The many voices of this blog include...
Annette McNamara
I enjoy working collaboratively to integrate technology into the design and development of effective, efficient teaching and learning experiences. Through consultation, I am able to help clarify instructional needs; design and develop technology-enhanced solutions; evaluate instructional effectiveness, and develop continuous improvement plans.
My professional interests include learning that is authentic and related to real-life; the narrative arc of learning design; and using technology for increased efficiency in teaching and learning.
Khaled Musa
As an Academic Technologist, I consult with faculty and staff about technology tools with a lens on how to create an accessible and inclusive learning environment. My background is in auditing and testing websites, applications, and programs for compliance using a variety of assistive technologies.
I develop courses and presentations that help instructors ensure their courses are accessible to all students. With OIT’s User Experience team, I contributed to the Digital Accessibility Badging Program that helps all members of the University community understand the importance of accessibility.
August Schoen
I try to take an inclusive pedagogical approach to my instructional design role when supporting instructors. I love brainstorming on new ways to engage students with course content (and each other and technology tools).
I often lead our team’s (ATSS) work with the usability lab where we explore Canvas. More recently during the pandemic, we’ve done focus groups with students (2020 Remote Learning Experiences, 2021 - Building Momentum from Remote Teaching) and instructors (Instructor Reflections 2021).
Connect with me via email.
Sonja Froyen
I am a business analyst and one of two LMS Administrators for Canvas at the University of Minnesota. I love digging in, learning, and mastering Canvas functions, then translating that knowledge into usable insights for instructors. My world is data and tech but I have a heart for Liberal Arts.
Yelena Yan
I work with University faculty and staff to design media-rich learning experiences for students and promote responsible and thoughtful integration of technology into instructional practice. My educational background is in Educational Psychology, Learning, and Cognition/Educational Technology focus. I have more than 18 years of academic technology support and instructional design experience developing academic and non-credit (face-to-face, blended, and online) courses, planning and implementing professional development and lifelong learning opportunities, creating multimedia learning objects, and designing multidisciplinary resources for teaching and learning.