04, 25 October 2009 (UTC)

==Surekah Reechaye

Actually I am working at the Mauritius Revenue Authority. In 2000 I graduated in Hindi Language.I have enrolled now for Msc in Educational Technologies,just to have a change in field.I am interested to join the wiki skills workshop so as to learn more on pedagogy.The learning concept is fast changing and i wish to be up to date with the modern techniques of teaching and training.--sreechayeSreechaye 19:06, 28 October 2009 (UTC)Sreechaye 18:50, 27 October 2009 (UTC) October 2009 (UTC)--Sreechaye 03:40, 24 October 2009 (UTC)

Re: Hello Surekah. Wikis are excellent Web 2.0 tools for teching/learning. This page represents an example of how collaborative a wiki page could be. Enjoy the workshop :-) --Gladys Gahona C. 21:28, 27 October 2009 (UTC)

Preema Leckraz

Hello everyone. I am very glad to be part of the wikieducator group. I am a primary school teacher with about 14 years of experience working with pupils of 6-11 years old. My main field of study is to develop strategies of using technolgy in primary schools to motivate pupils towards learning and thereby sparing them some time to develop their psycho-motor skills though arts, sports and music.

I am also fascinated by the editing options provided to us. This is a constructive way of getting used to the pages and I would be much pleased to innovate my teaching similarly, using computers.

you can also email me if you have any querries concerning primary schooling

p.leckraz@yahoo.com

My skype address is 'prema_9

Smita Goorah

Hi to everyone. My name is Smita Goorah and I'm new to wikis. I trained as a medical practitioner and have worked for 10 years in different specialities. Since 2002, I have joined academic medicine and I lecture and do research (mostly epidemiological research. I have joined an MSc course in Educational Technologies as I want to keep up to date with new developments and also to keep up with my students who communicate and interact using Web 2.0 technologies. I am fascinated by the use of ICT and Web 2.0 in education. I am also interested in E-Health. My other interests are in social networking, infectious diseases, complex systems, history, culture, reading, writing, thinking, green issues, community empowerment and new age philosophy

David Gino Philippe

Hi I am a secondary school teacher, I am a chemistry graduate with a real passion for pedagogy. This workshop, I feel, will offer real opportunities to facilitate learning and teaching. I am actually enrolled for an MSc educational technology and web 2.0 technology is amazing as far as the prospect for educational development is concerned.

Re: You are right Gino, Wikieducator is an excellent libre platform for learning and teaching. Welcome.--Gladys Gahona C. 12:43, 27 October 2009 (UTC)

Nimla Philippe

Hello, I'm a chemistry educator from Mauritius. I teach to upper secondary students- girls in fact. I'm glad to be part of this workshop beacuse I believe it will be very beneficial to me. I am actually enrolled for my MSc in Educational Technologies and this workshop will be an added bonus. Using ICT in teaching is a very interesting idea, which I would like to do on a continuous basis( since I'm actually doing it part of the time) and using Wikis to do that seem to be appropriate.

Georges Gracieuse

Hi I am a Human Resources professional originally from Mauritius but now settled in Canada. Last year I completed a MA in Human Resources Management in London, UK. The aspect of HR that I am more passionate about is Learning & Development. I have been quite involved in adult education in leadership skills development either in-class or on-site. I am quite interested in information technology, but E-learning is a new field for me. I have joined the wikieducator group to learn more about open educational resources and using technology in education. --Ggracieuse 21:43, 25 October 2009 (UTC)

Marcia Joseph

I am a English Language and Communiacations Studies teacher from Trinidad and Tobago. My students have recently been given access to computers with internent connection at school and they are facinated by the box. I realize that it will be a great way to capture their interest and to give them a voice. I hope that joining the wikieducator group will assist me with my quest to use technology as an educational resource. (: You have surely come to the write place, Marcia. Welcome aboard and don't hesitate to write to me for help. You should know that Trinidad & Tobago's Ministry of Education and many colleges are huge WikiEducator fans and busy building in-country capacity --Patricia Schlicht 21:59, 3 November 2009 (UTC))

Lucia Tono

Hello everybody! I am very excited about participating in this group. I believe that we are living during a major revolution, as big as the invention of the print, and we get to be part of it. I think WikiEducator can be a great tool to democratize education around the globe so I am eager to explore it.

