“I recognize that developing my critical and creative thinking is necessary for my future career as a web developer. In web development you never stop using critical and creative thinking from the moment you meet with a customer until the time you finish a website.

For example, when you first work with a client, you need to stop and think about who the audience is for the website. Everything needs to be tailored to that audience – just like the first few steps in the critical thinking process. You need to stop, obtain information, and determine what is being asked of you.

However, that’s only the start. Once you identify the audience, you must begin designing the website, logo, and any programs that may be needed. This step requires both a creative thought process and intense critical thinking at the same time. If you don’t critically and creatively think, then it’s likely that the website will appear somewhat empty in places it could otherwise be exceptional. Thus, a lot of innovation goes into web development and coding.

Furthermore, clients always bring new requests, and you need to be the mediator who is able to help them identify solutions and options. This type of situation brings you into new territory every single time you code, and if you want to be a successful web developer, you need to have the ability to create new programs, designs, and templates.

Critical and creative thinking is not just a part of web development, but rather, it occurs in all parts of the job on a daily basis.  Instructors at MPTC and industry leaders stress this fact often by stating that knowing how to code doesn’t necessarily mean anything. Almost anyone can learn to code with enough patience, but knowing how to use the code to create something significant from nothing is what makes a true programmer.  For all of these reasons, I’m glad I chose to take the Thinking Critically & Creatively course at MPTC to help my career as a web developer.”

Written by:  Tierney Cayo, MPTC Student

For more information on Moraine Park, visit morainepark.edu.

“As a college student, you are urged to obtain all of your necessary credits, but you’re not really sure why you need to take some of the courses. As I enrolled in the Think Critically & Creatively course for my first semester at MPTC, I remember telling myself, ‘I’m glad it’s only an eight-week class.’ I figured this class would be the longest eight weeks of my life and I wasn’t looking forward to it at all. Now that this class has concluded, I realize I gained so much useful knowledge and tools to help me become a stronger critical and creative thinker.

Following the first day of class, I knew this course would be beneficial to my life experiences in the real world and my goal of becoming a nurse. Too often individuals don’t realize how much critical and creative thinking that occurs every day with family members, fellow classmates, and co-workers. Being a good critical and creative thinker will make me stand out in a crowd.  

From this course, I will always remember to identify the purpose of a major decision and how the outcomes from that decision can affect others, too.  Furthermore, being more accepting and open to new ideas can greatly impact my career success, as well as following the critical thinking process when making decisions or solving problems.  I’m so glad that I took this course.  I know that it will only help me to be a great nurse when I graduate.”

Written by Victoria Schimming, MPTC Student.

For more information on Moraine Park, visit morainepark.edu.

Tell us about yourself:

• I am from Chicago and have lived in Fond du Lac for four years.
• I have a 17 yr old son and 14 yr old daughter.
• I enjoy walks, watching my son play basketball, bowling, movies and going out to eat.

What made you decide to go into the Cosmetology field?

I have done hair since I was a little girl and always did family and friends hair.

Why did you choose MPTC?

I received my HSED from MPTC and decided to further my schooling.

What do you love most about the program?

I love to learn things that I thought I knew and also to be even better as a stylist.

What are your plans after graduation?  

To work at a shop and also run my own business!

For more information on Moraine Park programs, like cosmetology, visit morainepark.edu/programs. 

“As a Website Design/Developer student at Moraine Park, I need to know how to code and design websites, and how to troubleshoot issues by thinking critically and creatively.  I recently completed the Think Critically and Creatively class with Dr. Rebecca Leichtfuss at MPTC and learned how to really think outside the box. 

Throughout the course, I learned how to get to the focus of an issue by using the Elements of Thought model.  This model proves essential for solving problems by making sure you are concentrating on the correct issues and not only the facts.  Failure to identify what you are trying to achieve for a purpose and the problem or issue to solve will lead to poor outcomes.  Website Design and Development for clients requires this type of critical and creative thinking throughout the entire process of designing and building a website to be the most effective for a business.  The actual design and development of a website represents only a small part of what is needed when working with clients.  For instance, you must identify the audience a business seeks to reach, conduct research, and determine how you are going to design a site that will attract customers.  Critical and creative thinking plays a significant role in this process. 

I’m looking forward to graduation in May, 2019, and I know that this course has only enriched my knowledge in this area for career success.  I suggest anyone pursuing any type of degree take this course to help improve your problem-solving and decision-making skills.”

Written by Catherine Ziegler
MPTC Student

For more information on Moraine Park, visit morainepark.edu.

Tell us about yourself.

I’m from Oakfield.  I was home schooled until seventh grade and then went to Oakfield public school.  I love music and would perform at every school singing event.  Spending time with my family and friends is my favorite.  My sisters are my best friends, we do a lot together.   In my spare time I enjoy writing meaningful journal/blogs and photography.

What made you decide to go into the Cosmetology field?

I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do for college, but I’ve always had an interest in beauty and making others feel beautiful.  I like all aspects of hair, nails and makeup.

Why did you choose MPTC?

It is only about 20 minutes away from home.  Also my hairstylist went here in the Cosmetology program and it has good reviews!

What do you love most about the program?

I love learning new techniques and knowledge I didn’t know before this program.

What are your plans after graduation?

I was already offered a job at the salon I go to.  But I do have 10 months to figure it out!

For more information about Moraine Park programs, like cosmetology, visit morainepark.edu.

“I’m a second year student at Moraine Park Technical College in the Mechanical Design Technology program.  I’m interested in designing mechanical components and products for machines and equipment through computerized drawings for the manufacturing industry.

Continue reading

This my third and final installment of a blog series introducing military service and veterans to educators and administrators in higher education. In Part One, I discussed the demographics and composition of the veteran community, addressing who veterans are and what they ‘look like’ upon transitioning out.

Continue reading

“My name is Jacob Reck and I’m from Fillmore, Wisconsin. I have a younger brother, he is planning to attend Moraine Park to study nursing. My hobbies consist of doing anything outdoors. I love to hunt, fish, and train hunting dogs. I currently have a 1-year old Chesapeake Bay Retriever that I spend a lot of time with.

Continue reading

Meet Becky Henne, a soon-to-be graduate of the Moraine Park medical assistant program. She currently lives in Waupun with her husband and together they have five children and three grandchildren! Her hobbies include camping, walking, being outdoors, and spending time with her family.

Continue reading