Discovery Learning Research Center Faculty Fellows

Deb Bennett

As the Director of the Assessment Research Center and faculty member in the Department of Educational Studies at Purdue, Dr. Bennett has been successful in obtaining funding for a variety of assessment and evaluation activities. She has been involved in the development of alternate assessment systems for students with low-incidence disabilities and other learning needs. Her professional portfolio includes research related to the development, application, and expansion of evaluation models. Dr. Bennett currently teaches courses and advises graduate students in program development and evaluation methodologies. She has also been involved in the development of web-based assessment systems, the development of a prototype for the secure electronic storage and transmission of educational data, and the creation of modules for teaching assessment strategies and techniques to preservice teachers. Dr. Bennett is currently engaged in a number of interdisciplinary assessment and evaluation activities through the Discovery Learning Research Center, including the NSF funded Indiana Interdisciplinary GK-12 Project, the NSF funded CCLI Collaborative Research Project, and the NASA funded Indiana Space Grant Consortium.

James Mohler

Contact Info:
KNOY Hall
401 North Grant Street
West Lafayette, IN 47907
Phone: (765) 494-9089
Email: jlmohler@purdue.edu
URL: http://www2.tech.purdue.edu/cgt/facstaff/jlmohler/

In addition to serving as a faculty fellow in the DLC, Dr. Mohler is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Graphics Technology and a faculty fellow for the Envision Center for Perceptualization. He has authored, co-authored, or contributed to over 21 texts related to computer graphics, multimedia, and hypermedia development and he has also authored over 52 articles for academic and trade publications. Dr. Mohler's focus is on the use of interactive media for learning (both formal and informal). Most recent work has focused on the use of mobile devices for learning, the creation and assessment of learning objects, and novel approaches to informal learning.

Eric Riggs

Contact Info:
Felix Haas Hall, Suite 202
250 North University Street
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2066
CRESME: (765) 494-2781
Research Office: (765) 496-1974
URL: http://www.education.purdue.edu/cresme/ and
http://www.purdue.edu/eas/academic_programs/graduate/online_cd/geoscience_ed.htm

Eric Riggs is Co-Director of the Center for Research and Engagement in Science and Mathematics Education at Purdue University and Associate Professor in the Departments of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and Curriculum & Instruction.  He is the Vice President and President-Elect of the National Association of Geoscience Teachers. Riggs is a member of the Earth System Science Education research group at Purdue University.  Riggs and his graduate students study many related aspects of field-based teaching and learning in the geosciences, focusing on issues of geoscience knowledge construction, spatial cognition related to geoscience expertise, and cross-cultural education. Riggs is the co-founder of the Indigenous Earth Sciences Project, based at Purdue since 2006, which is a research and outreach effort working to make geoscience education accessible and useful to Native Americans across North America.  Riggs' scientific research is in the area of rock deformation, structural geology, and mineral physics.

Karl Smith

Karl A. Smith is Cooperative Learning Professor of Engineering Education, Department of Engineering Education, and Fellow, Discovery Learning Research Center at Purdue University West Lafayette. He has been at the University of Minnesota since 1972 and is in phased retirement as Morse-Alumni Distinguished Teaching Professor of Civil Engineering. Karl has worked with thousands of faculty all over the world on pedagogies of engagement, especially cooperative learning, problem-based learning, and constructive controversy. He has co-written eight books including Cooperative learning:  Increasing college faculty instructional productivity; Strategies for energizing large classes: From small groups to learning communities; and Teamwork and project management, 3rd Ed.

William Watson

Contact Info:
Beering Hall of Liberal Arts and Education
100 North University Street
West Lafayette, IN 47907
Phone: (765) 494-9735
Email: brwatson@purdue.edu
URL: http://research.education.purdue.edu/people/people.asp?id=755

Bill Watson is an Assistant Professor in the Educational Technology Program in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Purdue University. He has a Bachelor's degree in English, a Masters in Information Science, and a Ph.D. in Education from Indiana University. Bill is the Director of the newly formed Purdue Center for Serious Games and Learning in Virtual Environments. His research interests include advanced technologies for information age instruction, with a focus on the design of educational video games, and systemic change in education.