My interests are technology in education, innovation and creativity, ancient history, most sports, and nontraditional, informal, and alternative education.

My hobbies are running every day (at least 2 miles outside), listening to books in my car, listening to podcast shows on Korean adoption when I run each day (my son is an adoptee from Korea), reading everything, writing books and articles, etc.

My favorite places in the world are Seoul, Sydney, London, Helsinki, Singapore, Bangkok, Edinburgh, Seville, Barcelona, Vancouver, Montreal, DC, San Francisco, Melbourne., etc.

I'm particularly interested in using ChatGPT to teach Chinese, as I'm keen on integrating technology into education. A fun fact about me: I run a social media account on "Little Red Book" where I share English idioms and expressions that I've learned in Bloomington.

My hobbies include sipping boba tea, working out at the gym, and listening to rap music—I'm always up for a chat about the ongoing feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake!

My name is Melissa Trahyn and I am starting my 4th year of the EdD in IST program at IU Bloomington. I work full time as an IT Manager and Educational Technologist and I teach part time at IU Indianapolis.

Currently my circumstances don't allow me a lot of time for myself as I have three active teenage boys, along with my full time and part time work, and classes. If I had more time, I'd travel more. I am a world traveler, having visited and/or lived in 29 different countries, several multiple times.

I am also an alum of The Ohio State University where I was in the Marching Band in my undergrad (The Best D*mn Band in the Land). I love music and am happy that my three boys also love music, two of whom will be marching next year in high school. I manage all the social media channels for the Ohio State Marching Band Alumni and have done so for the past 4 years (@tbdbitlalumni).

My current research lies in Hybrid teaching, which is one area we are committed to at the institution which I work. I work with faculty to orient them to our systems and assist with techniques and tips on teaching in a hybrid classroom environment.

I’m deeply committed to making a difference by supporting educators in rural areas and guiding young scholars as they innovate in teaching and expand their research horizons. My work also focuses on the power of multimodality in content creation, which adds a rich layer to the English learning experience. Additionally, I’m excited about fostering international connections through telecollaboration, which not only enhances language exchange but also deepens cultural understanding.

Thank you all for being here—I truly look forward to connecting and engaging with you through this platform!

Balancing full-time work, studying, and raising three young children keeps me busy, but I'm eager to learn new things through this course. I look forward to learning from all of you.

On a personal note, I have been with my wonderful husband for 16 years, and have been married for eight of those years. We have a beautiful one-year-old daughter who is our greatest joy. Our family also includes three fur babies, two dogs and a cat. We love to travel and have a fun tradition of collecting a magnet from each destination we visit.

In my free time, I enjoy staying active by doing yoga or Peloton every day. I am also an avid reader and always have a book in my hand. During my short commute or when taking my daughter for a walk, I also enjoy listening to true crime podcasts.

I am looking forward to learning alongside each of you this semester!

Home is a teeny tiny island in the western Pacific called Saipan, which has a population of ~47,000 and land area of ~44 square miles! When I'm not busy with school and work, I enjoy spending my downtime with family and friends, chilling at home or by the beach, wherever the hot humid breeze takes us!

My main academic interest lies in leveraging educational technology to bridge the learning gap in underserved and less technologically advanced regions, focusing on creating equitable learning opportunities while keeping up with modern-day learning and teaching practices to make them more engaging and relevant for today’s students.

Since completing my degree, I’ve been teaching pre-service and in-service teachers in the School of Education, English Language Teaching Department in Korea. My research focuses on integrated reading and writing instruction, the application of technology in language learning and teaching, the development of effective teaching methods and instructional materials for ESL/EFL students, educational inequality, and literacy improvement among marginalized learners, as well as pre-service and in-service English language teacher education.

I'm happy to join Dr. Bonk's R546 class this semester, and I'm looking forward to sharing experiences and gaining new knowledge.

I have a background in teaching and learning with a focus on ESL, and I earned my master's degree in educational leadership through a Fulbright scholarship.

I’m passionate about educational technologies. My research interests include Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning, Distance Learning, Emerging Learning Technologies (AI, VR), and Language Learning and Technology. In my role as an Instructional Designer and English Teacher, I customized lessons to fit individual needs, using digital tools like Zoom, Voov, Teams, and Google Classroom. I incorporated real-world content from sources such as Instagram, news, TV series, and educational websites to boost English proficiency. My efforts helped students achieve high scores (7.5+) on language exams (IELTS, Duolingo), gain admission to international degree programs (one of my students will start his PhD in computer vision at KAUST university next week), succeed in job interviews, and secure positions with foreign companies.