I am an instructional designer in process of creating my own busines sis workshop . I was working for a big insurance health company and realized that I don't like working for big corporations. Now I am doing what I believe in.

Youshra Rajabalee

Hello everyone. I'm Youshra Rajabalee and I'm new to wikis. I have a background in Computing and IS and I am presently Research Assistant at the VCILT(Virtual Centre for Innovative Learning Technologies) - University of Mauritius.

My work consists of My work consists of looking for Open Education Resources that can be used to mount courses to the local context, as well as, designing of e-learning websites and courseware authoring on the e-learning platform.

Thank you for reading my introduction. :-) --Youshra.rajabalee 04:34, 26 October 2009 (UTC)--Youshra.rajabalee 04:34, 26 October 2009 (UTC) --Youshra.rajabalee 04:45, 26 October 2009 (UTC) Youshra Rajabalee

Hope that this group meeting will help me in getting to know new apprt thoaches and techniques related to my field of work.--RajeevR 08:04, 26 October 2009 (UTC)--RajeevR 08:04, 26 October 2009 (UTC)--RajeevR 08:04, 26 October 2009 (UTC)

Rohith P.

Dear All,

I am rohith from delhi, india. I am teaching English for the UG students in DDU College, Delhi University. I am also pursuing my doctoral studies in comparative literature and am writing my dissertation now.

I am a visually challenged and it's thus I got myself acquainted with computers. ever since, i've been using and exploring computer and internet for instruction, learning and entertainment. My institution (DDUC, Dept. of English) has a wikipage User:English_Honours_DDUC and this is how I came to know about the wikieducator project.

I sincerely hope that wiki educator.org and related pages are fully accessible with screen readers. I've not encountered any problem in accessing them so far.

It's my hope that this learning4content workshop will enrich my wikiskills and put me among a group of wiki enthusiasts.

looking forward to hearing and learning from you all

rohith

Driss Moumane

Hello, everyone! My name is Driss Moumane. I am a trained mechanical engineer. I moved recently, within the same organization I worked for over the last twenty years, to a new job working on Knowledge Management and Learning. We are in over 91 countries in the world. I am interested in learning how to use technology to bring together people from different parts of the world to work collaboratively in real time and to bridge the challenges of space and time. I am looking forward to learning and sharing my two cents with the community.

Chris Gunnoo

Hello everybody,

My name is Chris Gunnoo. I did my studies at Ignatius Loyola college/Madras University(1976 – 1979) in chennai, India. At that time I was offered a chance to do my graduate in computing but I declined as computing was still not well known. Instead, I graduated in Chemistry, did my PGCE at the Mauritius Institute of education then a Post Graduate Diploma in Computing(Napier University). I gradually shifted from the teaching of chemistry and mathematics towards computing of which I am the head of department in my school and also teaching computing to students of form 6 . I always had a passion for learning and research and the internet has contributed, enormously, to my lifelong learning, empowering me with many skills, some of which I am very proud such as the construction of a greenhouse all by myself and the practice of hydroponics, bio-gardening skills and the playing of classical guitar among others. It has also given me the opportunity of being part of circles of great people from around the world, from whom I learnt a lot freely and is the source of my enthusiasm and inspiration. Now I am following an Msc Educational technologies at the University of Mauritius with a view of acquiring new techniques in e-learning methodologies. I am discovering the fascinating web 2.0 platform and its tools, thanks to my teacher Dorothy, and I am aware of the potential revolution that it is bringing in the world of education and training. I am an advocate of free education for a free mind. I believe that all teachers should unlearn and relearn.

chris. gunnooc@gmail.com

Re: Hi Chris, I very much enjoyed reading your introduction. Welcome.--Gladys Gahona C. 13:23, 27 October 2009 (UTC)

