Learning Task #3 by Todd Mehrkens April 23, 1999

As I consider who I will put on this list, I have to consider one of the issues that I have run into several times already in my pursuit of becoming effective at teaching computers. I have found many individuals who are computer experts. I have also found several individuals (and assume that there are many more out there) who are experts at understanding learning styles and teaching methods. The list of individuals who combine these two areas are less numerous, but that makes them all the more fitting of the title "expert".

TECHNOLOGY EXPERTS (who are effective teachers):

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My top nomination for this list is Steve Eggleston. Nine Cockrell Avenue - Alexandria, VA 22304 (703) 823-8963

Steve lists his talents as: Technical & Management Consulting - Web Publishing - Technical Writing - Public Speaking - Training - Seminar and Keynote Delivery - On-Air Personality.

I had the opportunity to be a participant in one of Steve's classes at a Web Developer's seminar in Minneapolis this past winter. He was extremely talented when it came to computers, but he also had the ability to teach. There were four speakers that day, and all of them had the "knowledge". As participants, we could choose which of the four speakers we wanted to hear during each of the sessions held that day. By the end of the day, Steve's sessions were packed! I myself did not attend one of his sessions until the third slot, and I definitely regretted not coming to all of his sessions earlier in the day.

My guess is that he is not formally trained in teaching, but Steve: had a natural ability to communicate effectively with the audience, went just the right speed, truly loved what he was teaching (his enthusiasm was incredible!), and was able to talk about new concepts in terms that everyone could understand. Although the seminar was expensive, it would have been a great bargain if the whole day had been spent in his sessions.

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Steve Drazkowski, Extension Educator, Wabasha County

Steve has experience in the Extension Master Internet Volunteer program, which involves teaching volunteers how to teach others how to use the internet. In my visits with Steve I have come to appreciate his knowledge and abilities.

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John M. Shutske, Ph.D. Associate Professor & Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Specialist University of Minnesota - Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering 1390 Eckles Avenue St. Paul, MN 55108 ph: 612/626-1250 fax: 612/624-3005 e-mail: shutske@gaia.bae.umn.edu

Paul Brady Assistant Professor & Coordinator of Instructional Computing College of Agricultural, Food, & Environmental Sciences University of Minnesota tel: 612 625 2780 St. Paul, MN 55108 fax: 612 625 5272 USA Internet: pbrady@mail.agricola.umn.edu

From e-mail conversations with John and Paul, and considering their positions, I would guess that they do an effective job of incorporating excellent teaching methods while teaching technology.

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Lise Hanson, who has since left Extension was recommended to me as a good resource person, but unfortunately, I do not have any contact info for her, but could dig harder if necessary.

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David A. McCarthy Computer and Ed Tech Coordinator UMD Dept of Ed 120 Montague Hall Duluth, MN 55812 218-726-6236

David had some very interesting and somewhat different perspectives on computer education. He favors a more structured approach as compared to the more random approach of self-directed learning. I found this preference somewhat unique, in that most people that I talked to had learned computers in a self-directed manner. I think he makes some excellent points that would be worth exploring further.

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John L. Madden Web Development Specialist University College, University of Minnesota Duluth jmadden@d.umn.edu http://www.john-madden.com

I have had the opportunity to exchange several e-mails with John, and he seems to have an excellent grasp on how to effectively teach computers. One of the things that John mentioned that really impressed me as a good idea was that he brings an actual computer to the classes he teaches and takes it apart so that the students can see what is going on inside the computer.

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Elliott Masie The MASIE Center P.O. Box 397 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 1-800-98-MASIE

I found the MASIE center when looking for resources on computer training, versus computer education. I also "attended" one of his video conferences broadcast this winter. This is a private industry, for-profit, enterprise - some of what they focus on therefore, is the cost/return aspects of computer training. Nonetheless, I have found it beneficial to explore some of their resources. Due to economic and competitive challenges of their business, they have been motivated to find the most effective ways to train employees in computers, and thus have been forced to consider learning styles, teaching methods and delivery modes.

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R. Keith Iddings Director of Curriculum and Research Services Leadership Education for Adult Professionals Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, Indiana

Jerold W. Apps Professor Department of Continuing and Vocational Education Director of the National Extension Leadership Development Program University of Wisconsin-Madison

I list these next two people because they have done a research study entitled: Learning Preferences and Farm Computer Use, which is exactly what I am interested in. The research was done in 1992, and so much could have changed in their professional focus in the past 7 years, but nonetheless it would seem valuable to include them.

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For my last "expert", I am including the URL for the National Extension Technology Conference website (http://outreach.missouri.edu/netc98/) because it lists all the presenters and sessions at this conference. While many of them would not directly relate, this is a good and comprehensive list of nationally recognized experts in the field of technology and education.

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-- Anonymous, April 23, 1999