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| Image Source: Facebook Profile Picture |
ABOUT ME
My name is Pete Drinan, and I live in Downers Grove, IL, with my wife, Katie, and our two children, Charlie (13) and Maggie (9). Our family stays busy with school, cross country, theater, basketball, Irish Dance, and volleyball. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, spending time outdoors (golfing, biking, boating, and hiking), reading, and listening to podcasts. One of my favorite destinations is Hilton Head Island, SC, specifically, the Sea Pines Resort. My family has vacationed there since I was a toddler, and Katie and I have continued the tradition by alternating each summer between Hilton Head and a new destination. We have traveled to Breckenridge, Colorado, Scottsdale, Arizona, Austin, Texas, New York City, Galena, Illinois, and we’re currently planning a trip to London, England and Paris, France for the summer of 2026.
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EXPERIENCE
I am in my 21st year of teaching mathematics, with three years at the junior high level and eighteen at the high school level, all within Catholic education. As a product of Catholic schools myself and a parent of children attending a Catholic school, I strongly believe in the value, impact, and unique opportunities that Catholic education provides. I have taught a range of courses, including Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2, and Precalculus, at both the college prep and honors levels. Currently, I teach Honors Algebra and Honors Advanced Algebra Trigonometry.
Over my career, I have witnessed and adapted to the evolution of classroom technology, from chalkboards and overhead projectors to document cameras, graphing calculators, iPads, and digital learning platforms. Transitioning from a paper-and-pencil environment to a fully 1:1 iPad classroom has been both exciting and challenging, but it has reinforced my commitment to engaging, innovative, and effective instruction.
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| Image Source: Benet Academy Website |
TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL MEDIA IN EDUCATION
As technology continues to shape the educational landscape, I am particularly interested in how emerging tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), learning management systems (LMS), and social media, can enhance both instruction and student engagement. Currently, our school uses Blackbaud as our LMS, which offers expanded features and improved functionality to better support our school community. In my classroom, I use Blackbaud to organize and disseminate information, including posting guided notes, homework assignments, screencasts, and videos. Additionally, I incorporate Notability for guided notes and homework, ALEKS for personalized learning and assessment, DeltaMath for targeted skill practice, and TI-SmartView for calculator applications.
Integrating technology into a Catholic high school setting presents unique challenges. Limited resources mean that we do not always have access to the latest tools, and professional development opportunities focused on ed tech are scarce. Additionally, the deeply rooted traditions of Catholic education can make change slow. However, I believe that progress requires adaptability, creativity, and a willingness to take risks. Tradition, after all, is simply innovation that worked. This perspective fuels my excitement for this course on social media and emerging technologies. I look forward to exploring new ideas, tools, and strategies that will shape the future of education.
I have always found social media to be an interesting and powerful tool for communication, connection, and learning. While I like social media and appreciate its many benefits, I don’t use it very much in my daily life. Currently, I have a Facebook, X/Twitter account, and a LinkedIn profile, but that’s about it.
That being said, I am not opposed to social media by any means. I recognize its value in networking, staying informed, and engaging with different communities. I am open to trying or starting on other platforms in the future, especially as I continue to explore its role in education and emerging technologies.
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Hi, Pete. It's great to see your enthusiasm for ed tech given you have some roadblocks in your way due to funding and professional development.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of Blackbaud before so thank you for the link! In fact, at first I wondered if you misspelled "Blackboard" as that is a common LMS! Like you, I also am curious to learn more about AI and it's place in education. Given how new it is, we are still getting a feel for the how AND why of incorporating it. I'm looking forward to exploring this more with you this spring.
Hi Pete! Technology and teenagers is tricky. My son attends a Catholic high school and they use PowerSchool and Schoology to keep track of classes and grades as well as communication with parents. They have been easy to navigate. I asked him if they are exposed to any internet safety lessons and he said no. I taught ed tech at my school for a few years and pushed internet safety hard. I used the Common Sense curriculum. How does your school tackle internet safety?
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