INTRODUCTION

My name is Dianne Rowe. I have been the Computer Instructor/Coordinator at St. Alexander School in Palos Heights for 14 years. Apple computers had just gained a foothold in the marketplace by appealing to schools when I was finally able to get my hands on one in high school. Since the typing teacher taught the computer class using IIe and IIgs models, I had to take typing. Resented it then, love it now. Moved to lab assistant at St. Xavier, and moved up to the Macintosh se and beyond. IBM and Windows machines mixed in here and there. I worked for two years at St. Germaine part-time and St. Alex the rest of the week, using Windows 3.11 and IIes again. The other day I was just going through a box of peripherals out of storage, taking a walk down memory lane. If it was out there, I've used it in some way. I moved from just teaching computers, to teaching the teachers, and now I also teach the PITSCO Synergistic Systems Applied Technology Lab - a new way to teach curriculum; self-guided, and geared to reach all types of learners. I have watched technology grow from a novelty to an integral part of daily life, and although I have reservations about a computer in my brain (isn't that already one?) I am excited to see how far it can go.
"Technology Integration is seamlessly incorporating multimedia and other innovative tools to enhance the teaching and learning of subject matter." The definition we created in our TIE 536 class. The definition that defines what I do on a daily basis, not just for my classes, but for all the classes at St. Alexander. I love playing with the latest technology, introducing it to the teachers, and seeing what they can come up with. I love the challenge and juggling act of my job, and as long as it keeps challenging me, I will keep accepting their offers to stay.