Dennis McElroy, PhD
Professor Emeritus • Graceland University
"I am a techie geek at heart. I like to test out new ideas and technologies and adapt them to educational use. I enjoy helping others figure out more effective ways to create powerful instructional experiences for their students. I am also a musician. I love playing (bass) and thoroughly enjoy the creative process involved with writing music."
Dennis working in his media development center at home.
Areas of Expertise
TPaCK is an educational model illustrating the importance and convergence of technology, pedagogy and content knowledge. This page is organized around these three domains.
Technology
Technology is a critical cornerstone of the educational process. Several entities have described the need for technology integration as found in the TPaCK model or the ISTE standards for teachers and students. As an Apple Teacher, ISTE Teacher Education Network leadership team member and the Director of Technology for the Edmund J. Gleazer School of Education, I keep myself on the cutting edge in understanding the technologies, and their role, in teaching and learning. I led the design and implementation of the GUniverse initiative.
Introduction to GUniverse Initiative
Dennis McElroy Apple Distinguished Educator Application Video
Pedagogy
A major part of my role in the Edmund J. Gleazer School of Education is preparing our candidates for teaching in their own classroom. Teaching pedagogy or methodology is one aspect of sharing with candidates effective practices and strategies. My emphasis focuses on the INTASC standards, reading instruction, and technology integration using the SAMR model.
Student group think from EDUC3590 - Educational Psychology and Assessment.
Content Knowledge
Future teachers need to have a solid foundation in the subjects they teach and in their role as "teacher." I help them to explore critical concepts of establishing an effective classroom environment, the idea of "fairness" in a diverse classroom culture, legal and ethical issues, and much more. I also provide instruction concerning science safety in the science methods classes after having spent over ten years with JaKel, Inc. consulting across the country.
Science methods textbook co-authored by Dennis McElroy.
Badges Earned
Digital badges are an assessment and credentialing mechanism that is housed and managed online. Badges are designed to make visible and validate learning in both formal and informal settings, and hold the potential to help transform where and how learning is valued. (MacArthur Foundation, 2017)
