Sunday, July 13, 2008
Web Searching - Reflection
The first of six assignments in IT 648 was a warm-up for future assignments. Usually, I spend my time researching on the traditional search engines. But for the sake of this assignment, I used Steve Yuen’s Ultimate Search Page. If you are efficient at researching on a particular search engine, then it should not be a problem using another search engine. I found this task to be straight forward and easy to locate various Web sites, college classmates, a professional organization, and a book author. Lastly, I was able to locate the specifications to software that I generally use in my graduate studies. Overall, I found this project as a general review to researching various topics on the Internet. I would rate this project on the easier end based on my research background and experience as a doctoral student. In the future, I could actually design a similar assignment to help students learn how to research. Based on their findings, I can determine if they are proficient or they would require additional tips in how to research on the Web.
Introduction to Blogfolio - Reflection
This assignment was more or less similar to the Introduction that I created as my first posting on the class discussion board. The purpose of this assignment was to formally introduce individuals who frequent my Blogfolio. For this assignment, I created an introduction that provides readers with my background, education, experiences, and interests. I believe that I could use this assignment in future classes. I can ask my students to construct their personal blog and post their responses to weekly open-ended, discussion questions. I would encourage students to respond to one another’s blogs and add their comments or questions. Upon viewing the students’ blogs, I can gain a perspective to determine whether or not they are grasping key concepts.
Introduction - Reflection
This was the very first task that I completed for IT 648. The purpose of this task was to formally introduce myself to my classmates and professor. Since this class is online, we did not have the privilege to introduce ourselves face-to-face. Therefore, this assignment served the same purpose. I created a short self-introduction regarding my educational background, current academic interests, current teaching settings, reason of taking IT 648, and what I hope to achieve from taking this course. Afterwards, I posted my response on the discussion board. This assignment was also used to help familiarize some of the students to the class discussion board.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Overview to James M. Thompson's IT 648 Blogfolio
Welcome! My name is James M. Thompson. I thank you for taking time to view my blogfolio entitled “James M. Thompson’s IT 648.” The purpose of this blogfolio is to serve as an electronic portfolio and to store artifacts that will be created during my time in Dr. Yuen’s IT 648:Telecommunications in Education course.
As you peruse this blogfolio, you can learn more about me and my background as an educator. I believe that each educator has a different song and testimony to share with others regarding how they stumbled into this wonderful career of education. Please take a moment to read my introduction prior to embarking into other elements found in this blogfolio.
As you peruse this blogfolio, you can learn more about me and my background as an educator. I believe that each educator has a different song and testimony to share with others regarding how they stumbled into this wonderful career of education. Please take a moment to read my introduction prior to embarking into other elements found in this blogfolio.
James M. Thompson's Introduction
Mr. Thompson currently serves as a graduate research assistant at The University of Southern Mississippi in the Department of Educational Leadership and Research. He is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Educational Administration with dual minors, in (1) research and statistics and (2) instructional technology.
Prior to pursuing a PhD degree fulltime, he served as GEAR UP Project Director with the Lancaster County School District’s Office of Research and Development in South Carolina. During his one year tenure, he implemented and managed a $2.94 million federal grant and $600,000 in scholarship endowment, which targeted and provided a cohort of over 700 seventh graders in three middle schools with necessary tools and knowledge to prepare and enter post-secondary education. Additionally, he sought additional grant funding to implement and manage a $46,000 grant that provided a Saturday and summer enrichment program for students participating in the GEAR UP program; and a $45,000 grant that provided teachers with technology training and support.
Mr. Thompson also served as a seventh grade science teacher at South Middle School in Lancaster for three and a half years. His longing and passion for education steered him into the classroom where he believed that he could have a direct and positive impact on young children’s lives. As a former classroom teacher, he never considered himself as a science teacher, rather, a “teacher of life;” because he often taught students essential life skills. He was constantly motivating and shaping tomorrow’s leaders to demonstrate compassion and respect towards their fellow man.
Mr. Thompson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a minor in psychology from The University of South Carolina in 1999. He earned a Master of Arts in Health Services Management and a Master of Business Administration from Webster University in 2000 and 2001 respectively. Additionally, he earned his Educational Specialist degree in Educational Administration from The University of Southern Mississippi in 2006. He will complete the requirements for a PhD degree in July2008.
