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VSC Team Members

Dr. Richard E. Ferdig:

Dr. Ferdig’s research centers on combining cutting-edge technology with current pedagogic theory to create innovative learning environments. He is an associate professor and university research foundation professor in Educational Technology at the University of Florida, where he co-directs the EdTech Online Program.

Dr. Erik W. Black:

Dr. Black’s research blends contemporary psychological and pedagogical theory in the analysis of quantitative data derived from technology rich environments. He is a doctoral fellow at the University of Florida in the educational technology program.

Dr. Cathy Cavanaugh:

Dr. Cavanaugh is an Associate Professor of educational technology in the School of Teaching and Learning, where she teaches in the areas of instructional design, distance education, and technology integration in classrooms. Her funded research includes studies of classroom technology and professional development in Florida schools, effective practices in virtual schools, online science materials, and online course design. Her primary research interests are in indicators of quality in distance education, service learning in teacher education, and teacher leadership with classroom technology.

Ms. Kim Mulkey:

Ms. Mulkey has spent her career in technology and education. In 2007, Ms. Mulkey retired from BellSouth where she was responsible for the technology initiatives for the BellSouth Foundation. Previously in her career with BellSouth, she held positions such as industry manager for education responsible for the development and management of this market, application software analyst, designer and programmer; and sales support representative to large business customers. Before coming to BellSouth, she was a high school teacher in Georgia. Ms. Mulkey is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. She has served as a board member for Consortium for School Networking, Partnership for 21st Century Skills, NC Center for Math, Science and Technology Board Member.

Mr. Nathaniel Poling:

Mr. Poling is a first year doctoral student in the UF educational technology program. He is interested in researching the wide-ranging implications of virtual worlds and massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs) as they pertain to education and training.

Mr. Brian Trutschel:

Mr Trutschel is a 2nd year PhD student in the College of Education: Curriculum & Instruction (Reading). He has a B.S. in Exceptional Student Education and a M.Ed. in Reading Education. He comes to the University of Florida after gaining experience from teaching in middle and high school settings in Orlando, Florida. His research interests center around reading achievement and background knowledge, technology and literacy instruction, and remediation of students with inadequate background knowledge and/or having been considered to have a low socio-economic status.