Rwagasana

My name is Rwagasana Gerard, I am a lecturer at the national university of Rwanda. I teach physics and ICT basic skills in the first years. I am interested in elearning techniques and pedagogy. That is why I join the Wiki Skills Workshop. I wish to be able to train my colleagues in Wiki skills.--Rwagasana 12:02, 26 October 2009 (UTC)

Re: Welcome Rwagasana. The more you practice wiki skills, the more you learn :-) --Gladys Gahona C. 18:55, 27 October 2009 (UTC)

Soobhadrah Bokhoree

Hello everyone. My name is Soobhadrah Bokhoree. I completed my B.A (Hons) in English in 2003. I am currently working as an Educator and have also enrolled for an M.Sc in Educational Technologies. I am very glad to be part of this workshop. Though, I am new to wikis, I am sure that I will learn loads from this workshop. Moreover, whatever is related to information technology really fascinates me. (: Hi Soobhadrah, looks like you enjoy learning. I also studied educational technologies for my MA. I loved it as I'm sure you will, too. --Nellie Deutsch 21:05, 26 October 2009 (UTC))

Yvonne Marx

Hello, My name is Yvonne and I am currently a school technology coordinator at the middle school level. We are using wikis and moodles in our district and I hope to learn as much as I can about each of these learning tools. (: Hi Yvonne. What subjects do you teach as the school tech coordinator? Thank you. --Nellie Deutsch 21:03, 26 October 2009 (UTC))

Denise Barstow-Girel

Hello! I am Denise, an American living and teaching English in France for 20 years. I am my school coordinator for european partnership projects, so I want to learn wiki to use on our Comenius PictureStories project.--Rakumi 20:57, 26 October 2009 (UTC)

(: Welcome, fellow ESOL teacher. I would love to learn more about the European partnership projects. Thank you. --Nellie Deutsch 21:01, 26 October 2009 (UTC))

Reshma Sookun

Hi all. I am Reshma Sookun from Mauritius. I am a secondary school teacher and i have been teaching computing for the last 5 years. I graduated in computer science and engineering in 2002 and i am actually enrolled for an Msc course in Educational Technologies. I am learning about wikis in my course and i hope this workshop will help me enrich my knowledge of wikis.

Re: Hi Reshma, no doubt... you will learn :-) --Gladys Gahona C. 19:14, 28 October 2009 (UTC)

Nisha Singh

I am nisha from india. a teacher educator by profession. am interested in the world of OER and the online learning . joined the workshop with the same purpose. --nisha :-) 06:09, 27 October 2009 (UTC)

Re: Welcome Nisha, let's build knowledge on OER :-) --Gladys Gahona C. 19:12, 28 October 2009 (UTC)

Anne Robertson

Hi there everybody. My name is Anne and I am a French teacher in New Zealand. I graduated in 1984 with a Degree in French, German and Politics and followed that with a PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) I am from the UK but recently emigrated to NZ with my family. I have been involved in Education for the last 25 years teaching French, German, Spanish, PE and Outdoor Education in a variety of secondary schools in the UK and now here in NZ. Over the last 10 years I have developed more of an interest in ICT and how technology can enhance my teaching and the learning of my students. I guess I needed a new direction after teaching for 12 or 13 years. Much as I loved being in the classroom and was passionate about teaching, I was at that sort of crossroads where I needed a change and something new to inject some pizzazz into my lessons! I am currently teaching French at Waikato Diocesan School for Girls in Hamilton. I have also been appointed as Teacher IT Coach – a grand title but my role is to help and encourage my less confident colleagues to embrace the technology we have available to us. My school in the UK introduced Moodle so I was one of the active users of that. I then came here to NZ to a school that didn’t have a VLE so I created a Ning site to enable my students to get some of the benefits of online learning. At WDSG we use Ultranet and one of my roles here is to train people in the use of it – this is a work in progress as I try things out with my classes and find out how the system works before passing on the information to my colleagues! I use a Podcasting site on Podomatic with my students – a great way to get them to practise their speaking and listening. I have tried to use the Wiki application on Ultranet with my students but it seems quite limited in its scope and certainly not as dynamic as the module in Moodle though I didn’t get much chance to use it in the UK. So I am interested in how Wikis can be used and the benefits students can get from them in the classroom and at home. --Robeanne 07:52, 27 October 2009 (UTC)

