I have been teaching computer classes at St. Joseph Parish School (Trenton, MI) to students in Grades K-8 for the past 2 years. I work with students to develop the skills they need to become confident, independent computer users. Students in my computer classes learn basic keyboarding, word processing, spreadsheet manipulation. I teach them to use graphics, create multimedia presentations, and define standards for use on collaborative projects. They learn general operating system commands and problem solving skills. Internet activities focus on research, choosing age appropriate search tools, evaluating sites, analyzing data, interpreting results, summarizing information, organizing and presenting data, citing sources and tips for staying safe online.

Students practice using scanners, digital cameras, and imbed sound and video clips to enhance their work.

The skills I provide students not only assist them outside of the school, but also enable teachers to carry out technology-based lesson plans or activities with the assurance that their students have the technical capacity to complete the work.

I work with our teachers in identifying ways to integrate technology into the core curriculum units. Therefore, I have the opportunity to create technology based lessons and/or supporting materials for other teachers when it has been identified that technology could enhance the students understanding or learning experience of a unit.

Our computer lab boasts 21 new IBM workstations running Windows XP. We have cable modem Internet access and a digital projection unit allowing us the mobility to bring technology based lessons into the classroom. We have a digital video recorder, a digital camera, laser and color printers, and a scanner. Each classroom has 1-3 computers and access to the Internet. Lab machines are loaded with Microsoft Office XP Pro, KidPix Deluxe, Mavis Beacon, Type to Learn Jr., and Inspiration 7.0. The school recently joined the RESA United Streaming Video project pilot. This membership provides teachers with an invaluable on-demand collection of photographs, images, lesson plans and video clips that map standards to teaching concepts.

St. Joseph Parish School is located in a suburban community with over 25,000 residents. The median income of this community made up of both professional and blue-collar workers is $45,000. The school has a current enrollment of 197 students. The 2002-2003 school year was the first year that a technology program and formal computer curriculum was implemented in the school.

Prior to working in this position, I worked at EDS for 14 years as a project manager, technical instructor, and computer programmer. I have worked with both mainframe and Windows-based operating systems and have programmed in several languages.

I hold a B.A. degree in Romance Languages from Wayne State University. I am currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science with a Secondary Teaching Certification from Madonna University.