Hello all! My name is Luis Vazquez and I currently work as an Instructional Technology Coordinator. I live in Laredo, TX.  I am currently enrolled in EDTC6329 and EDCI6301. I look forward to this course and working with both my assigned client and also my classmates and colleagues in this course.  Here's to a great semester for all of us!!!

Greetings!

My name is Whitney Kilgore.  I work for SunGard Higher Education as an Instructional Designer and Faculty Trainer on Course Management systems and the pedogogy behind teaching and learning online.  I live in Ingleside, Texas (near Rockport and Port Aransas) and am raising 4 beautiful children. 

My wiki page for this course can be found by following this link.

My name is Kelly Escobar. This is my second semester in the Ed Tech program. I am co-founder and President of Computer Revitalization Group. This nonprofit corporation seeks to revitalize the community through technology. We have technology training and leadership training programs and through these programs we refurbish computers and provide educational opportunities to the community. I am excited to learn more about educational technology to enhance the programs in the nonprofit to better serve the community. 

 noelescobar.swf

My name is Noel Escobar and I am alive. I have just undergone a serious operation wherein one of my organs was removed. Painful but a true miracle. My heart's desire at this time is to create a charter school where I can put my talents to work for the community. I am a US Army veteran and I love America. Currently I have been traveling and motivating groups. I am always looking for a new group to teach so let me know if you need some help.

My name is Fred Kaplan.  When I'm not dressing up for my 4-year-old's birthday party, I'm a software engineer.  I secretly aspire to flee my corporate taskmasters and enter the wonderful world of teaching.  And, it looks as if I might (finally) get the chance this semester, as I'm set to become an adjunct faculty member at a southern Arizona community college!

What's that you ask?  How did I get all of the way out here in Arizona?  Well, it's a long, sad story.  I'll spare you the boring details and just say that the family is still back in Fort Worth, TX, and that 'dad' is out here working to put food on the table (after all of the Fort Worth engineering jobs left town).

This is my final year in the M. Ed Tech program, and I'm down to the final four classes.  If you'd like to see my work so far (or just need a cure for insomnia...), you can head on over to my portfolio and take a look.

My name is Jason Ford and I, like Fred, am on my last year of instructional technology - woohoo!! After graduation I hope to start applying for jobs in North Carolina (love those mountains) or Austin (love that hill country). I currently am the lead faculty (althought I don't get the title, just the workload) for game design and simulation here at Lone Star College Kingwood. I love the idea of combining games with higher education. I've been studying both game design and instructional design at the same time and have come to realize that game designers know how to reach their audience with content that pulls players in.

Going with the gaming, I've been working with our librarians and students on building up our island in second life and have just started on a gaming project with the history department regarding the civil war.

And there you go. I would love to say check out my website for more information, but I haven't had time to work on the content, other than the intro animation when you click on the image. Hopefully this summer after classes....

ps. The gift from god is in reference to the dr. pepper, not me.

Hi, all, my name is Emily Moore, and I’m pursuing a masters degree in Education/Educational Technology.  This is my third semester in the program.

Before I signed up, I spent about a decade as a freelance writer, writing everything from articles (for publications such as Byte, CNET, and Salon) to books (over a dozen titles on Web-related topics such as Flash, JavaBeans, JavaScript, XML, and Web design; the most recent was O’Reilly’s Facebook: The Missing Manual, which came out last year). I also taught a few workshops and did a bit of editing, as well as a bit of Website design.

Prior to going freelance, I worked in the software industry.  My undergrad degree is in business with a computer information systems emphasis, which enabled me to hop around a lot.  I started in software development and then moved on to supervising and, finally, marketing.  No matter what I was doing professionally, though, I always found myself drawn to usability.  (Is it compelling?  Is it easy to use?  Is it *useful*?)  The thing is, I’m not a big fan of computers in general (odd, I know, for someone who has made a living from them for nearly a quarter of a century!).  I believe they’re superfluous in a lot of applications, deleterious in others—but for a significant subset of applications, I believe they can be life-altering.  It’s that subset I’m interested in, which explains why I’m pursing a career in educational technology.

