Self-Introduction

Greetings to All:

Please allow me the pleasure to introduce myself. I am James M. Thompson.
I am entering into my last semester as a doctoral student in Educational Administration (K-12) with dual minors in research/statistics and instructional technology.

Prior to pursuing my PhD as a full-time student and a graduate research assistant beginning in spring 2007, I taught seventh grade science for three and a half years in Lancaster, South Carolina. Upon leaving the classroom, I worked in Lancaster County School District - Office of Research and Development. In this capacity, I served as an educational researcher, grant writer, program evaluator, and GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) Project Director. As a director, I was responsible for a $3 million federal grant and a $600,000 scholarship endowment. After spending exactly one year working in research, I decided it would be in best interest to complete my doctorate without any further delay beginning in January 2007.

As a graduate student in the Department of Educational Leadership, I have taken two online courses. I have also used technology, such as Microsoft Suite, SPSS, PDF, and Promethean. I am quite familiar with the aforementioned software because I often use them as a full-time student.

Regarding the utilization of various electronic communication tools, I have used e-mail, discussion board, listserv, and chat. I enjoy using the electronic communication tools because it decreases the amount of time that is spent talking on the telephone or through face-to-face conversations. Additionally, it also allows for individuals to gather their thoughts before making hasty decisions.

I am quite familiar and have used new technology tools used in education, such as blogs, podcasts, and WIKIs. I have used blogs as a means to communicate and collaborate with fellow students in prior courses. I have used a podcast to publish a speech regarding an educational issue. I have also used a WIKI to co-publish a site in which USM students could access in order to learn and share comments regarding things to do around the Hattiesburg area.

My overall expectations for this class are to learn as much as possible from the instructor and fellow students. I desire to acquire the necessary skills that will enable me to gain a competitive edge when I enter into the job market. Additionally, I hope to use and build upon the knowledge learned from this class long after the class is over.

-jmt