Education
We both consider ourselves lifelong learners and have always been thankful
for our education. We both graduated from the University of Lethbridge, Dianne
(me) in 1992 and
Dave in 1993. It took us some time to follow our goal, I started in the University of
Calgary in Engineering, then transferred to Management, before she moved to
Lethbridge to
finish in Education. Dave started at the U of L in Computer Science, but did not want to
pursue programming and later returned to complete his Arts degree in the field of History,
particularly World War II Germany.
We both continue to upgrade our skills on our own. Dave finished
his MCSE in February. He was always interested in the computer field, and does
programming, but that is not where he wanted to go. Dave is interested in the
administrative end of computers, particularly software needs and keeps current by reading
all relevant magazines and publications. This is most helpful since he administers a wide
area network, covering 18 sites, using email, distance education and providing Internet
access to all.
I keep myself informed in changes in the Alberta curriculum, in particular business education, now branches of CTS (Career and Technology
Studies). I am always on the lookout for new and interesting ways to teach
children, keeping it fresh and relevant to their personal, as well as professional life.
Recently I took a course out of Eastern Connecticut University, regarding
technology in education. It was a very good experience, especially since it was
an on-line course. If you are interested in teaching, you may find some of my
assignments interesting. (See course assignments.)
I
taught mostly accounting and computers to grades 8-12, as
well as grade 8-10 math and science. From September - December 1999, I taught grade 4,
filling in for a teacher on maternity leave. After our return from Jamaica I
subbed for the schools in the La Crete area. In September (2000) I will be
teaching junior high math, computers, and other subjects at Buffalo Head Prairie
(school website).
I am always looking for interesting uses for computer programs
and presently I am learning Office 2000 and all its components. I am using Family Tree
Maker to collect data on both of our family histories and then I will publish
them and share them with other family members. I have managed to collect quite a
bit of information so far. (See Families page.) I
recently sent copies to my first cousins and aunts & uncles for verification
of information and to collect more.
I like playing with desktop publishing software and web design. Besides this
site I am trying to send interesting newsletters to friends and family. I am not
a very good letter writer (regularity being the main problem), so I try to find
creative ways to keep me interested in it.