Learning Task #3 - Who are the experts?

As I consider who I will put on my list of experts I had a "double" criteria. I found many individuals who are computer experts. I also found several individuals who are great teachers. This list combines these two types of individuals.

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 it. There were four speakers that day, and all of them had the right knowledge. The participants could choose which of the four they wanted to hear for 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 he 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 day had been spent in his sessions.

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Becky Smith CETS U of MN Extension Service, 475 Coffey Hall 1420 Eckles Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108-6068 (612) 624-3447 rsmith@extension.umn.edu

Becky is the Master Internet Volunteer (MIV) Program Coordinator. I had the opportunity to attend a three day MIV training led by Becky. She PACKED the trainings with learner centered methods of delivering computer training. She used a wide variety of teaching methods, used lots of creativity, effectively used a cooperative learning process, taught to different learning styles, and much more. Plus, she really knows her stuff and is very skilled at using a computer. I gained incredibly from her teaching methods.

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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 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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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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For my last "expert", I am including the URL for the National Extension Technology Conference website (http://netc2000.tamu.edu/) because this conference brings together a wonderful wealth of people who are recognized experts in the field of technology and education.

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-- Anonymous, December 30, 1999