Mr. Thompson was extensively involved with various community service organizations, churches, and outreach programs throughout the Lancaster community. In 2002, he founded Students Together Achieving Results Successfully (S.T.A.R.S.), which was a community service and academic organization. Among several of his civic responsibilities, he served as a certified instructor with the Lancaster County Chapter of the American Red Cross and was the Under Thirty Commissioner and third vice president of the Lancaster County Democratic Party. He held board memberships in The Adopt-A-Leader, Palmetto Citizens Against Sexual Assault, The Children’s Council, Mental Health America of Lancaster County, Lancaster County Council – Library Commission, Powerhouse Family Literacy Project, Fatherhood Project, City of Lancaster – Hospitality Tax Advisory Committee and Landmarks Commission. He also served in an advisory capacity with the Lancaster County United Way.
Mr. Thompson has authored and received grants that funded many school- and community-based initiatives totaling over $500,000. Among other selected honors and awards, he was named Beginning Teacher of the Year in his former school district; selected as a 2007 White House Fellowship Regional Finalist; inducted into Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society; received eight Lancaster County School Board’s Trustees Awards; named to Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers; and received Kappa Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. – Omega Man of the Year in 2006.
He is currently an associate minister and youth minister at United Bible Way Church in Lancaster, South Carolina. While in Hattiesburg, he is under watch care at True Light Missionary Baptist Church.
Mr. Thompson enjoys reading motivational books, bowling, fishing, furthering his education, and most importantly serving mankind. When time permits, he spends it talking with his best friend and beloved mentor, which is his father. Most importantly, he enjoys spending time with his favorite woman that brings him pride and joy, which is his mother. He is engaged to Ms. Brandi Richardson. He credits his abilities, determination to excel in life, knowledge, strength, and talents to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He knows that without Him, you would not be reading the biographical sketch of Mr. James M. Thompson.
Prior to pursuing a PhD degree fulltime, he served as GEAR UP Project Director with the Lancaster County School District’s Office of Research and Development in South Carolina. During his one year tenure, he implemented and managed a $2.94 million federal grant and $600,000 in scholarship endowment, which targeted and provided a cohort of over 700 seventh graders in three middle schools with necessary tools and knowledge to prepare and enter post-secondary education. Additionally, he sought additional grant funding to implement and manage a $46,000 grant that provided a Saturday and summer enrichment program for students participating in the GEAR UP program; and a $45,000 grant that provided teachers with technology training and support.
Mr. Thompson also served as a seventh grade science teacher at South Middle School in Lancaster for three and a half years. His longing and passion for education steered him into the classroom where he believed that he could have a direct and positive impact on young children’s lives. As a former classroom teacher, he never considered himself as a science teacher, rather, a “teacher of life;” because he often taught students essential life skills. He was constantly motivating and shaping tomorrow’s leaders to demonstrate compassion and respect towards their fellow man.
Mr. Thompson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a minor in psychology from The University of South Carolina in 1999. He earned a Master of Arts in Health Services Management and a Master of Business Administration from Webster University in 2000 and 2001 respectively. Additionally, he earned his Educational Specialist degree in Educational Administration from The University of Southern Mississippi in 2006. He will complete the requirements for a PhD degree in July2008.
Mr. Thompson was extensively involved with various community service organizations, churches, and outreach programs throughout the Lancaster community. In 2002, he founded Students Together Achieving Results Successfully (S.T.A.R.S.), which was a community service and academic organization. Among several of his civic responsibilities, he served as a certified instructor with the Lancaster County Chapter of the American Red Cross and was the Under Thirty Commissioner and third vice president of the Lancaster County Democratic Party. He held board memberships in The Adopt-A-Leader, Palmetto Citizens Against Sexual Assault, The Children’s Council, Mental Health America of Lancaster County, Lancaster County Council – Library Commission, Powerhouse Family Literacy Project, Fatherhood Project, City of Lancaster – Hospitality Tax Advisory Committee and Landmarks Commission. He also served in an advisory capacity with the Lancaster County United Way.
Mr. Thompson has authored and received grants that funded many school- and community-based initiatives totaling over $500,000. Among other selected honors and awards, he was named Beginning Teacher of the Year in his former school district; selected as a 2007 White House Fellowship Regional Finalist; inducted into Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society; received eight Lancaster County School Board’s Trustees Awards; named to Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers; and received Kappa Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. – Omega Man of the Year in 2006.
He is currently an associate minister and youth minister at United Bible Way Church in Lancaster, South Carolina. While in Hattiesburg, he is under watch care at True Light Missionary Baptist Church.
Mr. Thompson enjoys reading motivational books, bowling, fishing, furthering his education, and most importantly serving mankind. When time permits, he spends it talking with his best friend and beloved mentor, which is his father. Most importantly, he enjoys spending time with his favorite woman that brings him pride and joy, which is his mother. He is engaged to Ms. Brandi Richardson. He credits his abilities, determination to excel in life, knowledge, strength, and talents to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He knows that without Him, you would not be reading the biographical sketch of Mr. James M. Thompson.
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