It's been YEARS since I've written to this blog. I've been trying to go back to fix links to no avail (mostly for photos -- photobucket is paid now). In fact, I started another blog a few years ago at https://gamerslearn.com. In my first year at the University of Delaware, I started writing articles on that blog related to my research interests (game-based learning in math education). It details how several different features in non-educational games are used to foster engagement in players, and what math games might look like if they were to ever follow suit one day. I am also now a Ph.D. candidate and am preparing to graduate next spring. I got rid of the blue hen voyage blog because there was no time to update it. I've never resonated with the quote "time is a commodity" as much as I have during this time in my life. Overall though, things have been going great and I'm experiencing a ton of positivity.
Last semester, I was awarded a Math Education Graduate Award, a University Doctoral Fellowship Award, and was even nominated by students for an award I didn't even know existed (University Excellence in Teaching Award)! Suffice to say, I have worked super hard at UD and am proud of my accomplishments. What makes me the most excited, is the amount of time I put into planning MATH252 paid off. Before the semester began, I set out to try to make my class one that students would look forward to the most, and that they would enjoy more than any of their classes. I know they still have to learn, but if they are so heavily invested in your class, that will take place. I promise!
Building engagement is also more challenging at the college level, because unlike elementary or middle school, I can't add cool things like console video games or crazy incentive systems to motivate students to collaborate (and even moderate themselves). This time, I used digital name tents, Poll Everywhere, Notability, Loom, Discord, YouTube, a word cloud, and Flipgrid. Doing a Ph.D. is no walk in the park, but I have an amazing advisor, helpful math ed faculty members, and the willpower to see this chapter through to the end. Some pics:
During my time at UD, I participated on a large scale research project, taught college students for 2 years, and am now writing a dissertation. Of course, it'll have to go through revisions, but I'm used to that now. I'm planning on updating this blog one more time when I graduate before hanging it up, and perhaps starting a new blog dedicated to my professional life post-Ph.D. For now, I'm applying to jobs and hoping the wind blows me in another positive direction, academia or not.
Upon reflection, what excites me the most is my personal growth as an individual. I've learned and grown so much and gained a lot of life experience since I moved to Delaware. I've noticed that I've changed. I understand the value of having the right people in your life. Though I still miss home, I now enjoy peace and quiet as opposed to the never-ending hustle and bustle of New York City. I even learned how to play an instrument! Wherever my next steps take me, I hope I can achieve the same level of growth and understanding as I've done here.
Special thanks to my colleagues Dr. Erica Litke and Dr. Charles Hohensee for supporting my growth and respecting my ideas and values as a college educator.
Special thanks to Heather Bolur (@hbolur7) and Sara Vanderwerf (https://www.saravanderwerf.com/week-1-day-1-name-tents-with-feedback/) for their work with name tents.
P.S. - Random: my cooking has also improved tenfold since my last post. My food is now "dangerous" 😎
