Curriculum Vitae and Research Interests

Education

Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, University of Florida, December 2014
     Dissertation: Ways Digital Scaffolds are Used During Collaborative Problem Solving in        the Preschool Classroom

Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction, University of Florida, 2010

M.A. in Elementary Education, University of South Florida, 1996

B.A. in Finance, University of South Florida, 1993

Florida Teaching Certificate, Early Childhood Education, Age 3 – Age 8

Teaching & Leadership

Director of Educational Technology, Shorecrest Preparatory School (July 2013 to Present):
  • Develop and maintain school-wide technology curriculum (K-12) based on current NETS as well as independent school accreditation standards.
  • Implement and maintain BYOD 1:1 iPad program in grades 5-12.
  • Support the teaching staff school-wide in integrating iPads, computers, and other related technology into their curriculum.
  • Facilitate and provide professional development opportunities related to educational technology.
  • Maintain and monitor Haiku Learning Management System.
  • Support Instructional Technologists across Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School.
  • Oversee annual technology and communications budget.
  • Review and evaluate software and online tools. Remain current on new offerings.
  • Develop and support school-wide programs such as Robotics and Maker Space.
  • Oversee staff of three – Network Administrator, Technician, Support Specialist.
Technology Department Chair, Shorecrest Preparatory School (April 2008 – June 2013): 
  • Develop and maintain school-wide technology curriculum (K-12) based on current NETS as well as independent school accreditation standards.
  • Support the professional staff school-wide in integrating the use of computers and related technology into their curriculum.
  • Review and evaluate software and online tools. Remain current on new offerings.
  • Oversee annual technology and communications budget.
  • Maintain school-wide inventory of hardware and software.
  • Maintain and monitor private online community for students, parents, faculty, staff and alumni.
  • Implement and maintain school-wide information system.
  • Oversee staff of three – Network Administrator, Technician, Web Master
Instructional Technologist, Shorecrest Preparatory School (August 2003 – 2014):
  • Plan and teach technology lessons in the computer lab for students in K-4th grades on a weekly basis.
  • Support teachers with technology integration in the classroom.
  • Provide after-school professional development opportunities for faculty.
  • Lead bi-monthly professional development through online and face-to-face platform.
Technology Consultant, Science Center of Pinellas County (Summer 2009):
  • Develop program wiki to supplement the Classroom Extension Program (CEP) by providing online activities and links for 45 hands-on workshops.
  • Work with Science Center instructors to integrate technology into hands-on workshops.
Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of Florida (Summer 2008)

Third Grade Teacher, Shorecrest Preparatory School (August 2002 – July 2003)

Kindergarten Teacher, Shorecrest Preparatory School (August 1997 – July 2002)


Scholarship
  • Publication: Baralt, A. & Ritzhaupt, A. (2015). Book Review of Reality is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World by Jane McGonigal. International Journal of Gaming and Computer-Mediated Simulations.
  • Publication: Drexler, W., Baralt, A., & Dawson, K. (2009). The Teach Web 2.0 Consortium: a tool to promote educational social networking and Web 2.0 use among educators. Educational Media International, 45(4), 271-283. 
  • Workshop Presentation: FCIS 21st Century Learning Academy, Empowering Student Learners with GPS - June 25, 2015
  • Conference Presentation: International Society for Technology in Education," The Project Buffet: Three Exemplary Projects That Challenge Student Thinking" with Amy Cobb & Christine Scoby - June 29, 2014
  • Speaker - Cyber Safety Panel: Academy of the Holy Names Tampa, FL - September 29, 2011 
  • Conference Presentation: Florida Council of Independent Schools Annual Conference, “Digital Student Portfolios” with Jill Lemon – November 18, 2010 
  • Conference Presentation: EduCon 2.0, “Teach Web 2.0 Consortium” with Wendy Drexler – January 24-28, 2008 Philadelphia, PA
  • Conference Presentation: Florida Educational Technology Conference - “Integrating Technology into the Math Curriculum” – January 2002, Orlando, FL
Current Committee Work
  • Co-Chair: Personal Mobile Computing Device Committee (2011-2013)
  • Member: Strategic Planning Team (2012-2013)
  • Member: Upper Division Head Search Committee (2011-2012)
  • Member: Library/Information Specialist Search Committee (2012)
  • Member: Global Online Alternative Learning Strategic Committee (2012)
  • Chair: Digital Citizenship Planning Committee (2008)
Notables
  • The Benedict Foundation Grant ($25,000) for 1:1 iPad Program
  • National Association of Independent Schools Superpower Spotlight, 2009 
  • National Association of Independent Schools “Teacher of the Future” 2008-2009 
  • Participant in 2008/2009 Powerful Learning Practice (PLP) Cohort with Will Richardson and Sheryl Nassbaum-Beach
  • Grant Winner: The DeWitt E. and Vera B. Hooker Fellowship Grant ($2,500) through Florida Council of Independent Schools, 2007 
Service
  • FKC/FCIS Accreditation Teams 1998-2014 (Technology/Media Services/Curriculum)
  • Founder: Monster Project
  • Co-founder: Teach Web 2.0 Consortium
Professional Associations
  • Delta Kappa Gamma International Society for Key Women Educators (Alpha Chi Chapter) 
  • International Society of Technology in Education 
  • American Educational Research Association
  • Florida Society for Technology in Education

Research Interests

  • Use of handheld technologies to engage young children (age 3 – 6) in their learning.
  • Integration of emerging Web 2.0 technologies within the K-12 curriculum along with the development of professional learning opportunities for teachers to utilize these technologies effectively.
  • Electronic portfolios to (a) facilitate reflective thinking with elementary students, and (b) evaluate their use as a professional development tool for teachers.
  • Use of project-based learning to engage students in real-world problems and challenges, especially in the areas of scientific inquiry and geographic information systems.
  • STEAM Education
  • Digital Citizenship
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