March 27, 2015
Learning Technologies (LT) is pleased to spotlight Ashley Tensen, a student in the Learning Technologies (LT) program for additional Minnesota teaching licensure in K-12 Teachers of Computer Keyboarding and Related Technology Applications.
Tell us a bit about yourself… I am currently enjoying my first year of being a teacher in my own classroom. As a teacher, I understand the amazing opportunity I have to make a difference in the lives of my students. I have two quotes that help guide me as a teacher. "Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.” (Theodore Roosevelt) and "If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow.” (John Dewey).
What drew you to the Learning Technologies (LT) program for additional Minnesota teaching licensure in K-12 Teachers of Computer Keyboarding and Related Technology Applications? I currently have certification in Educational Computing and Technology from my undergrad at the University of Minnesota - Duluth, and I wanted to build it into a full license so that I could be hired to teach technology courses. After contacting people in LT, I decided to enroll - the program seemed like a perfect fit for me.
To get this additional license, a K12 teacher needs to already have a Minnesota teaching license. What is your base license, and what do you currently teach? My base license is in 5-12 Health Education and I currently teach 7-9 Health Education at a high school in rural southwestern Minnesota.
What have you enjoyed the most about your LT experiences so far? I have honestly enjoyed the classes and learning in general because I genuinely enjoy learning about meaningful technology integration. It's been great to be able to share my ideas and get new ideas from my classmates and professors.
What’s the most challenging? Managing being a first year teacher while taking online courses. It wasn't the greatest timing on my part but it's been worth it for how much I've gained from taking these online courses.
What has surprised you along the way? That I could be successful as well as enjoy taking online classes. In my undergrad program I avoided taking online courses at all costs; so, I was hesitant about doing this licensure fully online -- but it has been a wonderful experience. I've had AWESOME instructors and the online courses that I've taken have been both challenging and enjoyable.
Tell us a bit about yourself… I am currently enjoying my first year of being a teacher in my own classroom. As a teacher, I understand the amazing opportunity I have to make a difference in the lives of my students. I have two quotes that help guide me as a teacher. "Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.” (Theodore Roosevelt) and "If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow.” (John Dewey).
What drew you to the Learning Technologies (LT) program for additional Minnesota teaching licensure in K-12 Teachers of Computer Keyboarding and Related Technology Applications? I currently have certification in Educational Computing and Technology from my undergrad at the University of Minnesota - Duluth, and I wanted to build it into a full license so that I could be hired to teach technology courses. After contacting people in LT, I decided to enroll - the program seemed like a perfect fit for me.
To get this additional license, a K12 teacher needs to already have a Minnesota teaching license. What is your base license, and what do you currently teach? My base license is in 5-12 Health Education and I currently teach 7-9 Health Education at a high school in rural southwestern Minnesota.
What have you enjoyed the most about your LT experiences so far? I have honestly enjoyed the classes and learning in general because I genuinely enjoy learning about meaningful technology integration. It's been great to be able to share my ideas and get new ideas from my classmates and professors.
What’s the most challenging? Managing being a first year teacher while taking online courses. It wasn't the greatest timing on my part but it's been worth it for how much I've gained from taking these online courses.
What has surprised you along the way? That I could be successful as well as enjoy taking online classes. In my undergrad program I avoided taking online courses at all costs; so, I was hesitant about doing this licensure fully online -- but it has been a wonderful experience. I've had AWESOME instructors and the online courses that I've taken have been both challenging and enjoyable.
