Connecticut China Connection

James Crawford

I have spent the last five years as a Special Education teacher at Beecher Road School.  I graduated from Providence College with a degree in Elementary and Special Education and recently received a Master’s degree in Educational Technology from the University of Connecticut.  I enjoy using technology to enhance my teaching and allowing students to express themselves digitally.  My current interest is in the use of Digital Storytelling as a means of personal expression for students.  I am looking forward to seeing the uses of technology in Chinese schools and lay the groundwork for students to share information digitally between Beecher Road School and our sister schools in China. This site will be documenting my first trip to China and the continent of Asia. I hope to capture the sights and sounds of my trip using a wide array of digital devices.

Rick Wood

This is my 30th year teaching at Beecher Road School in Woodbridge, CT. I taught fourth and sixth grade and ran the Gifted & Talented Program for a few years, but I have been the Technology Coordinator and Teacher for the past 22 years. I graduated from Williams College with majors in music and psychology and I have a Masters Degree from Fairfield University in Computers in Education.

I am also on the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Educators Computer Association (CECA) where I serve as Executive Secretary. Transforming Education through Technology is CECA’s goal. That’s what we hope to do on this trip to China, use technology to connect students and teachers here in Connecticut with students in China. We plan to use technology to share this adventure with you.

My other interests include backpacking and canoeing in the wilderness and music. I direct The Handbell Choirs of First Church of Bethlehem.