Introduction

Greetings all!

                Welcome to my blog for AHE 602.  In this blog I will post entries related to my study of MOOCS.  But first, here is a little information about me.  I am currently a Clinical Instructor of Technology Applications & Assessment Systems for The College of Education here at UA.  I primarily work with the college’s online assessment program (LiveText), which is used as part of our continuous improvement process and accreditation procedures.   I have been in this position for three years, and I am thoroughly enjoying my work.  Before that, I was a middle school history and career technologies teacher in the Tuscaloosa City School system.  I am a third year doctoral student in the Instructional Technology program.  On a personal note, as those of you who already know me are well aware, I am the extremely proud father of four year old twins; Abby & Brock.

                The constant innovation of technology and it potential impact on education is what lured me to the instructional technology program.  I am fascinated by how rapidly this field is evolving and by the enormous impact that proper technology integration can have on teaching and learning.  This is why I was so excited to sign up for this class.  Not only do I get to check off one of my AHE course requirements, but I also get to study technological innovation.  Although I have no first-hand experience with MOOCS, I have done some reading regarding this subject in prior coursework, and I am curious to explore their possibilities in relation to higher education.   The skyrocketing cost of higher education is burdening so many in our country, and I curious to explore possible alternatives that might alter the higher education system as we know it.  MOOCS seem to offer a great deal of potential for so many, and I am excited to learn more.