I am a passionate advocate of integrating technology into the classroom at all levels of education and an even more passionate advocate of online learning. In 1986 after a colleague of mine took me screaming and kicking, I went to see how she was integrating and using technology in her middle school art classroom. I was skeptical at first, but later when I saw how one could use HyperCard and LaserVideo disk technology to teach art and art history more effectively, I was never the same. I became a self taught technology geek and became an enthusiastic advocate of using technology in the art classroom at all levels. I am known in my chosen field of art education and instructional technology as a person with a unique voice on the subject. I have written numerous articles on the topic and edited a book on new technologies in art education.
Well as time went by and instructional technology evolved, one thing led to another and eventually I became enthralled with the potential of online learning or elearning to transform education and thereby help all of humanity increase their capacity for solving some of the greatest problems that our world faces. Yes, it is possible to improve the way we learn and as a result I believe we can conquer many of the world’s problems and create a more peaceful, just, equitable, tolerant and compassionate society. I believe through elearning, particularly elearning 2.0, we are beginning a renaissance in the way we learn. We are within the grasp of improving society exponentially. What an exciting time to be an educator, particularly an online educator!
So what do I do? I am currently an Associate Professor of Art Education within the Visual Arts Department at Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas. I serve as the Undergraduate and Graduate Director of the Art Education program. You guessed it! I teach almost all my undergraduate and graduate art education classes online and I am loving it. In the fall of 2006, I launched a totally online graduate program in art education, one of the first in the nation and the only one in Texas. It has been the hardest yet most rewarding job of my over 25 year university teaching career.
Welcome to elearning cafe´. I am thrilled you have joined me in this exciting adventure to improve learning and to transform society. Make a comment and become part of this new elearning blog.
Warmly,
Diane
alias Dr. Snooks, as my family likes to call me!