I also love traveling! I’ve been to Egypt, Italy, Armenia, and various places in the US, including Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Los Angeles, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Florida, and Massachusetts. I was always the first to sign up for student travel opportunities:)

My wife, Beth, and I have been married for 22 years and try to get out of town when we can find some time to do so. Other than that, we are homebodies who like to watch streaming TV, play Nintendo Switch games, read books, and lend warmth to our 4lb Yorkie. I am also a musician who occasionally leaves the house to sing and play drums. My parents and my sister's family live in the area, so I will probably travel to Norman, OK this weekend to watch the first OU football game of year. (Have to say that it is convenient that IU and OU share the same school colors.)

Good luck to everyone this semester, and I will see at least some of you on Saturday (or maybe Sunday depending on the international date line.) :)

My name is Nathaly (pronounced like Natalie) Gal. I'm a Learning Experience Designer currently in the IST Ed.D track. I believe this is my last 'major requirement' course before I begin to tackle some elective and inquiry courses in the program. I was OVERJOYED to be accepted into the course (waitlist) as I've always felt myself grow so much from Dr. Bonk's courses. I'll definitely be saving the list of recommended textbooks, as it is already difficult to choose amongst them. No, I am not trying to butter you up, Dr. Bonk, I really mean it. :)

I see that several of us share interests in outdoors and traveling. I have just returned from a trip down the North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia coastline in attempts to decide where my husband and I would like to relocate. We currently live in Chicago and are desperate to move to a warmer state where we can enjoy the outdoors for longer. North Carolina was our favorite.

Attached you'll find a photo of me breaking in my new fishing waders, and with much success! The fish pictured is a rock bass.

My name is David and I'm an online EdD student in Instructional Systems Technology, with a minor in Adult Learning. Recently, I started a new position as a Senior Instructional Designer with Missouri Online. Being on the Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement team within our Design Services wing, one of my core responsibilities is to create a community of inquiry and practice based on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. Something we always ask ourselves is "What does the research say?" This class will be extremely helpful in building up resources focused on innovative instructional strategies for me and our team to have at the ready. I plan to work with a librarian at Mizzou to help us develop library guides focused on various aspects of instructional design, course design, online teaching, etc., that can be updated regularly.

My primary academic interest lies in evaluating the long-term behavioral impact of professional development on faculty teaching practices with an eye to continuous improvement.

In my "spare time," I've been reading Stephen King's newest collection of short stories, You Like It Darker. With summer putting up its last fight, I'm trying to spend as much time in the pool, reading, before it's time to close up. My husband and I also have three cats and three dogs, who will be very excited to get to visit the park more often when it cools down. But for now, they're content with a lap around the pool to cool off.

I'm looking forward to seeing you all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed Saturday morning!

-David

I live in Indianapolis with my daughters, my husband, and two dogs. I enjoy playing outside with my family, gardening, and working out.

I recently started a position as an Instructional Design Intern at Lilly, something that has been a great learning experience so far. After getting to be home with my kids for the past 3 years, I will be making the transition to full time employment (hopefully) after the first of the year. Excited to get to work in the Instructional Design world!

I have taken a previous course with Dr. Bonk, and like a few of you already mentioned, I gained a lot from the experience. I'm looking forward to another fruitful semester!

In recent years, I have also developed online courses such as “The Art of Presentation” and “Teaching Techniques,” which have set records in Taiwan’s professional online course sector, impacting nearly 20,000 people.

Twenty years ago, I came to IU to visit my then-girlfriend (now my wife), and since then, I’ve developed a strong connection with IU. This time, due to my wife’s role as a visiting scholar, our family will be living at IU for six months. We’re very excited about this new chapter.

Outside of work, I’m passionate about triathlons, scuba diving, martial arts (Aikido and Karate), and Jazz music. I’m thrilled to meet everyone and look forward to learning alongside Prof. Bonk and all of you!

My research interests are immersive learning in virtual reality and GenAI.

My hobby is travelling and this August, I completed visiting to all 47 Japanese prefectures (pictured here is from a mom-daughter trip). I originally from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and studied East Asia Studies at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, many years ago.

Nice to meet you! I am looking forward to learning from and with you this semester.

My name is Carine Marette. I am the co-founder of Kritik.io

I have a Master's degree in Computer Science and Web Development and two Bachelor's degrees with double majors in Psychology/Sociology and Mechanical Engineering/Textile Engineering. I have worked in various fields, from fashion design to managing a textile factory, leading projects as a web designer, and creating a few startups. 

