Quentin's e-Portfolio
About Me
My name is Quentin Flokstra and I began my MET journey in 2012. I have been teaching high school humanities since 2008 at a small, independent school in Maple Ridge, BC. Prior to that I spent a few years working with English language learners both locally and abroad. I am interested in technology, language, faith, history, politics, and the interplay between all of them. As such, my transition to beginning the MET program was quite natural as I was exploring theses issues on my own.
As I continue to re-imagine the space of possible with my own students, it is important to do so using sound pedagogical principles regarding decisions surrounding the use of technology within the classroom. My growth as an educator over the course of the MET program has been transformative, and it is my hope that i can share some of what I have learned during this MET program through this ePortfolio. For more information about my philosophy of education, see below.
I am also more than a MET student and educator. I am married to Jess and we have three wonderful children aged 5, 3, and six months. My family has been very supportive over these busy few years for which I am thankful. We are all looking forward to me having a bit more time to spend with everyone!
Feel free to learn more about me by following me on Twitter or connecting via LinkedIn. You may also Contact Me through this website.
About My ePortfolio
Purpose:
The purpose of my ePortfolio (eP) is to create an online learning space to showcase and reflect upon my learning in the Masters of Educational Technology (MET) program at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Moon (2001) defines reflection as “a form of mental processing … that we use to fulfill a purpose to achieve some anticipated outcome (p.2).” As such, this eP is primarily a personal opportunity to reflect upon, synthesize, and apply various technical skills and learning theories which were gained throughout the program. Moreover, this is an opportunity to demonstrate my own growth in understanding how to apply the use of educational technology within classrooms, as supported by sound pedagogical principles. As such, this eP will function as a space to show current and prospective employers of my own teaching philosophy and practices, particularly as it relates to the effective use of educational technology. As I work within an independent school in British Columbia, the need to satisfy the requirements for the British Columbia Teacher Qualification Services Category 6 is not necessary at this time, but may become a relevant factor at another point in my career. Within my own teaching environment, I am being asked to submit evidence of completion of the MET program in order to qualify for a new pay category. As such, this eP will provide, in part, that evidence.
Audience:
The target audience of this eP is primarily those within the UBC MET community. Firstly, there is Dr. Francis Feng and other UBC instructors and evaluators. Secondly, there are my peers in the program at this time, and those that will come after. Thirdly, I anticipate that professional colleagues and future employers may view this eP as a means of understanding my work and development within the MET program.
Objectives:
The objectives of my eP are as follows:
-
Solidify my own learning process regarding the concepts and skills that have been covered throughout the MET program
-
Demonstrate my knowledge and growth during the MET program
-
Demonstrate my understanding of learning theories
-
Demonstrate my understanding of the application of technology within classroom settings
-
Demonstrate my research competencies
-
Create a reflective space which is aesthetically pleasing and meaningful to myself and others
-
Construct a metaphor which will link educational theory, my learning artifacts, and my reflections on my learning
About My Philosophy of Education
Education begins with the family at home. The school functions then to assist and aid parents in this process. Thus, at its heart, education has, and continues to be, about fostering community and enabling students to become transformative citizens within the world (on both a local and global scale), knowledgeable persons, and capable, effective workers.
As a humanities teacher, I desire to open the pages of history, politics, society, and media to my students so that they can see the development and status of societies, and assess and evaluate historical and contemporary societies through a range of worldviews, always seeking to be centred upon truth.
Within my classroom, I want to foster an environment which encourages students to ask their own questions, to pursue knowledge, and to utilize technology in way that fosters positive digital citizenship. Often these three strands are interwoven. Essentially, I want my students to take ownership of their own learning within an environment that I hope to create. As I seek to have students construct their own meaning, I will create a learning space in which questions are encouraged, where failures are opportunities for learning, and where we all seek to encourage one another on a path of lifelong learning. In this way, we spur on one another to be better members of our communities.
Proudly created with Wix.com