Appointment of TLTR Faculty Chair

The Office of the Provost and the Teaching, Learning, and Technology Center (TLTC) are pleased to announce Renee Robinson, Ph.D., professor in the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media, has been appointed as the Teaching, Learning and Technology Roundtable (TLTR) Faculty Chair. Robinson joined Seton Hall in 2016 and since that time has served as interim dean of the former College of Communication and the Arts, chair of the Department of Communication and the Arts, as well as director of Graduate Studies of the M.A. in Communication.  Currently, as the director of Oral Communication Competencies, Robinson is leading the course revision of the multi-section course, Oral Communication, to include digital and cultural literacy learning outcomes.

As a scholar, Robinson possesses two areas of expertise, instructional communication and organizational communication, both as they intersect with technology, training and development, and communication competency in educational and workplace settings. She has published in the areas of assessment, communication instruction and pedagogy, computer-mediated and digital communication, and mobile learning. Her scholarship agenda has produced numerous articles, book chapters, and books coupled with national, international, and regional presentations. Her most recent publication involves Generation Z and communication in the postsecondary classroom which culminated in an edited book titled, Communication instruction in the Gen Z classroom: Educational explorations. She is currently revising her scholarship agenda to align with the academic profile of the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media to focus on the area of communication education as it relates to course, instructional, and pedagogical design involving accessibility, inclusivity, and technological tools promoting student engagement and learning. 

Over her two-year term as TLTR Faculty Chair, Robinson will work closely with co-chair, Paul Fisher, associate chief information officer and director of the Teaching, Learning and Technology Center, to align Seton Hall’s digital transformation with the University’s strategic priorities, making recommendations to the Provost on the major challenges, opportunities and trends in technology integration in higher education. At the forefront of these discussions will be the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and its inevitable impact on teaching and learning. 

“I am especially thrilled to serve as the TLT Center Faculty Fellow and TLT Roundtable Faculty Chair during this exciting time when digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, ChatGPT, and other cyber tools like virtual and mixed realities are emerging as rich areas of research that also promote opportunities to influence the teaching-learning process,” said Robinson.

Faculty, administrators, and students are invited to actively participate in the TLTR by joining one of its subcommittees, including the newly formed Artificial Intelligence Committee. This working group will conduct thorough research on AI's effects on teaching practices, academic integrity, and the technology's limitations. The findings will be instrumental in informing the development of comprehensive policies governing AI use within the University. Additionally, the committee will curate best practices for seamlessly integrating AI into teaching and learning processes, keeping abreast of emerging AI technologies for education and implementing effective AI detection measures. Furthermore, the committee will explore the broader societal impact of AI, particularly its influence on the future of work and how Seton Hall can effectively prepare graduates for an AI-infused future. Those interested in learning more and/or joining the TLTR are encouraged to complete the online interest form.

Regarding the vision of the work ahead for the TLTR in the upcoming years, Robinson added, “We have the occasion to create interdisciplinary programs that could tackle some of the complex issues involving how we think, learn, and work with these technologies. These same programs could better prepare students for a changing work world that will continue to evolve and build upon technological advancements. Consequently, the academy is at a unique crossroads to forge the way in how communities and societies ethically utilize various digital tools in our daily lives. Seton Hall is postured to facilitate these conversations and to initiate research activities that align with our institutional mission and one that I hope to pursue with campus colleagues in my new role as TLT Center Faculty Fellow and TLT Roundtable Faculty Chair.”

The Teaching Learning Technology Roundtable, established in 1995, is a consortium of faculty, administrators and students that meets regularly in action teams to discuss institutional issues related to teaching, learning, and technology. Sponsored by the Office of the Provost and the Department of Information Technology, the TLT Roundtable makes recommendations in support of the University’s Strategic Plan as outlined by stake holders such as the Faculty Senate, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Student Government Association, the Department of Information Technology, and other key organizations or groups across the University. 

Categories: Science and Technology