About Me
On this site you will find information about me and my work.
A brief autobiography
I was born and raised and spent the first 30 years of my life in Pennsylvania but I currently live in Las Cruces New Mexico. I work for New Mexico State University as a Training Specialist and have ten years experience in the field of educational/instructional technologies.
Professional Experience
Most of my recent work relates to educational technologies, such as the development and delivery of online learning. I have recent experience in administration of Learning Content Management Systems (LCMS) and Content Management Systems (CMS). I deliver classroom training and design learning for business and student information systems used by faculty and staff through the Center for Learning & Professional Development.
I have trained and used extensively several technologies from Microsoft Office to PHP application development in the past five years. Listed below is a brief summary of the technologies I have used, but I have come to the point that I can utilize an application in short order depending on the circumstance, so this list is not exhaustive but indicates accomplishments for certain types of technologies in my recent experience. My knowledge of code is developing across many scripting languages as cause for a preference represents itself, but to the extent I can read and manipulate a script I am fluent and when some problem needs to be solved in this respect I become a programmer. I am first, in all of my endeavors, a helper of people through teaching, support, and problem solving activities.
- Blackboard Campus Edition 8 – developed training, delivered training, provided extended support, and GUI Administration
- Mango CMS – developed training, delivered training, provided extended support, GUI Administration, system testing and evaluation
- iTunes U – delivered training, provided extended support, GUI Administration, system testing and evaluation
- Web Video – provided extended support for video conversion and editing
- Webcasting – provided extended support for live event functions in Adobe Connect and Centra, delivered training using Adobe Connect and Centra
- Clickers – developed training, delivered training, planned vendor training events, provided extended support
- Audio and Podcasting – delivered training, provided extended support
- Assessment authoring tools – developed training, delivered training, provided extended support
- WordPress – developed Web sites for the department
- Web design – developed training, delivered training, provided extended support, developed Websites for the department
- PHP Development – provided extended support, created Web application form, created Web-based course evaluations application
- Microsoft Office – developed training, delivered training, provided extended support
Other employers and titles relevant to my current work:
- Penn State University – IT Trainer
- Penn State University – Library Supervisor
- Border Institute of Technology – Web design instructor
- Border Institute of Technology – Web design application trainer (contract)
- University of Texas at El Paso – Helpdesk representative
- University of Texas at El Paso – Professional and Continuing Education trainer (contract)
- Doña Ana Community College Customized Training Program – Microsoft Office trainer (contract)
Early experiences and jobs that I’ve held:
- Shift manager – Bonfatto’s Restaurant
- Lab assistant – Penn State University (volunteer position)
- Tutor – East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
- Youth mentor – Penn State University (Berks Campus in Reading, PA)
- Crayon maker – Binney & Smith, makers of Crayola (this job paid for most of my education)
- Dishwasher -Williams Restaurant (this job paid for my first year of college)
- Paper boy, for an evening paper (in case you are thinking I am younger than I look)
Download my Résumé
My teaching philosophy
My teaching philosophy is my experience and thus it will change.
At this time I adhere to the following core values:
- Learning is doing
- Persistence is the key to success
- Learning is personal
Download my teaching philosophy statement
Education
My education is the longest and most substantial personal endeavor in my life as it is the basis for personal growth and also the basis upon which I make a living. I’m a life-long learner and approach education not as something that is to be simply completed by rather fulfilled through a lifetime of continuous discovery and effort. The earliest lessons in my life, taught to me by my parents, have implications for things I learn today and tomorrow, and I build a better understanding of the world and myself as a result. Detailed below you will find my educational accomplishments and my educational ambitions for the future.
I’m currently enrolled in the Online Teaching and Learning graduate certificate program at New Mexico State University. This summer I will complete my course practicum and complete the program.
Education highlights
- In 2010 I earned a Master’s degree in Education (Curriculum & Instruction) with an emphasis on Educational Technologies from New Mexico State University.
- I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania.
- I earned my high school diploma from Easton Area High School.
I have also attended:
- Northampton Community College
- Penn State (Allentown Campus)
- Penn State (Berks Campus)
- Penn State (University Park Campus)
Future plans:
A Ph.D. in Education would be a natural consequence of learning in my field and I anticipate that I will apply to graduate school in the next five years. For now I’m completing my Online Teaching and Learning Graduate Certificate and hope to teach classes in the near future so that I many learn through this experience before entering a degree program. Check my Goals, Learning, Projects, and Blog sections of this site to keep track of where I am going.
Personal life and networking
Professional networking
I actively search for networking opportunities with colleagues in higher education, educational technology, and information technology. LinkedIn is my most frequently used social networking site for professional work. To keep up with my professional activities you can follow me on Twitter or subscribe to my blog.
Getting back in touch
If we go way back or we are connected for personal reasons, visit me on Facebook.
Other ways to contact me
I look forward to your email at cavotta@nmsu.edu or check my other social networking affiliations.