Education:
M.E. University of South Carolina, Educational Research
M.M.E. University of South Carolina, Music Education
B.M.E. Furman University, Music Education
Biography:
Irene Bal joins the Education Specialties Department as an Assistant Teaching Professor of Learning Design & Technology. She is a K-12 certified music teacher with a passion for integrating technology in the Visual and Performing Arts. Prior to joining the faculty at Loyola, Ms. Bal was a district-level instructional technology coach in Columbia, SC, where she coached and worked with teachers integrating technology, blending and flipping instruction, and creating student-centered learning environments. As both a classroom teacher and as a coach, she was the recipient of many technology grants for her classroom and schools. She has also presented at many state and regional conferences on blended learning, hour of code, creating technology events, grant writing, engagement in professional development, and project based classrooms.
Awards & Grants:
iPevo Wish Pool Recipient
Scholastic Winner: Scholastic Education
Hour of Code: Code.org
Colonial Life Strong Schools Grant Award
21st CCLC Grant Award
Technology Grant, Richland School District One
Advisory Board for Fortis College
Tec Savvy Teacher of The Year Award
Representative for SC 1A High Schools: Winter Ensemble Committee
Research Interests:
Technology integration in the Visual and Performing Arts, engagement with adult learners, professional development in the workplace, and distance learning in classrooms and for professional development.
Recent Publications:
Bal, I. (June, 2017). Beyond the PowerPoint: Blending Your Professional Development.
Presented at SC Midlands Summit, Columbia, SC.
Bal, I. (June, 2017). Coding Made Simple: Hour of Code in the PreK-12 Classroom. Presented
at SC Midlands Summit, Columbia, SC.
Bal, I., & Thornsberry, J. (June, 2017). Interested in Hosting an Instructional Technology
Event? It’s as Easy as 1-2-3! Presented at SC Midlands Summit, Columbia, SC.
Bal, I., & Brown, B. (June, 2017). Social Networking in the Classroom: Engaging Students
Beyond the Emoji. Presented at SC Midlands Summit, Columbia, SC.
Arceneaux, L., & Bal, I. (June, 2017). Hands On Technology Night: Engaging Parents
Beyond the Blah Blah Blah. Presented at SC Midlands Summit, Columbia, SC.
Bal, I., & Woodyard, M. (April, 2017). One Stop Shop: Using Discovery Education Board
Builder. Presented at Day of Discovery Tour, Columbia, SC.
Bal, I., & Thomas, A. (April, 2017). Saving Your Math Classroom! Incorporating Active
Learning and DE Spotlight on Strategies. Presented at Day of Discovery Tour, Columbia,
SC.
Bal, I., & Brown, B. (April, 2017). Social Networking in the Classroom: Engaging Students
Beyond the Emoji. Poster session presented at Day of Discovery Tour, Columbia, SC.
Arceneaux, L., & Bal, I. (March, 2017). Technology Night: How to Make the Magic Happen.
Presented at SC Association of School Librarians Conference, Greenville, SC.
Bal, I. (November, 2016). Coding Made Simple: Hour of Code in the PreK-12 Classroom.
Presented at SC EdTech Conference, Myrtle Beach, SC.
Bal, I., & Thornsberry, J. (November, 2016). Interested in Hosting an Instructional
Technology Event? It’s as Easy as 1-2-3! Presented at SC EdTech Conference, Myrtle
Beach, SC.
Professional Activities/Society Memberships:
Member, International Society for Technology in Education