I tend to challenge students to be creative and to think. The subject matter that I teach is often viewed as ancient and historic. Yet, I feel that the information that I will introduce in the courses that I teach is both relevant and important to what is a global world today. I see the interplay of cultures that we call the global world as a product of historical trajectories that humans undertook. Trade and commerce created the Silk Road, the city of Calacut, and the treasure fleet of Zheng He or even Christopher Columbus. The need for the world of Sumer to gain access to resources it never had locally drove an upward spiral that we all live within today. Technology brings us closer than we think.
I work very hard to bring the world of China closer to students at Mesa Community College. I first went to China in 1997 as part of the first faculty group from the Maricopa Community College District and it changed my way of seeing the world. I work to bridge students from China to Mesa and students from Mesa to China. I am also exploring now ways to make student exchanges happen without having to travel to and from some other place. We are using technology and innovative ideas to let students from China and Arizona work together.
I did not understand China and continue to learn about it with every trip I make. I agree with Michael Crow, President of ASU, that China very much intends to dominate the world of commerce and agree with Paul Elsner, Chancellor Emeritus, who would tell you that this is the century of China. I view this area of the world as critical for all of us to understand better. As well, it is essential for Chinese to understand us.
I also believe strongly that the impact of technology on teaching and learning is something to embrace rather than to shun. Technology has profoundly shaped our world. We communicate differently today. We can access information in ways that stagger our imagination. I update my calender on a computer and it changes my calendar information on my phone at the same time. I can read email or chat on my phone - but I can also watch a movie or listen to music on it as well. We need to understand it transforms us as learners - it is more important today to understand what something means rather than memorize it. We need to solve problems, evaluate the importance of information whether well known or recently discovered. We have to process new discoveries and see how they might change the way we see the world. To change our view of the world is learning to me now. Memorizing is not essential but to know what to do with information is.
Lastly, I believe in Apple Computer products and know that they have increased my creativity and ability to innovatie with teaching and learning at every turn.
Franklin Lang created this for his creative project during the spring semester (2008) - this is my way of giving thanks to all of the creative students who have passed into my world and excelled at surpassing their own expectations.
Franklin Lang created this for his creative project during the spring semester (2008) - this is my way of giving thanks to all of the creative students who have passed into my world and excelled at surpassing their own expectations.