Research Interests
- Developing appropriate and realistic supports, using the TPCK model as a framework, to help K-12 teachers integrate technology into their classrooms;
- Exploring the use of social media, user-centered tools, and collaborative tools to enhance teaching and learning; and
- Exploring the use of digital media as a learner-centered tool to aid understanding of content.
Selected Publications
Whitaker, S., Kinzie, M.B., Kraft-Sayre, M., Mashburn, A., & Pianta, R.C. (2006). Use and evaluation of web-based professional development services across levels of support. Early Childhood Education Journal, 34(3).
Kinzie, M.B., Whitaker, S., Neesen, K., Kelley, M., & Pianta, R.C. (2006). Innovating web-based professional development for teachers of at-risk preschool children. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 9(4).
Kinzie, M.B., Whitaker, S., & Hofer, M. (2005). Instructional uses of instant messaging (IM) during classroom lectures. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 8(2).
Glenn, A., & Whitaker, S. (2002). Open resources and public/private partnerships. CITEJournal 4(2).
Bull, G., Bull, G., & Whitaker, S. (2001). Web clippings. Learning and Leading with Technology, 28(5).
Selected Presentations / Articles in Refereed Proceedings
Whitaker, S., & Geyer, R. (2006). “Perpetual beta” in the virtual classroom. In Proceedings of Universitas 21 E-learning Conference 2006.
Whitaker, S., Kinzie, M., Neesen, K., & Kelley, M. (2005). Tech support requirements for large-scale technology innovation in teacher professional development. In G. Richards (Ed.), Proceedings of World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Health Care, and Higher Education 2005.
Neesen, K., Whitaker, S., & Kinzie, M. (2005). Educational video production to support teacher reflection and professional development. In G. Richards (Ed.), Proceedings of World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Health Care, and Higher Education 2005.
Kinzie, M., Whitaker, S., Neesen, K., Kelley, M., & Pianta, R. (2005). State-wide professional development & curricula for early childhood educators: design & infrastructure. In G. Richards (Ed.), Proceedings of World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Health Care, and Higher Education 2005.
Whitaker, S., & Hofer, M. (2003). Preparing teachers with technology: how far should we go? In Price, J., Willis, D., David, N., & Willis, J. (Eds.), Proceedings of SITE 2003.
Whitaker, S., & Kajder, S. (2003). Digital photography and visual images: storytelling and curricular connections. In Price, J., Willis, D., David, N., & Willis, J. (Eds.), Proceedings of SITE 2003.
Keynotes / Invited Presentations
“Seminal Readings in Technology and Teacher Education.” Invited panel discussion, SITE 2002.
“Integrating Technology Across Content Areas.” Keynote address for Project SERVE Sunray Academy, 2000.
Experience
Faculty Research Scientist, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. 2006-present.
Faculty Research Associate, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. 2003-2006.
Planned and taught the required graduate-level Instructional Design course sequence (EDLF 800, EDLF 801) and corresponding lab courses (EDLF 800L, EDLF 801L).
Planned and taught the graduate-level Digital Multimedia course (EDLF 703).
Planned and taught the required undergraduate Teaching with Technology course (EDLF 345).
Served as academic advisor for doctoral students’ programs of study and research agendas.
Served on dissertation committees, including duty as co-chair.
Technology Director, Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. 2003-present.
Planned, developed, deployed, and supported all technology utilized in multiple multi-million dollar research projects. Products included web-based supports; assessment tools; digital media; and administrative tracking systems. Affiliated grants included
Education Research and Development Centers (USDE/IES R305A060021)
Evaluation of Colorado Core Knowlege Schools (USDE/IES R305E090003A)
inCLASS Observation Scale (Spencer Foundation 201000064)
MyTeachingPartner (NIH 2 R01 HD046061-06)
MyTeachingPartner, Secondary Education (WTG 7372)
MyTeachingPartner, Math/Science (USDE/IES R305A070068)
National Center for Research on Early Childhood Education (USDE R305A060021)
Technology-Based Evaluation of Classroom Learning (NSF 08287153)
Supervised a team of instructional designers and multimedia and web developers.
Managed multiple high-stakes projects simultaneously and facilitated communication across projects.
Conducted instructional design needs assessments including usability testing to inform iterative design.
Collaborated across a wide range of content areas and disciplines.
Conducted original research for publication and inclusion in academic conferences and proceedings.
Co-director, Curry School Educational Technology Strand, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. 2001-2003.
Responsible for curriculum development for all undergraduate courses in instructional technology.
Fostered collaboration among technology instructors and methods faculty and developed of new initiatives related to the uses of technology in the classroom.
Graduate Instructor, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.. 1999-2003.
Developed and taught multiple sections of undergraduate and graduate courses in instructional technology, including technology sections of Teaching as a Profession (EDIS 288), Teaching with Technology (EDLF 345), Applied Teaching with Technology (EDLF 545), Software Applications in Education (EDLF 546), and Technology for Administrators (EDLF 846).
Planned and taught in-service professional development courses for K-12 teachers across the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Nominated for Outstanding Graduate Instructor, 2002.
