Gdbear’s Weblog

Gary Eugene DeRoest’s Walden University Goal Statement, June 15, 2005
•    Intended area of study at Walden
It is my intention to complete the Doctor of Philosophy in Education with an emphasis on Educational Technology. This achievement will enable me to become a leader in the effective uses of technology in multiple learning environments, especially with adult learners.  As I am also very involved in union leadership at Mt. Hood Community College, I am also eager to complete several additional courses in the Community College Leadership track.
•    Relevant academic preparation for doctoral study
All of the academic experiences below have influenced my current decision to pursue a Ph.D. in Education.
My first academic milestone was reached in June of 1987 by completing my Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics Education. The completion of this program through Oregon State University provided the knowledge and skills necessary to become an Advanced Mathematics Instructor in the states of Oregon and Washington. My second academic milestone was achieved in June of 1988 when I completed a Master of Science Degree in Science Education.  This degree furthered my training in education and allowed me to apply for Standard Teaching Certificates for Oregon and Washington.  I also should note that the specific area of science studied for this MS Degree was computer science.
I have continued my learning not only informally, through my relationships with students, colleagues and business partners, but formally, by completing continuing education coursework at public and private educational institutions. Although much of the coursework was for personal interest, many of the classes were taken to further my knowledge of computer application software, networking and operating systems. Some of the coursework also helped to maintain my professional K-12 teaching certificates. In Oregon I am certified to teach K-12 Advanced Mathematics, while in Washington I maintain K-12 certificates in Advanced Mathematics, Science and Computer Science.
In addition to completing coursework through Mt. Hood Community College, Oregon State University, University of Oregon and Portland State University I have completed coursework through private training organizations, including CompuMaster and Axian Inc. These two organizations offered professional training that will help me achieve professional certifications in the use and administration of the Linux computer operating system.
Other training opportunities that have influenced my professional development have been provided by the National Science Foundation, National Education Association, and BOEING airplane group. First, an NSF grant funded multidisciplinary academy to introduce Systems Thinking and Systems Dynamics to high school math, science and social science classrooms using the STELLA software. Second, an NEA-USWEST partnership provided tools and training for teachers using technology to educate K-12 students. Lastly, I mentored high school juniors and seniors in a program hosted by BOEING. This program provided paid training for students and mentors over a three year period of time helping interested and committed high school students achieve an Associates Degree in Machine Tool Technology.
At Mt. Hood Community College I have participated in many college committees and groups but most effort has been devoted to the MHCC Faculty Association as I have held elected positions of Senator, Treasurer, and Vice President. As part of my MHCCFA activities I have participated in Advocacy, Bargaining, and Grievance trainings and workshops each of which have helped to develop my leadership potential.
Most recently I was nominated by the Oregon Education Association to represent the state in a series of leadership trainings provided by the National Education Association. These trainings are collectively known as The NEA Higher Education Emerging Leader Academy. I was recently informed that I had been chosen to participate in this training which began this summer and will continue throughout the next academic year. I believe this training and experience will complement my doctoral coursework.
•    Relevant professional experience:
The first eight years of my teaching career were primarily spent instructing mathematics students in grades 7-12 for the Corbett School District. My early interest in educational technology was demonstrated by the purchase and integration of graphing calculators, computer aided learning tools, and testing software.  During this time I also began teaching computer technology courses and workshops for Portland State University’s Continuing Education Department and Seattle Pacific University at Southern Washington’s Educational Service District 112. These courses focused on computer application skill building such as word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation tools as well as courses in multimedia and hypermedia authoring tools.
My skills in teaching and managing technology were noticed by my supervisors at Corbett School District so that when community supported bond money became available for a district wide computer network I was asked to help. My skills, knowledge, and training in technology were used at the Corbett School District while I functioned as the District Technology Coordinator for two years. My responsibilities included software installation and maintenance as well as administration and management of the district’s Novell NetWare network. I also provided technology trainings for staff and students, acted as hardware trouble shooter, and wrote technology grant proposals.
Other leadership roles that I held while at Corbett School District include math team coach, computer club and freshman class advisor and site committee chairman.
Following my work at Corbett School District I then had the opportunity to begin teaching computer applications and technology courses for Mt Hood Community College in their Computer Application Specialist degree and certificate program. While at MHCC I have focused my expertise in the areas of computer operating systems, Novell NetWare Management, Computer Concepts, Microsoft Office Applications, CGI Programming with Perl, Computer Career Exploration, UNIX and Linux Operating System Management, and Systems Analysis and Design. The open source development method and quick rise to prominence of the Linux operating system have become areas of special interest. With the help of several students, I have started and mentor the MHCC Linux Users Group. This is where curious and interested persons can work together to apply Linux tools to personal and business applications. Also, last summer I was a member of a team that checked for technical errors in a new UNIX textbook.
•    Capacity for self-directed work at the doctoral level
I believe that I have the capacity for self-directed work at the doctoral level as I have completed several on-line courses. I believe I will be successful. Last year, I completed training for MHCC instructors designed to prepare faculty to teach web supported and on-line courses. I currently maintain World Wide Web enhancements for all of the courses I teach. With the help of this Ph.D. program I expect to develop complete on-line courses in the near future.
•    Long-range professional and scholarly goals
Through the course of this doctoral program I expect to gain the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to support and lead the educational technology needs of faculty and students at the Community College level. I am also working on completing several technical certifications for the management and administration of the Linux computer operating system. Additionally, I aspire to further develop leadership skills through my work with my local union as well as the Oregon Education Association and National Education Association.