SUNY Online Teaching Ambassador 2026: Adirondack – Marc Guise

Marc Guise is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at SUNY Adirondack. A proud SUNY Adirondack alumnus, he earned his B.S. in Computer Science from the University at Albany (SUNY) and his M.S. in Computer Information Systems from the College of Saint Rose. He holds multiple industry certifications from CompTIA and Cisco, reflecting his commitment to maintaining strong ties between academic instruction and industry practice. He previously served as Chair of the Technology, Engineering, and Computer Science Division and currently serves as SUNY Adirondack’s Campus Governance Leader.

“With over twenty years of in-person teaching experience and more recent experience in online instruction at the community college level, I work primarily with adult and non-traditional students balancing coursework with careers, families, and other responsibilities. I design my courses to be clear, practical, and flexible—without lowering expectations. My goal is to meet students where they are while providing a rigorous, supportive learning experience.

Structure, clarity, and connection are the cornerstones of my course design. I organize coursework into manageable modules with clear instructions, realistic timelines, and step-by-step guidance. My approach has been shaped by ETAP 640: Introduction to Online Teaching at the University at Albany, as well as my participation in the SUNY Online Course Quality Review (OSCQR) fellowship. The OSCQR rubric’s emphasis on accessibility, engagement, and intentional design strongly informs my online teaching practice.

Hands-on learning is central to my instruction. I emphasize lab work and real-world problem solving that mirrors professional practice. Through instructional videos and guided lab activities, students develop practical technical skills and, where appropriate, prepare for industry-recognized networking credentials. I also intentionally foster collaboration so that the online environment feels connected rather than isolating.

Strong communication is essential to student success in online education. Through regular announcements, timely responses, and detailed, constructive feedback, I strive to create an environment where questions are encouraged and students feel supported. My goal is for students to complete my courses not only with new technical skills, but with increased confidence in their ability to learn, problem-solve, and build professionally sustainable careers.”