Respond+to+Questions

Post your responses to Ice Breaker #3 here.

In order to get to know each other and share a little about yourselves, please respond to two of the following three questions. Each response must be four sentences or less.

1. What is your educational background and why did you choose to study what you studied (or are currently studying)? From Steven - I have a bachelor's in psychology. I have chosen to get a Master's in Education because I am a staff trainer at Fulton State Hospital and have found that I love to teach! With a lack of promotional opportunities available, getting a more advanced degree will be my ticket to a different job.

From Jeff: I have a B.A. in Psychology and a M.A. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. I will be completing this M.Ed. in Educational Technology from the University of Missouri at the end of the Month. I begin as a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Oklahoma in August studying Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Instructional Psychology and Technology. From Zack: I have a B.S. in Secondary Education - Mathematics and a MSE in Educational Theory and Practice. I am pursuing a degree in Learning Systems Design and Development. I chose my first degree because I wanted to teach and have a desire to teach high school students. My additional degrees are to hopefully open doors for additional teaching opportunities. 2. What is one goal you have set for yourself and achieved? Why was this goal meaningful to you? One goal I have achieved is to be good at my job. I am now the most senior trainer in my department, and I know A LOT about what my department does. I am the go-to person for much of our technology, and am the lead trainer for one of our primary classes (a three-week course for direct care staff members). The goal is meaningful to me because I like to be good at what I do, and I have found that I love to teach adults. My main upcoming goal is to complete this Master's program and find another job that will be rewarding in different ways. My wife also reminded me that our biggest ongoing goal is our children. They are great (most of the time!) and we love the adventure of having children!

From Jeff: From Jeff: Before starting the M.Ed. online through the University of Missouri, I have had the goal to return to school to pursue a PhD in field related to psychology. As an undergraduate studying cognitive psychology, I had planned to continue my education in psychology, obtain a doctorate, and continue to conduct research and teach at the university level.

However, after graduating with a Master of Art in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, I did continue the program further. While I enjoyed the subject, I was not passionate about it. After several years, I found myself back in the classroom as a teacher. With my background in technology and teaching computers courses, I became interested in the fields of Educational Technology, Instructional Technology, and Instructional Design. Through the M.Ed. at MU, I have gained the confidence and determination to realize my dream of completing my education in the field of Educational Psychology.

3. What are you passionate about? From Steven - I am passionate about learning (I would be a student all the time if I could get paid for it!), about reading, about taking care of my family and about cooking!

From Jeff I am also passionate about learning both in formal and informal settings. Additionally, I am a fan of classic films, vinyl records, and classical and jazz music. I am also interested in mobile technology, the effects of Internet use on learning and recall, and the learning applications of online social networks.

From Zack: I am passionate about relationships with people. I enjoy getting to know people and spending quality time with them.