UHWO Professor Makes Technology Interesting And Practical

UH West Oahu associate professor Linda Randall recently was honored for her use of technology in the classroom. Photo from UH West Oahu.

By SHANNON ROSENBERG

University of Hawaii-West Oahu associate professor Linda Randall recently was recognized with the Outstanding Teaching with Laulima Award for her achievement in online instruction.

The award honors UHWO faculty for excellent use of technology in the classroom that enhances the student learning experience. Randall found new, innovative ways to facilitate effective online discussions for her Introduction to Business course.

“I was honored to receive the recognition for my integration of tech-

nology resources in my effort to best reach my students,” said Randall.

“I started integrating technology in the classroom back in the 1990s – when I had students in my class working with students in France. It’s a way for them to learn about culture, communication and different business environments.”

The students participated in exercises that replicated business situations that had them act in the role of a manager.

They were challenged with facing real-world occurrences and applying key business concepts, and also had the opportunity to communicate with students from other universities throughout the country via video conference.

She will be sharing her techniques next fall with her colleagues, who recognize her for creating a program that suits a variety of different learning styles and keeps first-year business students engaged.

“Dr. Linda Randall is one of the shining examples of quality instruction at UH West Oahu,” said chancellor Gene Awakuni.

“We take pride in offering distance-learning instruction of the highest caliber, and she does this by using online tools that keep her students engaged and interested in the coursework.”

Randall earned her bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from Swarthmore College, a master’s from Harvard Graduate School of Business and a doctoral degree in management from University of Massachusetts-Amherst.

Apart from her local achievements, she also has been an important faculty member at many other institutions, such as the universities of Rhode Island, Baltimore and Johns Hopkins.

A native of Baltimore, she currently commutes to the Pearl City campus from her home in Kaneohe.

Randall also volunteers at the Special Olympics’ Summer Games, Diamond Head Theatre and her church’s thrift store.