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Robert Harris
Asst. Dir Center for Teaching. & Learning.w/ Technology at William Paterson University
Professional Background
Robert Harris has distinguished himself as a prominent instructional technologist and educator with a rich career spanning over three decades in higher education. He embarked on his journey in the early 1990s, initially as a teacher before transitioning into the role of an instructional technologist. Notably, Robert served with H-Net, where he administered various humanities-focused mailing lists and trained numerous list editors. His influential work in the field extended to traveling across the nation to empower university departments by integrating cutting-edge technology into their practices.
In the fall of 1995, Robert joined William Paterson University in Wayne, New Jersey. Here, he has dedicated his efforts to helping faculty and students enhance their teaching and learning experiences through technology. One of his notable contributions is the creation of the Student Technology Consultant corps. This innovative initiative gathers students who work in technology labs, conduct hardware and software repairs, and provide free workshops to the university community, thereby fostering a collaborative learning atmosphere.
As part of his responsibilities, Robert also administers the university's instructional technology landscape, including the widely used Blackboard course management system. His commitment to this role reflects his dedication to ensuring that students and educators can harness the full potential of technology in academia.
Robert’s current mission is particularly inspiring: he is focused on evangelizing open educational resources (OER), aiming to reduce financial burdens on students by promoting accessible, high-quality educational materials. His vision for a more affordable education underscores his commitment to student success and innovative teaching strategies.
Education and Achievements
Robert's academic background is as impressive as his professional accomplishments. In 2007, he earned a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree from Rutgers University, specializing in digital libraries. This advanced education has equipped him with a profound understanding of the mechanisms behind digital information management, an asset that he has successfully leveraged in his career.
His educational journey also includes pursuing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership at Northeastern University, which underscores his deep commitment to leadership in academic settings. Additionally, he holds a Master of Arts (MA) in U.S. social and labor history from Binghamton University. This extensive educational background not only emphasizes his expertise in historical studies but also enhances his capability to engage with diverse academic disciplines.
Moreover, Robert has broadened his knowledge base through Coursera courses in Human-Computer Interaction, illustrating his dedication to staying updated with the latest advancements in technology and pedagogy.
Notable Achievements
In his role as the Assistant Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning with Technology at William Paterson University, Robert has led numerous successful initiatives that have fundamentally improved the educational landscape on campus. His contributions as a former Adjunct Professor of History at William Paterson University and a former Assistant Director for Academic Technology have further solidified his reputation as a profound educator and technologist.
His pioneering efforts in online teaching and learning, coupled with his vast experience in organizing information through taxonomy, folksonomy, and metadata, showcase his multifaceted skill set. Robert continues to inspire both students and faculty alike with his passion for education, technology, and historical inquiry.
His community engagement, particularly through the services offered by the Student Technology Consultant corps, exemplifies his belief in collaborative learning and mentorship. By empowering students to share their knowledge and skills, Robert fosters a supportive environment where technology enhances the learning experience for all.
In addition to his extensive technological expertise, Robert's enthusiasm for digital archives and historical preservation finds expression in his commitment to creating historical resources online. This intersection of history and technology not only enriches the academic community but also democratizes access to knowledge, aligning with his mission to promote openness in education.
Robert Harris exemplifies the modern educator, merging technology with pedagogy to create enhanced learning experiences. His continued efforts to advocate for open educational resources reflect a visionary approach to education, one that prioritizes accessibility and affordability. As a seasoned professional in the field of higher education, Robert is a true asset, continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the integration of technology and learning.