Episode #107: Engaging Learners in the Online Environment with Dr. Cynthia Sistek-Chandler

Dr. Cynthia Sistek-Chandler, a staff developer, trainer, and professor of educational technology works with school sites and with cadres of learners at National University and at the San Diego County Office of Education. Since 1998, Cynthia has primarily taught online, EdTech courses that are required for the California Clear Credential, and is Program Director for Masters of Science in Advanced Teaching Practices. <br />What was it like for you as a student?<br />During my early elementary experience at Maple Leaf Elementary in Garfield Heights. Ohio, my k through third-grade teachers created a warm and caring environment for me. I was a majorette in the Twirling Sweethearts, a brownie, and at our talent show, I twirled a circular fire hoop! Believe it or not, I was also a budding accordion player, I ask you, who plays accordion nowadays? I did back then. As a granddaughter of a musician who was a music store owner and an inventor, music, and entertainment was in my DNA. Polka music, being Polish, eating ethnic food, and dancing was my life.<br />Then, when I was in 4th grade my parents divorced, and my life as I knew it crumbled. I had a new step-father and entered into a transient way of life. We moved 4 times in the next 4 years. City to city, to Arizona and back, then mid-year in 9th grade, I left Ohio. Overall, my experience as a learner was impacted by transience and trauma. My mom was a bartender and a waitress. Being a daughter of a divorced, single mother with her detained occupation, my interactions with others were sometimes wrought with prejudice and indifference. Regardless, the school was my family and I was always a great student and was deeply connected with all of my teachers. <br />Your journey as a teacher<br />I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. My younger sister was my first student. We are three years apart. I taught her everything I learned beginning in kindergarten. Each day, I came home from school and taught her everything I learned in school. By the time my sister entered kindergar