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Sarah Kunze
Retired Instructional Designer (Freelance)
Professional Background
Sarah Kunze is a dedicated professional with a strong passion for educational technology and instructional design. She has devoted her career to enhancing the academic mission of institutions by supporting faculty and students through innovative technology solutions. With a rich background serving in various roles at Colgate University, Sarah has been instrumental in the development and implementation of strategies that align technology with pedagogical goals. Her work with the Learning and Applied Innovations team, formerly known as Academic Technologies, epitomizes her commitment to fostering an environment where technology enhances teaching, learning, and course design.
In her role with the Learning and Applied Innovations team, Sarah engages proactively with faculty members to understand their teaching styles, coursework, and scholarly pursuits. This collaboration allows her to offer tailored support that not only optimizes the use of technology in educational settings but also aligns with the broader objectives of the university. By providing valuable resources and consultation, she helps colleagues explore and incorporate digital techniques into their teaching and projects, thereby enriching the learning experience for students and faculty alike.
Education and Achievements
Sarah's educational journey laid the foundation for her expertise in instructional design and technology. She attended the prestigious American School of Paris for her high school education, which provided her with a solid grounding in college preparatory studies. Following this, she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Computer & Information Science at SUNY Polytechnic Institute, where she deepened her knowledge of technology and its applications in various fields. Her academic background was further enhanced with a Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, equipping her with the necessary skills to design effective instructional materials and learning experiences.
Her commitment to professional growth and innovation is evidenced by her various roles within Colgate University. Initially serving as a Senior Instructional Technologist and later as an Instructional Designer, Sarah focused on integrating technology into various aspects of teaching and learning processes. Her experience as a Computer Lab Teaching Assistant at New Hartford Central Schools also provided her with a unique perspective on the educational landscape, which she utilized to inform her approach to instructional design and technology integration.
Notable Achievements
Sarah has played a crucial role in promoting the integration of digital learning environments at Colgate University. One of her key contributions has been the identification and evaluation of emerging technologies that have the potential to enhance the fields of teaching and learning within a liberal arts context. This forward-thinking approach not only puts Colgate University at the forefront of educational innovation but also establishes her as a thought leader in the area of instructional design and technology.
Moreover, Sarah is committed to fostering a culture of collaboration within the academic community. By promoting communication between faculty, technologists, librarians, and students, she ensures that all stakeholders can leverage technology effectively to enhance educational experiences. In addition, her role includes providing seed funding and support for faculty who wish to explore the use of technology in their teaching endeavors, demonstrating her dedication to empowering educators.
In her pursuit of excellence, Sarah highlights and shares the innovative work of faculty members, both within Colgate and in the wider liberal arts academic community. This sharing of knowledge and best practices allows for the collective advancement of educational tactics and reinforces the value of technology in scholarly work.
Conclusion
Sarah Kunze’s steadfast commitment to enhancing educational experiences through technology and her proactive engagement with the academic community truly set her apart in the field of instructional design. Her impressive educational background, paired with her professional experiences at Colgate University and beyond, underscore her expertise in this dynamic field. Through her collaborative efforts and innovative strategies, Sarah continues to make significant contributions to the evolution of teaching and learning in the digital age, ensuring that technology serves as a powerful ally in achieving educational goals.
