Rurik (Rory) Nackerud is an educator who has worked in a variety of settings both as a teacher and sign language interpreter, currently he works online at both the secondary and post-secondary levels. In recent years he has become increasingly active in educational technology and applying best practices to both professional development and student interactions. He recently graduated with his Masters in the Art of Teaching and is already looking to further his education with a doctoral degree. He enjoys working with secondary students as a language arts, science and computer science teacher while continuing to present workshops and trainings virtually and in person. In addition to teaching Rurik is part of the "think tank" Center4EduPunx as well as an organizer for Virtual World's: Best Practices in Education, Virtual World's Unsymposium, and other short term projects via Second Life, Jokaydia Grid, and other virtual worlds. He recently helped with an experimental course using World of Warcraft as a method of exploring leadership skills and qualities called World of Teachcraft. With other members of the CenterforEdupunx he is currently exploring engagement strategies using augment reality and commercial games. In other professional work Rurik has shared an opinion piece, published with the International Society for Technology in Education's (ISTE) magazine Learning and Leading, writing about Professional Networks and whether they can replace professional development. Also, for the 2011 ISTE conference in Philadelphia, he presented a poster session on blending classrooms between virtual and real world settings. Previously he presented at the Global Education online conference, Virtual World's Best Practice in Education, UnSymposium, and the Oregon Council for Teachers of English. In addition to these discussions Rurik continues to explore, present, and discuss learning using technology in a variety of formats through out the year. Finally, Rurik co-authored a book chapter on adopting commercial-off-the-shelf games with Kae Novak, an instructional designer in Colorado. As a learner Rurik focusses heavily on understanding the tools of tomorrow and how to equip his students to develop and use technology of all types to better themselves and the world. Whether taking graduate classes, open courses, attending a conference or workshop, or participating in a Massively Online Open Course, Rurik strives to be on the cutting edge of innovation and share what he learns. As a teacher he participates in his classes as a learner as well, sharing, encouraging, and learning with his students.