I live in Toronto, Canada. I have two chihuahuas, one daughter of one year old, and I am pregnant with my second child (due in January 2025). 

I have decided to pursue an IST degree to merge my computer science and psychology backgrounds. 

Something interesting about me is that I created the first bulletproof costume for women for the GIGN. in France in 2019. Before 2019, women wore flat bulletproof outfits like men, which made them feel uncomfortable. I am an advocate for empowering women in the workforce. Learn more about me: https://www.kritik.io/blog-post/my-journey-to-improve-the-student-experience

I currently work as the Chief Academic Officer at a 7-12 public school district in southern New Jersey.   The upcoming school year will mark my 20th year in education (3 different districts, 14 years as a special education teacher, 7th year as a school administrator, and a proud and well-spent stint as a stay-at-home mom).  I started my Ed.D. in Fall 2020.  I am taking two classes this semester, and plan to take one course while completing my quals next semester.  From there, it is time for my dissertation...I'm feeling like I'm finally over the first hump! 

Every class I have taken thus far has been rewarding and directly related to my work as an educational leader.  The amount of information and change flowing in K12 can sometimes be overwhelming and, at other times invigorating.  I love learning, and my interests related to education involved student-centered learning experience, ed tech, AI in education, and how educators can harness the power of tech as a vehicle to improve student learning outcomes.

Life has never been busier at work or home - but life is good. I love all seasons and can't believe it's the eve of September.  While I love summer and enjoyed time spent traveling with family and in this sunshine, Fall is my favorite season as it combines two of my favorite things...NFL Football and Field Hockey.  I was a collegiate FH player and my daughters are both in HS playing the sport we all love.  My leisure time is spent watching my girls play, cooking, and reading.

My interests are in higher education, motivation, usability/accessibility, and equitable online learning.

My main hobbies are watching Asian shows (from anime to soap operas), listening to music, and going to concerts. Living in a rural area means going to concerts also means constant road trips up and down the state.

My favorite places to visit are Seattle and Seoul. Tokyo is on my bucket list. We should be going there either next year or the week after. If anyone has recommendations, please share!

In addition to my daytime job, I am teaching three undergraduate courses. Two are with Purdue University Technology, Leadership and Innovation. These courses are for students finishing their Organizational Leadership and Supervision degree requirements (products of the IUPUI "divorce"). This is my first semester teaching for the O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA). All courses are related to leadership and human behaviors.

I enjoy spending time with my 3 adult children and 6 grandchildren, and my 4 labrador retrievers, and now 5 birds (4 cockatiels & 1 macaw).

I am looking forward to learning from everyone here.

My educational interests as a teacher change from year to year. I spent a year where students were self-directed and worked at their own pace. I have tried a flipped classroom, gamification, and am currently experimenting with how to integrate AI into the classroom.

I have my masters in teaching and learning from the University of Southern Maine, where I learned some of the techniques we will be covering in this class. I am excited to expand on what I learned in that program and to find ways to incorporate or utilize AI.

As for hobbies, a lot of my time has been taken up lately (outside of teaching and starting the classes at IU) with my two golden retrievers. One is three years old, but the other one is still a puppy and the adjustment period seems to be never ending, despite the fact that she is 8 months old.

Hi, I'm Rebecca. I am originally from Long Island, NY but moved to Indiana to go to IUB and moved up to Indianapolis after graduating in 2003. I am in my final year of the IST Masters program. I also have my undergraduate BS degree in Marketing from IUB and completed the Transition to Teaching program at IUPUI. Needless to say, I love to learn - it is one of my core values. I spent many years in K-12 education as an elementary school teacher (grades 3 & 4) and then a Student Support Specialist in K-8 (mostly 6-8). In January, I transitioned out of K-12 and landed my dream job as the Director of Social Emotional Learning at a non-profit in Indianapolis that offers community workshops through peace and popular education. I have been amazed how much of my graduate work I have been able to apply just in these 9 months.

I am a HUGE music lover, primarily Dave Matthews Band. I was unable to attend the first two sessions because I was in Washington State at the Gorge Amphitheater attending my 96,97,and 98th DMB concerts. I also work as a production runner for Live Nation part time which is really fun and a great wy to see tons of live music (and get to meet bands which is an added perk lol). I pretty much am attending or working every weekend throughout this course so I am going to get really creative on how I can attend synchronously. :)

I recognize a few names and I am excited to get to learn alongside you all!