Teaching

I am a man who believes change is a positive thing. Change is about evolving and making things around you better than they were before. I have been an educator since 1982 when I first started teaching high school science. That first year changed my career path forever. I was given the responsibility to teach computer programming and I was hooked. Technology became a part of who I was as I taught and coached at the high school level for the next nine years, enjoying every experience.

I have been a part of the technology evolution since the 1980's. I've moved from booting a computer lab with a cassette tape to immersing my students in augmented realities. I've seen punch cards, floppy disks and CD-ROMs come and go. The one constant through it all was change and opportunity. With every change came the opportunity to do amazing things with students. With time you can always expect change so looking to the future has always been an act of exciting anticipation.

~ Dennis McElroy

"Here's to the crazy ones...they change things."

"Think Different," Apple Computer, Inc. 1997

Teaching Self-Assessment

Self-Assessment of Teaching

Strengths

I am committed to providing my students with the best learning experience possible. I reflect on every course taught and make changes to keep the course fresh and to add new ways to more effectively engage my students and to provide them with authentic learning experiences. This is made possible by my involvements in a professional learning network (PLN) that provides me with a never ending source of ideas and resources that I can adapt to my various classes. My PLN also provides me with connections that I can bring into my classroom via Twitter - my students communicate with these experts using Twitter and lead/participate in Twitter chats to expand their understandings of the teaching profession. I have a passion for the work I do and I model that for my students. I bring a high level of enthusiasm and work to develop a learning community that includes my students. I demonstrate that I care about them as both a student and as an individual. I recognize each person as an individual. As such, I realize each person brings unique gifts and burdens to my classroom and I do my best to relate content to the individual. I engage my students at a personal level to make connections and to build a sense of belonging.

Areas to Improve

Design of and response to assessments is an area that is constantly morphing for me. I’ve been working to become more efficient and to implement new methods that are engaging for students and show their depth of understanding. This is an area that is always evolving and I must maintain focus on it. I will also continue to seek out, learn, and implement ideas that improve the courses I teach whether it be content or pedagogy. Perhaps the biggest challenge is in expectations involving the use of technology. I try to role model its use and give my students opportunities to use it in a variety of ways. This is something they are not used to in comparison to expectations of my colleagues. Finding a balance between what they need and what I ask of them is necessary.

PLNs

Professional Learning Networks

Professional learning networks or PLNs are one of the most effective means by which a teacher can improve their practice. Rather than working in isolation or being limited to collaborating or learning with faculty from your own school, a PLN enables teachers to reach out and collaborate with peers from around the globe. The use of simple tools like Twitter or Zoom bridges the miles and brings the world to your office. I've been actively engaged in developing my own PLN through engagement in the ISTE Teacher Education Network, Iowa Technology and Education Connection, Educators Rising and the ISTE Standards Badging Consortium among others. The connections I have made allow me to brainstorm ideas with others, ask for advice, glean resources, participate in book studies, review books, and much more. These are opportunities that would either be limited or not possible working in isolation. My involvement in my PLN has changed the way I teach and impacted the learning opportunities I create for my students. As you review my portfolio you will see numerous examples of how the amazing people who are a part of my PLN have impacted my teaching and learning.

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Teaching Activities

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