History
I grew up in a formerly small suburb of Atlanta, Conyers, Georgia. My first genuine interest in school library media began when I was a member of Rockdale County High School’s yearbook staff my Junior and Senior years. The School Library Media Specialist facilitated the yearbook staff duties including: using audio video equipment, organizing pictures, developing copy, and managing sales for the school yearbook, Tempus Fugit. My participation in high school yearbook staff planted the seeds of interest in school library media and instructional technology.
Education
My education followed a unique path. I simultaneously completed two undergraduate degrees in the field of Information Systems. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems from Mercer University. Also, I completed an Associate’s Degree in Applied Technology from Dekalb Technical College. As a Computer Information Systems major, my studies focused on the area of microcomputers. By supplementing my four year degree with my studies at a technical college, I built a unique hands-on understanding of computers and information systems on which they operate.
Experience
My first job in the field of Instructional Technology was with Clarke County School District’s Department of Technology and Continuous Improvement. In the spring of 2002, I was teamed with Lucy Long, a Technology Integration Specialist. I served as the technical support lead for the Georgia Wireless Laptop Initiative, a deployment of 755 wireless laptops to every student and teacher at Hilsman Middle School for three years. During the project, I worked closely with the School Library Media Specialist, Steve Piazza, to directly support academic instruction utilizing the technological resources available through the laptop initiative.
In the summer of 2005, I joined the Office of Information and Instructional Technology at the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. As a Certified Helpdesk Professional, I provided technical support for Georgia Library Learning Online (GALILEO), an award-winning virtual library of licensed commercial databases and free Internet resources. Additionally, I provided 24/7 on-call support for the university system’s production support applications including: GALILEO Interconnected Libraries (GIL) and WebCT Vista, the core web based classroom delivery software of the university system.
In 2006, I joined the Office of Information Technology in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences at the state’s flagship institution, The University of Georgia. Currently, I serve in the role of an Information Technology Professional Specialist. I deliver end user training, desktop technical support, and general technology consultation on a daily basis. I have applied my training in School Library Media to the higher education arena. I enjoy professional collaboration and promoting the effective use of information and ideas with the support of instructional technology.
Future Goals
I am interested in pursuing another advanced degree in Instructional Technology with a focus on distance learning. In the future, I would like to develop curricular content for online staff development and technology training. I have a desire to teach microcomputer courses on a college level. Also, I would like to explore the possibility of producing high definition video content for local high school sports.