Barbara Taylor

Adjunct Associate Professor Emerita of Computing Sciences

Duke, office 101D 2320 Campus Box Elon, NC 27244

Brief Biography

Teacher

I have been teaching at Elon University for a long time, initially teaching biology, then getting interested in computers back when they were very large and working for a few years as Director of Academic Computing where one of my many tasks was teaching faculty how to use the first personal computers we had on campus - dinosaurs now - the computers, that is, not the faculty.

I then returned to teaching students, initially courses for computer science majors and computer application courses for majors from all areas on campus, and finally found my home teaching undergraduate and graduate courses for prospective and current teachers aimed at helping them make effective and appropriate use of technology to enhance teaching and learning.

Technology support

Prior to retiring in 2016, in addition to teaching, I also enjoyed working with faculty and teacher candidates as they learn to use and incorporate technology in teaching and learning. During 2012-13, I was on sabbatical and spent time working with and visiting in K-12 schools to both learn from and provide support to technology-using classroom teachers. Those experiences enriched my teaching and my students' learning.

Check out my public lists of bookmarked sites in Diigo.

Courses Taught

CIS 220 - Technology in Teaching and Learning (formerly Computers and Teaching) - taken by students seeking K-12 teacher licensure through Elon's teacher education program.
MED 523 - Instructional Technologies in the Classroom - for experienced K-12 teachers enrolled in Elon's Master of Education program.

Personal Information

Photograph courtesy of Barbara Tyroler

Even though I’ve worked at Elon all of my adult life, my Elon tree has many branches. My roots were in teaching biology, and I will always be in awe of how living things function and evolve.

My love of challenges and problem solving led me to branch into computing. As computers became smaller, more powerful, and more accessible, I had great fun teaching colleagues how to tap that power, abandon their typewriters, and learn to love their new-fangled personal computers.

Soon I found myself back in the classroom teaching computing courses and finally finding my current niche helping students and professors find ways to tap the ever-evolving power of technology to facilitate teaching and learning. I love learning new things, and technology is a rapidly changing field that satisfies that love of learning every day. The joy of learning something new is only surpassed by seeing that joy and wonder in others when they finally “get it.”

When I’m not tinkering with technology, my favorite place to be is outside where I return to my roots and continue to be amazed at the wonders of the living world through camping, hiking, biking, and gardening.