WVS Teacher - Carmell Van Patten

Contact Info: carmell.vanpatten@mail.aventalearning.com
888-228-3682 x 5143 or 206-780-6662

Courses taught at WVS: AP Environmental Science

Teacher Certification: Biology/Life Science and Chemistry

Educational Background: BS-Bacteriology from University of Wisconsin-Madison, MAT-Science Education from Pacific University, Forest Grove, Oregon.

Personal Info/Hobbies: I enjoy the outdoor activities of the Pacific Northwest mountains. These activities include camping, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, and kayaking.

Personal Statement about Online Teaching:

Learning is something that I believe is not tied to the classroom, but is a process of experiences and interactions that lead to discovery. Online learning gives the student the flexibility and time for growth to allow for this type of learning. It sets up a forum where the student comes ready to learn on his or her own schedule, not one that is made for them.

I have been working in education for six years. My experience ranges from teaching physical science and biology to Advanced Placement biology and Advanced Placement environmental science. That teaching coupled with my background in scientific research allows me to motivate my students beyond the classroom setting so that they may be able to see value in the information I am trying to help them learn.

Online teaching differs from face-to-face teaching in that the online classroom is more student-directed whereas face-to-face is more teacher-directed. I find this difference refreshing for online teaching because it makes the student more independent and you never know where the discussions will take you. They are in control of their own learning, and it teaches them skills to learn how to manage their lives better. Another key difference is that with online teaching you need to be available to your students seven days a week; whereas, face-to-face teaching has set hours during the week. I don’t mind this difference. I enjoy communicating with my students with my laptop even when I’m out of town for the weekend. This allows for a more continual flow of information and learning for the student.