SUNY Online Teaching Ambassador 2021: Morrisville – Kristen Kane

Kristen Kane, Ph.D is the Co-Chair for the Division of Health and Wellness and an Associate Professor in Human Performance and Health Promotion at SUNY Morrisville. She holds Doctorate and Master’s degrees in Educational Psychology with a specialization in Sport and Exercise Psychology from Florida State University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Oswego State University. In addition to teaching, her academic responsibilities at Morrisville include internship supervision, curriculum design, and laboratory maintenance. She has designed several online courses at SUNY Morrisville and serves on the advisory committee for online instruction.

When my journey into online teaching began more than ten years ago, I had trepidations that I wouldn’t be able to connect with my students in the same way I do in my face to face classes. In truth, it is not the same, but students’ knowledge continues to evolve, and the discussions that have transpired through my online experiences have been vibrant and positive. As I embrace the online setting and learn how to use the tools that various platforms offer, my skills improve and so do the skills of the students. Although I believe there is a certain type of student that will thrive best in an online environment, it is possible to engage anyone who is motivated to learn in this way. Teaching both face to face and online through the challenges that Covid-19 is presenting has been arduous, and at times has felt impossible. However, I strongly feel as though my strengths as an online educator allow myself and my students to continue to meet and often exceed learning objectives even within this trying time. I have by no means mastered online teaching, but I’m committed to offer students an online environment that will enrich their skills both professionally and personally.