Kathleen Parson
NSF-DUE Program Director
Chemistry
Division of Undergraduate Education
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Blvd
Arlington, VA 22230
Arlington, VA 22230
Phone:
703-292-4653
FAX:
703-292-9015
http://www.nsf.gov/staff/staff_bio.jsp?lan=kparson&org=NSF
What are, to you, the key issues in creating learning resources that support your teaching style and your student's learning styles?
Learning resources must be flexible and versatile, easily searched and user friendly to support class and laboratory needs. For upper division courses, they should provide links and access to research publications and review of current topics.
What is your vision for the "textbook" of the future and what impediments do you see to realizing that vision? Texts and supplementary materials that are web-based should provide links to contemporary resources that provide information on updated state-of-the art methods and tools with applications and results, with appropriate use of video film clips, etc.
Describe briefly any research you have undertaken on teaching or learning. None, formally.
Have you created publicly accessible learning resources? I have collaborated on several molecular biology lab protocols and other supplements in the past, but do not have specific URLs at this time.
How would you like to contribute to the workshop? I have extensive experience in the college classroom and laboratory -- teaching biochemistry, genetics, virology and other molecular biology topics, as well as general chemistry. In my current role as an NSF Program Officer, I have reviewed many proposals dealing with curricular topics in chemistry. I would like to utilize my background to share insights I have gained.
What would you like to take away from the workshop? a better appreciation of the current status of efforts in providing learning materials for STEM students and potentially, a plan of action for further activities.
