Background

I graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a bachelor's degree in chemistry (eons ago), and from Queen's University with a master's degree specializing in the philosophy of science. In addition, I have specialist certificates in science education and data processing. Most recently, I earned my Ph.D. in curriculum studies, specializing in assessment and testing. (More info under the 'Kitto Info' menu.)

Over a period of 30 years I taught a variety of computer, mathematics, science, and teacher-education courses. (For a bit more personal history, check out Dr. Kathy Hibbert's article in The Educator; see 'Kitto info' for that too.) I hit the "magic 85" a few years ago when I was the Head of Computers and Business Education at St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School in London, Canada.

Then I spent a couple of years doing Internet consulting, and more recently joined the Faculty of Education as a part-time instructor. (After earning my Ph.D. I got the glorious title 'Assistant Professor', although it doesn't affect one's pay.)

In the Pre-Service program I teach ...

• E38, the "teachable" Computer Studies course designed for people planning to become secondary school computer science teachers. This class meets all year, two days a week, and covers are great range of computer-related content and methodology. We spend a signficant amount of time developing a class CD of resources to save sanity in the first year of teaching.

• BCE 61, an elective course for teachers who want to upgrade their computer skills before they hit the classroom. The audience is highly varied - from P/J to various I/S subjects to technical teachers. My goal is to provide an opportunity for the class to develop materials and approaches that will help them in their first year of teaching.

• IICTI ... Integration of Information and Computer Technology in Instruction, is an on-line course for practising teachers who want to upgrade their computer skills, discuss current issues in technology-based education, and share ideas and materials with their peers. This is a three-part course (Part 1, Part 2, Specialist) recognized by the College of Teachers for certification.

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Contact me: rkitto@uwo.ca

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