SFSU: ENG 724, About the Instructor

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Graphical representation of course instructor

The Professional Me

Known throughout cyberspace and real life as "Frizzy," I am Karla Frizler Octavio, the instructor for this course. In January 1996, I received my Master's degree in English (Teaching English as a Second Language) from San Francisco State University. You can read my Master's Thesis ("The Internet as an Educational Tool in ESOL Writing Instruction") on the web: http://thecity.sfsu.edu/~funweb/thesis.htm.

Since 1996, I have worked for the California Community College system as an Instructional Designer, training other teachers to integrate technology into the classroom. I first served City College of San Francisco, and now work for a statewide grant project ("@ONE") which provides technology-training resources and support for all California community college faculty and staff. In addition, I teach web design at the Center for Electronic Art in San Francisco.

My main technological interests include using the Internet for language learning, communication & collaboration and online publishing, and I particularly enjoy working with Internet neophytes. To find out more about my professional life, check out my resume: http://www.jps.net/robofriz/FRIZZY/resume.html

Teaching Philosophy

I believe that the best approach to teaching is to provide a comfortable environment in which students can explore, experiment, take risks and, most importantly, create. From my experience, I have seen that all students bring something unique and valuable to the learning environment, and I believe it is the responsibility of the instructor to help connect new knowledge to that existing knowledge and experience. Rather than seeing myself as the all-knowing "Sage on the Stage," I prefer to present myself as the "Guide on the Side," serving as a resource and coach who helps students learn and apply that which has meaning to their lives.

Relevant (?) Background

Southern California suburbia is where I spent my formative years, raised by liberal parents in a very conservative area (Orange County). After finishing college (Chapman University), I moved to San Francisco and immediately felt like I belonged. Since moving to SF, I have worked in the music industry, completed a Master's degree and met and married my husband. Not bad for 10 years, eh? (You can see our wedding photos on our website: http://www.jps.net/robofriz)

Personal Interests

Travel is my passion, and I live in a perpeptual state of wanderlust, dreaming of my next trip. My main goal in life is to always have a plane ticket booked for *somewhere.* So far, I have traveled to England, Scotland, France, Belgium, Holland, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, and of course all over mainland United States. In the next few years, I hope to explore South America and Tahiti.

I also enjoy all kinds of music, from soul/r&b to rock to country to pop, and just about everything in between. Some of my favorite artists include Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Uncle Tupelo, Poi Dog Pondering, Booker T & the MGs, Van Halen (with David Lee Roth ONLY), Led Zepellin, Dwight Yoakam and the Dixie Chicks. Some might say I play guitar, but others just run screaming from the room. I'm currently taking hula lessons and belong to a halau (group) in San Francisco.

Random Tidbits

Favorite Movie: "Harold & Maude"
Saying: "Classic!"
Baseball Team: Dodgers (please don't throw anything at me!)