Brace yourself. Sharon Smaldino recently was named LD and Ruth Morgridge endowed professor.

Wait, what the heck is that?

“My primary role is to provide leadership and opportunities to faculty, students and teachers in the integration of technology into the learning process,” she said. “I also am actively engaged in working with the NIU school district partnerships.”

Smaldino has a much broader definition of technology than most.

“Technology is not just hardware and software, but the utilization of the resources and tools to optimize learning opportunities,” she said. “As educators, our responsibilities include guiding students in their learning and to assess their success. Technology can provide the appropriate vehicles to accomplish those roles. We need to provide our instructors with a clear understanding of how to plan, implement and assess learning experiences for their students, integrating technologies that foster the quality of learning desired.”

Smaldino said technology really has enhanced teaching methods.

“The classroom is no longer confined to the four walls,” she said. “Learning can take place in a number of venues. Students can explore the Internet, experience course work without having to set foot in the school building and exchange ideas with teachers and other students from anywhere in the world. The role of the teacher has shifted from the knowledge source to the learning guide. Technology has allowed educators to expand the learning opportunities for their students in ways not available in the past. And, as technologies improve, so will the teachers’ ability to provide quality learning experiences for their students.”

Chris Sorensen, dean of NIU’s College of Education, has known Smaldino for years and said she brings a great depth of knowledge to NIU.

“Sharon is a wonderful addition to the College of Education,” she said. “She has a passion for education, and that comes through in everything she does.”

Besides her work with technology, Smaldino works with Illinois schools or districts in formal partnerships.

“Partnerships are an integral component of the NIU teacher education program,” she said. “Students can study theory and read about practice, but it is not as meaningful as when they are able to participate in the classroom. The partnerships are not limited to a place to put our students; they are opportunities for NIU faculty to be an active part of education. The faculty can work directly with classroom teachers to enhance their own practice and scholarship.”

As Smaldino catches NIU up on technology, she’s trying to catch up on NIU.

“NIU is an exciting place to work,” she said. “The faculty are dedicated to their students and to the pursuit of knowledge. As I venture into my second full month of being a member of the NIU faculty, I am still discovering new and interesting aspects of the campus resources for teaching and learning. I’m glad to be here and to be a part of a university where education is important.”