Re: Wow Anne, I'm impressed!! I can see a passionate learner behind your words. Mediawiki platform is great for collaboratively developing high quality content... and it's very powerful. --Gladys Gahona C. 00:13, 28 October 2009 (UTC)

Rajeev Sharma

Myself working as Associate Professor in the discipline of Teacher education and General Education in the university of Jammu, India. I am teaching the Masters' Students the applications and the implications of using the ICT in the teacher education and to have a better teaching and learning experiences in the different contexts of India. This forum and your wise interactions shall surely pave for pleasure and interactive experience of learning . RajeevR 10:30, 27 October 2009 (UTC)

Re: Welcome Rajevv, looking forward to learning from you. --Gladys Gahona C. 13:18, 27 October 2009 (UTC)

Kelly Pope

Hi All.
I am interested in creating and sharing educational content for use in innovative after school programs. I am affiliated with Citizen Schools, a great non-profit organization that brings citizens with a passion into the classroom after school to teach kids. In effect, this creates a second shift of teachers! Citizens can teach anything they love and want to pass on to middle school students. It is a great way for kids to have adult mentors, work on project based activities, and help gain skills for high school and future careers. I'm hoping that by learning through WikiEducator, I can help other Citizen Teachers create more sharable content.
Look forward to learning! --Kpope 21:31, 27 October 2009 (UTC)

Re: Hello Kelly, You will certainly learn through WE :-) --Gladys Gahona C. 19:00, 28 October 2009 (UTC)

Shahinedoo

[[Image:]] Hello everybody .

My name is Muhammad Shahin Edoo. I am educator. Actually am working at NCCRD, Ministry of Education.
After my graduation in Urdu and Education at the University Of Mauritius, 
I have decided to pursue further studies and now i am doing 
MSc educational technologies at the university of Mauritius.
I registered on the wikieducator to increase knowledge by sharing. 
Hope this venture will become a joint venture.

Re: Welcome Muhamamad. We all benefit from knowledge-sharing ventures. --Gladys Gahona C. 18:55, 28 October 2009 (UTC)

Deepa Bundhoo

Hi, I am Deepa Bundhoo from Mauritius! I am working as Hindi Educator in a secondary school and at the same time doing an MSc Educational Technology from the University of Mauritius. In our Social Networking module, we are learning about wiki, so I believe that I will enrich my knowledge during this workshop. I personally believe that in future ICT will be a must in teaching and learning. I strongly believe that one day traditional teaching method will be replaced through E-learning. Wikieducator is also contributing in this direction.

Re: Welcome Deepa! We all are learners :-) --Gladys Gahona C. 16:35, 4 November 2009 (UTC)
Re: You are so right Deepa. The best way to understand something is to attempt to implement it. --Gilesl 04:53, 9 November 2009 (UTC)

Virginia alberti

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Patricia Schlicht

My name is Patricia Schlicht and I have been working with and for Dr. Wayne Mackintosh' as the Learning4Content Coordinator and Community Builder on Wikieducator initially, in my function as Programme Assistant at the Commonwealth of Learning (COL).

In 2000, I joined the Commonwealth of Learning COL and have brought my international experiences from a variety of national and international governments and non-government organisations to COL. Since working at COL, I have gained extensive knowledge in open and distance learning (ODL) and technology-mediated learning, among many other things.

Through the arrival of Dr. Mackintosh at COL I was introduced to the concept of Free/Libre Open Education in eLearning and have since then gradually strengthened my knowledge in this area. I am now actively involved in promoting WikiEducator and building capacity in the global communities.

I have been facilitating WikiEducator Learning4Content online training workshops, monitor and evaluate all WikiEducator activities, among the many other activities I am involved in, in an attempt to build a sustainable global network of WikiEducators.

WikiEduator has meanwhile become its own entity and has found its new home under the Open Education Resource Foundation (OERF), formally launched on September 17, 2009 at the Internatiional Centre for Open Education under the leadership of Dr. Wayne Mackintosh.