Hola.
Consider me a figment of your imagination. I will be in class – physically and maybe even digitally – but I’m just along for the ride. Honestly because of my current schedule, I tried not to take this class despite the raving reviews from previous participants, but when I found out that the focus was on learning spaces, I lost that battle. I’m interested in how people learn during out-of-school time. I used to say “outside of the classroom” but that idea is shifting due to new technologies. I suppose I want to know more about how people learn when they don’t feel like they’re supposed to be learning. I’m pretty sure that I would be a marine biologist right now if I had visited the Great Barrier Reef when I was 15 instead of 25.
In one form or another, I’ve worked with science museums and science centers since 2004. I’m not a huge fan of rules or rigid structure, and these settings allow me to teach without feeling stifled. I’m excited for this class now because of the genuine enthusiasm of everyone else in it and because it’ll be fun to think about how to integrate physical and digital learning spaces that the general public might consider using on their own.
I’m in my second year as a phd student and my assistantship is on campus however I volunteer much of my time at the new children’s science museum downtown – Discovery Space. In a lot of ways it’s like a start-up business. It certainly has its challenges, but I’ve never helped to open a science museum before so it’s a worthwhile experience. I’ve also never tried to teach anything to a group of twenty 3 year olds – whoa!
I don’t really have interesting stories about my name except that I only have one L because my mom didn’t see a reason to add another. Eating is by far my favorite pastime but I also kickbox and play video games. I almost ran over Jack Nicholson once and I have tried Trump vodka (as in “the Donald”). I don’t actually speak any other languages fluently but you’d be surprised how little you have to say to convince people otherwise. Tenga un gran d�a!
Laura says
I have enough trouble getting my 4-year-old nephew to sit still, let alone a group of twenty 3-year-olds! All the power to you in the world, my friend!
SCOTT P MCDONALD says
Glad you are along for the ride. Start trying to find a Tuesday where we can meet in the Discovery Space for class. I know there is a conference room where we can talk, but we would also want a tour and such.