Scholarly Pursuits
Hello! I am currently a PhD student at ODU, studying Instructional Design & Technology.  I received my M.S.Ed from ODU in May 2005.

I am intrigued with research on effective online and distance learning, alternative assessment strategies, and enhancing critical thinking. Most recently, I have been studying learning orientation and its possible relationship with classroom sense of community. Constructivist strategies, like Situated Learning, also interest me.
I intend to continue studying discovery learning as a means to promote higher level learning and solving ill-structured problems. Designing instruction pertaining to the arts is also quite interesting.

Professional Activities and History
In 1993 I graduated from SUNY College at Fredonia with a degree in Communications Media. Following graduation I worked for 8 years at a television station in Rochester, NY. I began as a studio camera operator/editor and worked my way up to director and chyron supervisor. Then I got married and left the business.

After a depressing year in North Dakota, we moved here to Norfolk, where my husband now works at ODU. Once we arrived, I realized that I had the opportunity to start fresh and study education, which I had always considered doing but never had the chance to accomplish. So I enrolled in the Instructional Design and Technology program at ODU and I am enjoying it!

In May 2005 I completed my Masters degree in Instructional Design and Technology and have begun pursuing my Ph.D.  I joke with my family that I am a glutton for punishment!

Background
As a Rochester, NY native I am familiar with snow. I find it amusing the way people react to an inch of snow in Virginia - to Upstate New Yorkers it is no big deal!

I was married in 2001 and my husband and I moved to North Dakota for his first teaching job. Luckily we left a year later and moved here!

Max	Raven	Isabel

WebMaster: idt@odu.edu