Learning Kearn(el)s

"I don't know what I would do without my iPhone!" "Without Google Calendar, I would never be able to keep up with my kids' schedules." "I have no idea how to use Google Docs." "Why do we have to use this new data reporting system?  The old one worked just fine!" Technology provokes strong responses.  We love some things, dislike others, want more, wish there was less, and so on.  Even those who love to use technology can experience moments of frustration as they attempt to adapt to new gadgets and software. Even so, changes and advances in technology rapidly flood the market at an ever increasing pace. Technology, in many cases, can greatly improve productivity and enhance learning in the field of education.  Those working in education, however, experience a multitude of challenges when utilizing technology.  These challenges range from simple to very complex, but I would like to take some time to focus on four: professional d...

I had the opportunity to interview Claire Ricci, Director of College and Career Readiness at Alamance Community College.  Claire has been at ACC for  6 1/2 years, four of which she has served as director.  As director, she serves not only as the department leader, she also serves as the mediator between senior leadership and the department, as the spokeswoman for Academic and Career Readiness.  In our interview, I had the chance to discuss several technology challenges, but there have also been several strides forward as well.  Before we look at the challenges and triumphs, let us took a brief look at what exactly is Academic and Career Readiness. Academic and Career Readiness (ACR) encompasses a diverse group of students.  ACR students are not actual college students, as this department includes Adult Language Acquisition (as known as English as a Second or Other Language- ESOL), Adult Basic Literacy Education (ABLE, formally known as Compensatory Edu...