This month, "Meet the
Experts" features Kathy Finder, UW-Eau Claire's representative to
the Learning Technology Development Council.
TTT: Please describe
your work at UW-Eau Claire.
KF: Faculty come to the Teaching & Learning Technology Development
Center (TLTDC) with ideas for improving (or the desire to improve) their
teaching and learning experiences-- pedagogically or physically. We try
to make those ideas a reality through conversations, access professional
development to empower the faculty, production assistance, improving the
physical classroom through better design and equipment, and physical and
financial resources (limited but
). My role as the Interim Director
is to empower and guide the staff to meet the needs of the faculty to
the best of our ability and to guide the evolution of the TLTDC. In these
budget times it is challenging, but we can do it with the great TLTDC
staff.
TTT: How long have you
held the position?
KF: I have been the Interim Director of the Teaching & Learning
Technology Development Center since July 2002. It has been an incredible
18 months--I have learned so much! In my previous role, I was an instructional
technologist and manager of our CITI (Center for Instructional Technology
and Innovation). I have been at UW-Eau Claire since 1989--as a student
first and then joined the staff in 1991. When I was first hired my boss
asked if I could make a two-year commitment to the position as I wasn't
sure I wanted a full-time position at the time. I think I did that and
more.
TTT: What do you enjoy
most about your job?
KF: I would not be doing what I am if it wasn't for the faculty
and for the fact that I am always learning something new. The diversity
of opportunities that a role in an LTDC provides is incredible. Through
conversations and consultations with faculty, new opportunities are always
available.
TTT: What's the most
memorable thing that has happened to you at this job?
KF: During my 12 years at UW-Eau Claire I have had many wonderful
moments. Looking back I would say it was working with the Summer Online
program. With this program, I worked one-on-one with the faculty over
the course of a semester to help them prepare to teach their first course
online and then served as a resource and moral support throughout the
class. There were so many wonderful aspects to this project, including
the new friendships that developed.
TTT: What do you enjoy
doing in your free time? Any hobbies, recent trips or hidden talents you'd
care to tell our readers about?
KF: Most of my free time is spent with my husband and 6-year old
daughter, Emily, exploring the world around us and exploring the world
around us through books. Emily has my love for books. She has her personal
library that overflows her bookshelf. I love to curl up with a good book
in front of a cozy fire. We also like to share our home with family and
friends. When I have the time, I can cook up a pretty good dinner! I love
to try new recipes and have become a recipe book collector (another full
bookshelf). Travel is on the horizon--just not sure when. My husband has
been talking about taking me to Ireland or Australia. No arguments from
me on either. Actually, a nice sunny beach sounds wonderful right now.
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