Open SUNY Online Teaching Ambassador 2016 – Stony Brook: Charles Harris

Dr. Charles Harris is an online faculty member in the School of Professional Development at Stony Brook University. Dr. Harris earned an Associate in Arts degree from Tallahassee Community College, a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Economic Geography from the University of Idaho, a Master of Education in Instructional Technology from Idaho State University, and the Specialist in Community College Teaching and Doctor of Education degrees from Arkansas State University-Jonesboro. His dissertation research, titled Faculty Perception of Proficiency in Attributes of Teaching Graduate Courses Online for an NCATE Accredited Education Unit Using the BlackBoard Course Management System, focused on how university faculty perceive how they have been trained to be efficient and effective online teachers.

As an online teacher, Dr. Harris strives to provide courses with academic rigor that include opportunities for interaction and engagement between faculty and learners, and between and among learners themselves. Utilizing best practices in online teaching and learning provides opportunities for learners to engage and excel in an environment that allows for flexibility to meet the needs of distant learners.

Dr. Harris has been active as a teacher and higher education administrator since 1974. He currently resides in the Pacific Northwest with his spouse, Bonnie.