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Jon Breitenbucher
Director of Educational and Emerging Technology at The College of Wooster
Professional Background
Jon Breitenbucher is a distinguished mathematician dedicated to the advancement of educational practices through technology. His journey began at The College of Wooster, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. The pursuit of deeper mathematical understanding led him to The Ohio State University, where he completed both his Master of Science and Ph.D. in Mathematics. Under the mentorship of Dr. Stephen Milne, he conducted significant research concerning Special Functions and Hypergeometric Series, culminating in innovative doctoral work that extended a well-known identity of Ramanujan into the Multiple Basic Hypergeometric setting.
After completing his academic studies, Jon embarked on a career that blends mathematics with pedagogical technology. His first significant role as the first-ever Instructional Technologist at the College of Wooster marked the beginning of his exploration into how technology can enrich the learning environment. His early initiatives included establishing a functional course management system and an interactive course blogging system, both of which contributed to the College's educational framework.
Jon has excelled in his roles, transitioning into various positions, including Director of Educational and Emerging Technology at The College of Wooster. In this capacity, he continues to provide leadership and vision, guiding the integration of cutting-edge technology into the curriculum to enhance educational outcomes for students. His commitment to educational technology underscores his belief in the transformative power of innovative teaching methodologies, fostering an engaging and effective learning experience for students and faculty alike.
Education and Achievements
Jon Breitenbucher's educational background is deeply rooted in mathematics, beginning with his undergraduate studies at The College of Wooster, where he cultivated his passion for the field and laid a solid foundation for his future endeavors. Subsequently, Jon pursued and completed his Master of Science and Ph.D. in Mathematics at The Ohio State University, where he specialized in areas that highlight his expertise, particularly in Special Functions and Hypergeometric Series. His research contributions have not only advanced theoretical mathematics but also provided a basis for pedagogical applications.
Among his many achievements, Jon has played a pivotal role in shaping how technology is perceived and utilized in educational spaces. His leadership in deploying systems like Moodle and Wordpress has significantly enhanced educational delivery at the College of Wooster. These technologies allow for a more interactive and personalized learning experience for students, making coursework more accessible and engaging.
Through his work with the TeX Users Group, Jon has contributed to the mathematical community by promoting high-quality typesetting of mathematical documents, facilitating clearer communication and better understanding of complex mathematical concepts. His involvement as a Board Member at the TeX Users Group emphasizes his commitment to advancing educational technology and mathematics.
As an educator, Jon has also served as an Adjunct Professor and Instructor, sharing his knowledge with the next generation of mathematicians and educators. His practical experience as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at The Ohio State University provided him with valuable insights into instructional strategies and student engagement techniques, enhancing his effectiveness as an educator.
Achievements
Jon Breitenbucher’s achievements reflect his dual commitment to mathematics and educational technology. His doctoral research has been influential in the academic community, particularly in the areas of Hypergeometric Series, where he has extended classical identities. His innovative approach not only underscores his mathematical expertise but also inspires future research in this domain.
As an Instructional Technologist at the College of Wooster, Jon pioneered the establishment of systems that have fundamentally transformed the College's academic landscape. His initiatives in implementing Moodle and Wordpress have facilitated a more efficient and interactive learning environment. Through these platforms, Jon has showcased the essentiality of technology in modern education, demonstrating how digital resources can enhance curriculum delivery and improve student outcomes.
His leadership roles, including serving as Director of Educational and Emerging Technology, highlight his capability to integrate technology into pedagogy effectively. Jon's vision for utilizing technology as a means to improve teaching practices is commendable and resonates with the current educational evolution.
Furthermore, Jon Breitenbucher’s work with national organizations while serving as a Liaison with NITLE further illustrates his passion for educational access and improvement through technology. His active engagement ensures that he remains at the forefront of advancements in the field, continually advocating for educational innovation.
Overall, Jon Breitenbucher's illustrious career is marked by a dedication to fostering a culture of learning that embraces technology, ensuring that students and educators are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of modern education. With an unwavering commitment to excellence and a vision to incorporate the best teaching practices, Jon continues to make impactful contributions to mathematics and educational technology.