Kathleen Jerome

Learning Beliefs

ISTE Technical Facilitator Standards

Right now, I am searching for a full time teaching job that uses all my technology skills to help teachers and students. For many years I taught as an Elementary School Substitute. I feel as comfortable teaching art and library as I do teaching 6th grade Social Studies. I love going into a classroom and having to interest students who may not have met me. I want them to learn their lessons and really understand any concepts so that when the teacher returns, she or he knows that the material has been covered and the students have behaved well. I never have any behavior problems even though I am known as the "nice sub."

In a previous life (before teaching), I was a technologist. I programmed (in Fortran no less),taught database design, managed financial reporting computer projects, wrote user manuals and designed web pages. I love new things, and love to learn new things and figure out how to use new technologies.

While getting my Masters in Educational Technology, I wanted to look at what really works in teaching students. What is it that makes them learn? Technology for its own sake is not the answer. Technology has to be tied to the curriculum-- and it has to work well (there is nothing worse for students than a computer that doesn't connect well or software that freezes.)

This year I explored podcasting with 5th and 6th graders. It was wonderful. We tried to have fun and learn a little bit too.