Biography

Robert Baird is the Sr. Associate Director for the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning and an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Illinois. Robert develops and supports CITL's educational partnerships and grants, serves on campus committees focused on technology assessibility and learning outcomes assessment.  He has participated for many years in the BTAA learning technologies group and co-chairs the Lincoln Legacy Teachign and Learning Community.  He has extensive experience with technology-enhanced classrooms, online teaching environments, and implementing media-based student assignments. His 1995 dissertation used cognitive psychology to address the paradox that film viewers could be frightened and startled by film scenes they know are fictional. Before graduate school he worked as an assistant film editor for three years in Hollywood. He has published essays on literature, film, and cognition. For the past 30 years Robert has been an active soccer player and coach, coaching youth teams for the local Illinois FC.