SUNY Online Teaching Ambassador 2025: Farmingdale – Qinghai (John) Gao

Dr. Qinghai (John) Gao is a Professor in the Department of Computer Security at FSC. He has extensive college teaching experience. Dr. Gao taught full-time in China University of Petroleum for six years from 1992 to 1998. From 1998 to 2007 he taught as an Adjunct Instructor in Brooklyn College, Lehman College, NYC College of Technology, College of Staten Island, and York College. 

Dr. Gao joined Farmingdale State College in 2009. At Farmingdale, Dr. Gao has developed ten new courses and taught fourteen different ones, nine of which he developed and taught online.

Dr. Gao has broad research experience with fingerprint recognition, Computer Security, and Cryptography. He has published one book and numerous articles. His present research interests include Biometrics, Cybersecurity, Elliptic Curve Cryptography, and Post-Quantum Cryptography. 

Being an Online Teaching Instructor has been an incredibly rewarding journey, one that has allowed me to not only expand my own teaching practices but also help shape my students’ ways of learning in a digital space. The flexibility and accessibility of online teaching have transformed how I connect with students and share knowledge. No longer confined to a traditional classroom setting, online platforms provide the opportunity to engage with students from diverse backgrounds and geographical locations, fostering an inclusive learning environment. Through this mode of instruction, I’ve discovered innovative ways to adapt my teaching style, integrate multimedia resources, and employ interactive tools that keep students engaged and motivated.

The ability to use various online tools—discussion boards, video lectures, quizzes, and collaborative workspaces—has enabled me to create a rich, dynamic learning experience. These tools not only enhance learning but also give students greater control over their educational journey. They can learn at their own pace, revisit material as needed, and engage in discussions at times that are most convenient for them. This asynchronous component offers a level of flexibility that traditional classrooms often cannot match, making education more accessible to non-traditional learners, working professionals, and those with other commitments.

While there are certainly challenges—navigating technology, fostering engagement in an online space, and ensuring that every student’s needs are met—the rewards have far surpassed the difficulties. As an Online Teaching Ambassador, I’m excited to continue learning, sharing insights with fellow educators, and advocating for the continued growth of online learning. It’s an incredible time to be involved in education, and I look forward to contributing to the ongoing evolution of teaching and learning in the digital age.