SUNY Online Teaching Ambassador 2024: Empire – Karin FitzGerald

Karin FitzGerald has been working with online, adult learners at Empire State University since 2009, as a lecturer, Faculty mentor, and most recently the Academic Coordinator for the online Human Development courses.  Her background consists of a BS in Psychology and an MS in Child Development and Early Childhood Education. Before working in higher education, Karin spent 20+ years working with children and young adults in various educational settings; private schools, special education, children with autism, educational therapy programs, and preschool programs.

As a faculty mentor and instructor for educational planning, I try to help students transition from just selecting courses for a degree plan, to understanding and reflecting on their personal, academic, and professional goals. The educational planning process provides students with the tools to create and explain their degree and fully grasp how it will prepare them for their future.

I use my expertise to put the necessary resources in the hands of the students and to be sure students are well-equipped to find and evaluate the resources they need to answer their questions. I believe learning needs to be student-centered in the online environment and that students need to be equal partners in the learning process. My teaching practices should empower students to take ownership of their education and help them realize that they are responsible for their learning outcomes to achieve academic success.

In my teaching of online human development courses, I incorporate various discussion questions to keep the online discussion stimulating and to address the multiple backgrounds and interests of my adult learners.  Regardless of content, I believe students should leave their courses with skills that they will use in their everyday lives. These basic skills include problem-solving and critical thinking, research and writing proficiency, and effective communication ability.

In my role as Academic Coordinator, I work with faculty, instructors, and developers to revise and develop human development courses. The challenge of any online course is to keep the content relevant and engaging for all students. I strive for a welcoming environment to accommodate a variety of adult learning styles and I encourage students to present their opinions while respecting the opinions of others. By giving students a voice in class, not only do the students benefit from peer-to-peer learning by enriching the course material with personal experiences and knowledge, but they also take responsibility for their learning and, therefore, enhance the integration of their new knowledge into practice.