Introduction/What
I Teach
My name is Cheryl Jones-Strong. I currently teach ITE115, Introduction to
Computer Applications and Concepts at Reynolds Community College as an Adjunct
Instructor. My future goal, however, is
to teach advanced Microsoft Office application related courses in addition to
the subject I currently teach.
I am a 20-year retired Army veteran and former federal
government contactor. While in my
military and federal government contractor roles, I taught various military
applications and IT related courses. I
later transferred to the state government where I did mostly project management
work, but I truly missed teaching, so I went back to school and completed a
master degree in Information Systems (MIS) through the University of Phoenix
(UoP) and another master degree in Distance Education (MDE) through the University
of Maryland University College (UMUC); both were completed entirely
online. I also have a Bachelor degree in
Computer Information Systems which I completed through Saint Leo University
(SLU).
Fun
Facts About Me
People may find it interesting that I have been taking
college course for more than 30 years. I
find that I love learning and consider myself a lifelong learner. I will
probably take classes until there is no longer breath in my body.
Another interesting fact about me is that I really like
reading. I have paperback books dating
back since I was 14 years old. When my
life became too hectic (somewhere around 2003) I turned to listening to audio
books and joined an audio book club. I
have listened to more than 1400 books.
Current
Knowledge
Knowledge is about the awareness or familiarity of areas of
expertise. Like most people who have
lived more than half a century, I have a wide range of knowledge in several
areas. The areas of knowledge that I
acknowledge most are those where I am most skilled and include Information
Systems, Training, Project Management, Business Analysis, and Software
Development.
Skills
I have extensive experience both in life and professionally. I spent 20 years in the military where I
gained a wide-range of experience in leadership, training, and project
management. The military was the catalyst
for the remaining skills I have since gained.
I completed several degrees and certifications in the areas of Information
Systems and Distance Education. To stay
current in the area that I teach, I take Microsoft Certification courses. I also take professional development courses
offered by Reynolds Community College.
Attitude About Teaching
I believe no student should ever be made to feel or believe
that they cannot learn. My job is to
find the right approach to help each student discover the best method for them
to learn. Since learning should include
being student centered, I need to find learning approaches that will help my
students to be active participants in their learning process. Engaging in professional development courses
is one way that I accomplish this task.
Although I believe in the student centered approach, I want
my students to know that they are not alone in their learning endeavors. I want my students to know that I am always
available to assist them in their quest for knowledge. I want them to be willing to try but to also
know that I am there to support, guide, and encourage them should the need
arise.
I believe that as a teacher of adult learners, I must
create a safe learning environment that allows a respectful and positive
atmosphere for information exchange.
Students possessing a variety of learning styles should feel encouraged
to express themselves and ask questions with no fear of criticism or
ridicule. A positive learning
environment facilitates the students’ desire to learn and enriches their
learning experience. It is my
responsibility to ensure my classes possess this type of learning environment.
At the conclusion of any course I teach, my students should
leave the course with a set of newly acquired skills that they should be able
to use in their personal, educational, and professional endeavors.
How This Blog Affects My Ideas About Blogging In Future Courses
While I found the requirement for this class to blog relatively easy, I
am not sure integrating a blog or blog requirement would be beneficial. Currently there is a requirement in my
classes to use Blackboard and the textbook’s website. I am not sure if adding an additional technology
resources would be very beneficial. I
believe, however, when I begin to teach an online class, I may reconsider this
position.
