| As a result of my concern for building thinking and collaboration skills, a learner-centered philosophy guides all my teaching and research activities. I believe that if instructors "assist" in learning, instead of simply assessing it, human learning will be significantly enhanced. With these student learning ideals, I am driven to find the most powerful learning formats and environments. Consequently, I experiment with ideas related to constructivism, cooperative learning, and computer conferencing in all my classes. I am constantly using my research findings to tinker with my instructional practices, while concurrently reflecting on how my classroom practices can inform my research. My research on Web-based instruction, electronic collaboration and conferencing, computer support for writing, essay and summary writing, cooperative reading strategies, learner-centered instruction, and social interaction and dialogue all have significant implications for teaching and learning in higher education. My research involves dozens of graduate students at Indiana University as well as many international colleagues. The majority of these research efforts have been published in educational technology related journals and books. Across my teaching, research, and service activities, I have attempted to inspire students, college instructors, practicing teachers, trainers, and administrators by promoting innovative practices with emerging educational technologies. I am deeply committed to expanding access to education through nontraditional means such as Web-based instruction, computer conferencing, videoconferencing, and courses and workshops taught directly in schools and workplaces. I feel fortunate that some of my pedagogical experimentations with technology now serve as models for teachers both in Indiana and around the globe. I often advise my graduate students to try to "make a dent" when they leave IU. I have tried to do the same back here at IU and beyond. |






