Mr. Higgins’ Blog

Educational Background

• Boise State University: June 2006 - August 2007
  • Master of Science in Education, with emphasis in Educational Technology
• The University of Toledo: August 2002 - May 2006
  • Bachelor of Arts, Mathematics
  • Bachelor of Education, Adolescent Education
  • Minor, Computer Science Engineering
• Teacher Certifications
  • Mathematics, grades 7-12 (Ohio)
  • Computer Science, grades 7-12 (Ohio)

Conferences, Institutes, and Workshops Attended

• TI-NSpire Three Day Workshop
  Macomb Intermediate School District, Clinton Township, MI — June 30-July 2, 2008
• AP Calculus AB/BC Institute
  College of Wooster, Wooster, OH — June 23-26, 2008
• TI-NSpire Short Workshop
  WVIZ/PBS Idea Center, Cleveland, OH — March 6, 2008
• eTech Ohio: 2008 Educational Technology Conference
  Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OH — Feb 5- 6, 2008
• 57th Annual OCTM Conference
  Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OH — Oct 19-20, 2007
• 2007 Summer Java Workshop for AP Computer Science Teachers
  Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburg, PA — July 7-13, 2007
• Indiana Academy AP Summer Institute 2007, AP Calculus AB
  Ball State University Campus, Muncie, IN — June 25-28, 2007
• eTech Ohio: 2007 Educational Technology Conference
  Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OH — Feb 12, 2007
• K12 Online Conference 2006
  Online, http://www.k12onlineconference.org — Oct 16 - Nov 4, 2006
• NorthWest Ohio Symposium on Science, Math, & Technology Teaching
  Clarion Hotel, Toledo, OH — Nov 3-4, 2006
• Indiana Academy AP Summer Institute 2006, AP Computer Science A
  Ball State University Campus, Muncie, IN — June 5-8, 2006

Teaching Information / Courses

• 2007 - 2008 School Year (High School)
  • AP Computer Science A
  • Algebra II
  • Honors Algebra II
  • Pre-Calculus
• 2006-2007 School Year (High School)
  • AP Computer Science A
  • Algebra II
  • Operating Systems
  • Beginning Programming in Visual Basic
  • Web Development
  • Advanced Web Development

Technology Interests

• Tablet PCs: I use a Gateway M285-E in my classroom through a district Tablet PC program. I am very interested in the effects of using tablet tools in computer science and mathematics. I use tools such as TI-SmartView, SMART Notebook, and Windows Journal as great ways to integrate TI technology easily as well as the ability to write notes or graph equations with a great deal of flexibility.
• Blogging in Education: I am interested from both the standpoint of using the blog for use in the classrom and professional development. This “Higgy’s Blog” is my professional blog where I share my own ideas and experiences in educaton and life. My class website will act as one giant blog.
• Many other interests that will be discussed on my blog for sure…

Other Interests

• Favorite Food: Pizza (I couldn’t live without it at least once a week)
• Favorite TV Shows: CSI: Crime Science Investigation, Grey’s Anatomy, House, Boston Legal, Baseball Tonight, SportsCenter.
• Favorite Movies: Dead Poets Society, Good Will Hunting, A Beatiful Mind, Shawshank Redemption, A Few Good Men
• Other Interests: Sports Fanatic, Computers, Coaching and Playing Tennis, Huge Baseball Fan

Sports Interests

• Favorite Teams:
  
• A Favorite Sports Moment: Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAA Football) winning the 2002/2003 National Championship.
  
• Another Favorite Sports Moment: Boise State University (NCAA Football) win the 2007 Fiesta Bowl in one of the greatest college football games ever.
  
• Another Favorite Sports Moment: The Arizona Diamondbacks win the 2001 World Series off of Mariano Rivera