Meet Andrew Speth,
Director, Learning Technology Center,
UW-Green Bay


This month, TTT's regular column "Meet the Experts" features Andy Speth, UW-Green Bay's representative to the Learning Technology Development Council.

TTT: Please describe your work at UW-Green Bay.

AS:
I am the director of the Learning Technology Center, which is a part of User Support in the Information Services division. Basically, I do whatever is necessary to enhance teaching and learning with technology. Since Green Bay is a relatively small campus I have an opportunity to support a wide variety of activities. I conduct workshops and provide support for PowerPoint presentations, digital video and audio production, image editing, WebCT, and a whole lot more. I support a wide variety of web activities, including: web development, web/database apps, and course presentation. I assist with instructional design and pedagogical issues.

TTT: How long have you been in your current position?

AS:
I've been with UW-Green Bay for three years and the director of the Learning Technology Center for two. Before that I was a high school teacher with a penchant for computer technology in a school district that supported innovation.

TTT: What do you enjoy most about your job?

AS:
I like the opportunity I have to experiment with new technology and try new things. Intellectual curiosity is one of the fountains of youth and this environment certainly fosters that. There's a certain 'rush' associated with working on a difficult project and finally getting it to work. I suppose there are chemical and biological reasons that explain it away, but that rush is still pretty cool.

And, of course, it's great to work with the people we have here in Green Bay. We have so many experts in so many fields, both within IS and our faculty. It's an environment where everyone can be counted on to do their unique miracles and things come together.

TTT: What's the most memorable thing that has happened to you at this job?

AS:
I could never select one event as the most memorable. I value the collaborative atmosphere both within IS and the entire campus. The dedication to teaching and learning is palpable.

TTT: What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Any hidden talents you'd care to tell our readers about?

AS:
I have several releases that help save my sanity. In particular, I'm a runner and a home
brewer and I've been doing both for years. I did the math earlier this spring and found that over the years I've run more than 30,000 miles. Heck, that's more mileage than I put on my '67 Chevy van. And my brewing--let's just say I brew for quality and I've got a couple hundred batches under my belt.

When I want to veg, I head outside. I can wander for hours in a quiet woods with no cell phone, GPS locator, palm pilot, etc, and come back completely refreshed. My philosophy is: If it doesn't matter when I get back, I'm not lost. This summer I plan to explore the quiet wilds of North Dakota. Yup, North Dakota.


Thanks, Andy!

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