Open SUNY Online Teaching Ambassador 2017 – Hudson Valley: Elissa Baker

Elissa M. Baker received her M.S. in Education from SUNY Potsdam and her B.S. in Technical Communications from Clarkson University. She is currently an Online Learning Support Specialist/Instructional Designer in the Hudson Valley Community College Center for Distance and Online learning. In this role she co-authors the Pedagogy of Effective Online Course Design and Delivery training course, creates documentation for students, faculty, and staff, and supports end-user functionality of the campus LMS (Blackboard).

As a faculty member, my “Technology in the Classroom” online course, taught for the HVCC Teacher Preparation dept., is an Open SUNY COTE Exemplar Course. Additionally, I teach “Computer Concepts and Applications”, in the classroom and online, for the Computing and Information Sciences Department. Previously, I taught “Strategies for Successful Online Learning”, online, through the Individual Studies dept.

Since 1997, I have been involved in Internet strategies and web design project management. My student interest in the Internet spearheaded the early inclusion of this communication platform into the Technical Communications program at Clarkson University. This, in part, led to the specific programs in Communication and Digital Arts & Sciences currently available. Aware of the potential of the Internet, and the opportunities it could provide learners in particular, I transferred my early adoption, web development skills and knowledge of the Internet, into a career in online learning.

Since 2003, I have been working in the fields of academic technology and faculty development, focusing primarily on distance and online learning since 2006. My perspective has been informed by multiple roles of engagement with online learning. I have been an online student, an online faculty member, provided technical support to both students and faculty, and shared my experiences and knowledge by training those new to online learning.

I look forward to sharing my knowledge and experience of online teaching and learning with others, as a COTE Teaching Ambassador.