Biography

As a Teaching & Learning Strategist with LINKT in the University at Buffalo Libraries, I conduct research regarding innovative digital pedagogy and assist students, faculty, and other stakeholders to explore and implement established and emerging technologies to support teaching and learning. My research includes examining innovative digital pedagogy including how and why people learn.

I'm constantly researching how technology can be used to enhance meaningful learning environments. The image of the gears in the banner image above represents the connections and interactions that occur in everything we do. I often describe my role as a lifelong learner and a connector. There is so much information today. it is almost impossible to not continually be learning about something new. This is especially true in my area of interest of emerging technologies. I learn something new and then I share that learning with others and connect people to relevant projects and ideas and to other people in my network.

The idea of making connections also guides the SUNY Explore Emerging Technologies for Lifelong Learning (#EmTechMOOC) < http://suny.edu/emtech > where I am the Project Director. #EmTechMOOC is a discovery-based online learning opportunity that is freely available to anyone who has an interest to identify the value and implications of using emerging technologies for personal and professional growth. Participants gain lifelong learning habits to keep pace with technology change through this online MOOC which is available through Coursera.

The project consists of two parts designed to complement each other; #EmTechMOOC and EmTechWIKI. #EmTechMOOC, is hosted in Coursera, and provides a supportive environment for dialogue and sharing among participants. EmTechWIKI is a socially-curated discovery engine for exploring technology tools, tutorials, and resources. This growing WIKI-based database of emerging technology tools, tutorials, and resources is designed to be used together with the Discovery Exercises in #EmTechMOOC and it can also be used as a stand-alone resource to locate technologies that are relevant to the learning objectives that you identify. See the scholarly publications and awards page for additional information. Everyone is welcome to join #EmTechMOOC. 

The SUNY Tools of Engagement Project (TOEP): On-demand Discovery Learning Professional Development is another SUNY-wide faculty professional development opportunity where I also served as Project Director. The TOEP community was active within SUNY between 2012 and 2017. 

Additional information about my research and interests can be found on my personal homepage at: http://buffalo.edu/~rrs .