Kathy Finder


Meet Kathy Finder

Interim Director,
Teaching & Learning Technology Development Center,
UW-Eau Claire

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.


Thanks, Kathy!

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