Who is

Christie Rickert?

We did it! Mom and I crossed the finish line of our first 5K!

My Favorites:
www.delicious.com/haysdl

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Well, for starters I'm a gal that likes technology. That's why I'm here! I love to learn new things, and the field of instructional technology excites me. My passion is engaging students. I firmly believe that integrating technology helps to make learning relevant for students and thus, improves learning outcomes! I named my online portfolio "IT Today" for a reason. My goal in this program is to learn how to use current instructional technology tools that our digital natives need in order to be successful. The reason why I'm pursuing this degree is really to learn new skills I can apply in my current position. I still don't know "what I want to be when I grow up". :) However, I anticipate that what I'm learning through UTB will open up new leadership opportunities in Educational Technology. This is my sixth semester in the Masters of Educational Technology program and I plan to graduate in 2012.

My Bachelor's degree is in Elementary Education and I have 11 years of education experience including teaching elementary school and supporting Instructional Technology K-12. I am currently employed as the Distance Learning Specialist for Hays CISD. In my career I strive to create meaningful opportunities for learning through instructional technology. My responsibilities include managing the virtual school, coordinating our videoconferencing program, and I am heavily involved in a variety of special technology projects such as mobile devices, online collaborations and staff development.

My family lives in Kyle, TX, which is just south of Austin. My husband and I met online 11 years ago (before eHarmony!). We are the proud parents of two wonderful girls, 2 and 8. The rest of my family lives in Florida, which is where I grew up and my in-laws are in Tennessee. This means we are "on our own" much of the time, which has taught us to rely on eachother as a family although sometimes it sure would be nice just to drop the kids off at grandma's down the street! :)

I look forward to learning with you!