Hello Friends,
My name is Leslie Baxter-Pipoly. I live in Virginia. I am currently attending Liberty University for a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology and Online Learning. I’m about 3/4 of the way through my degree, which I expect to complete in the Summer of 2018. I work as an Instructional Technology Resource Teacher in a small public school division.
A verse fitting for my job:
Colossians 3:12 (NIV) – Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
This is verse speaks many truths about the nature of my job. First, be mindful of your representation of Christ. Then act and react with grace and humility. Children and adults using technology are often frustrated and short, and showing them patience and kindness is very important when teaching them to use the computer. It is extremely important to have patience with others and calm storms rather than stir them.In my very few spare minutes, I like to crochet and I sometimes take painting classes.
I am looking forward to this course, I hope to absorb some great ways to continually learn more about technology, as well as, learn ways to spread my current knowledge of technology to others in non-threatening ways.
If my life were a movie, I’d be honored to have Jennifer Lawrence play my role. She has played some pretty strong female characters with a dash of comedic satire.
Thanks for watching my video, and I look forward to meeting you all and work with you in class and hope to have some great communication.
Hi Leslie,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post! I was encouraged by your beautiful testimony! We all understand the challenges Christian teachers face while teaching in public schools in regards of sharing our faith with others. The manner in which you bless those around you, whether students, parents, or staff is honorable! The Good Lord has equipped you with technology skills to enhance your students’ lives. He also gave you the gift of grace and humility to assist those struggling with the use of technology. You are absolutely correct in stating that students as well as adults easily become frustrated with issues surrounding technology. By demonstrating grace and patience, you are able to connect with others in a way other teachers might not be able to. As Christian educators, we have the opportunity to leave our ‘mark’ on students’ lives. Therefore, it is imperative we follow His teaching. Jesus warned His disciples “The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher” (Luke 6:40 NIV). This verse illustrates the immeasurable responsibility Christian educators have regarding their beliefs and actions. Furthermore, as described in his book Teaching Redemptively, Graham (2003). compared teachers to shepherds, “as they are to gently guide their sheep assisting them in moving from one level of maturity to the next. So the teacher gives the proper amount of structure, freedom, and responsibility, always giving the students what they can handle, stretching them, rather than doing too much for them, giving them choices all along the way.” It is remarkable to hear that one of your goal is to discover now ways of applying technology in a “non-threating” way. That statement once again confirms the kindness of your heart. I pray that God continue to bless you in enriching the lives of those around you with technology abilities.
Blessings,
Val Davis
Reference:
Graham, D. (2003). Teaching redemptively: Bringing grace and truth into your classroom. Colorado Springs, CO: Purposeful Design Publications
Hello there, Leslie!
ReplyDeleteI do not think I have taken a Liberty online course with you before, so it is nice to meet you! I think it is neat that you are pursuing a masters of education degree in technology and online learning. Therefore, this course will be right up your alley. I consider that online learning to be one small part of my job as a classroom teacher, but I guess it is most of yours! Since you work as an Instructional technology resource teacher, I am sure you are excited for this course since it so closely ties in with your current job position and your educational goal of your master’s degree. I, too, work in a small public school district, so I am sure we both understand some of the struggles and advantages of the public sector compared to our classmates who work in the private sector.
I am a student of Scripture, and love to hear others’ conviction and application about a specific verse or passage. Colossians 3:12 is convicting, since we can know we are holy and dearly loved children. This is an identity decision to claim afresh each day. It also comes with the challenge of choosing to act in compassion, kindness, and humility. I need to be reminded often of the fact that I represent Christ to my saved and unsaved colleagues.
Thanks for your thoughts. I look forward to learning with you in the coming weeks!
God bless. ~Katie Hess