Currently, I’m fitting a full load of classes and a graduate assistantship around caring for my 4-year-old daughter.  (Unfortunately, the kid never naps, so I’m usually burning the midnight oil!)  Post-graduation, I’m considering a gig as a curriculum designer or consultant—but I’m keeping my mind open to other possibilities, as well.  Who knows what the future will bring?

I’m looking forward to this class; I have a feeling I’ll be learning a lot.

Hi. I'm Charles Rich and I am currently an aviation English instructor at the Defense Language Institute At Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. I like working for DLI because I can move around a bit; I've also taught general English, written course materials and books in the curriculum department, and taught in several locations overseas. I'm heading back overseas for two weeks next month.

I have also worked in the tech sector off and on throughout my career and still do a bit of document and web design. My current pet project is http://www.oneworldclassroom.com/moodle/ (actually its my language site I set up back in 1997, I'm just now getting around to spicing it up a bit).

I'm working on my degree in Educational Technology as a way to tie my two loves, teaching and technology, together into one markettable (hopefully) package. I look forward to working with you and hope to learn a lot from this course.

Hello all.  My name is Gaby Peña.  I am a networking instructor at South Texas College in McAllen, Texas.  I really like my job and the opportunities I have to use what I have learned.  My department is currently developing new associate degree programs and online classes and I’m involved in those efforts.  In the distant future (in about 10 years, when my kids are off to college), I hope to move to K-12 in curriculum development or professional development or whatever it is I can do for them.  I believe we have to get them while they’re young.  I would love to be able to make a difference in some kid’s life.

I am currently taking this class and the Practicum.  I’m down to my last 2 classes in the Ed Tec program and hopefully will be graduating by the end of the semester!  It’s been a long road, taking classes while being a mom to 2 daughters enrolled in a very demanding school, but totally worth it.

I’m really looking forward to this class… and to graduation :-)

Hello!  My name is Daniel L. Runnels.  I am 21 hours into the EDTC program and I have enjoyed all the courses thus far.  I am currently the Testing Coordinator/Data Analyst/Textbook Coordinator for Mercedes ISD.  I have been in Higher Ed and K-12 for about 11 years.   I have gained a wealth of knowledge in this program that I have used and will use in my future endeavors.

My name is Elizabeth Zamarron.  I'm a Creer Specialist at the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College.  This class is my last elective and next semester I will be taking my practicum.  I have really enjoyed my Masters of Education in Educational Technology.  I'm really looking foward a good semester. 

Hello!
My name is Robert Ramirez.  I live in San Benito, Texas, and have been teaching elementary for 11 years.  Before this, I flew a desk for the US Air Force.  I have many fond memories of my military stint.  
But, elementary Ed is my true calling.  It is a real joy to see students’ eyes light up when they understand a scientific concept.  I also enjoy the curious questions and seeing the world through their eyes. I am also a proud grandpa of 5. 

i am living proof that you can teach an 'ole dog new tricks.

This is my last course in the Ed Tech program.  Yeah!

Hi my name is Fabian Salcedo.  I am the Technology Support Teacher at Gonzalez Elementary (The Best Elementary In Town!!).  I have worked at the same elementary for the past 6 years and just love the dedication and love all teachers have at this campus.  I have been very blessed with a beautiful son and a great wife!!!! I love my job and feel very lucky to be chosen to present at TCEA and at NECC.  Please consider me a resource as I am always willing to help!!  My email is fsalcedo76@gmail.com and visit my campus website @ www.bisd.us/gonzalez.   

My name is Charles Templeton. I go by Charlie.  I am a System Specialist with UT Arlington's Office of Information Technology. I am roughly halfway through this sequence. I have been at UT Arlington almost 19 years. My, how time flies! I have two sons, 28 and 22. I have had some setbacks reciently. I was married 32 years, and went through a divorce in 2007 and I had heart surgery this fall. I am most happy to be alive and am doing quite well. New vistas are opening to me. I love working in higher ed. I have a great deal of experience in staff training. For those of you who only work in the academic classroom, you may be shocked to find that outlside of that domain, the tables are turned and the instructor is often graded more than the student. I look forward to exchanging ideas with you this term. My emial is metropermian@gmail.com.