Tradition and tech
MINOT, N.D. – Can passions for emerging technology and medieval literature coexist?
Robert Norman answers that question with a resounding yes.
“They’re both just natural interests, I’ve always been a literature person and I fell in love with programming and databases and management systems,” the Minot State Center for Extended Learning (CEL) director said. “I just refuse to choose between the two.”
Upon entering his office, the juxtaposition is immediate, with computer science textbooks and books full of prose splayed across his desk.
“I always like to teach an adjunct class, usually it’s English classes,” he said. “I’m teaching an online English class right now and had the opportunity to teach a class in computer science this semester, too.”
His education path — a bachelor’s in English, master’s in English and computer science, and a doctorate in educational technology — also highlights his two passions.
“A lot of people have never seen that combo, and they may never see it again,” he said.
As CEL director, Norman oversees a variety of areas on campus including online learning, MSU at Minot Air Force Base, the Office of Instructional Technology, dual credit, adult learning, and continuing education. His past work experiences, from academic dean at a military college to course designer with an emphasis on learning management systems to director of distance learning, made the position at Minot State the right fit.
“They were looking to grow online and hybrid courses and that’s exactly what I was wanting to do. I always look for opportunities where we can have those different modes. Not just online, but online synchronous, hybrid, anything we can do to make it more flexible,” he said. “I’ve always been in love with that idea — more flexibility, offering classes in whatever way people need it in.
“I think it’s amazing. If we can offer a class for students in a mode where they wouldn’t have been here otherwise, that’s a great day for me.”
Serving as an adjunct instructor also allows Norman the chance to see campus in an important light.
“It’s hard to know an institution well if you don’t have a relationship with the students,” he said. “In my regular job, I communicate with students here and there, but not at the level you do as a faculty member. I think seeing them, talking to them, knowing what they’re concerned about, what they’re excited about, it really gives me a better perspective on my job and the institution.”
Norman arrived in Minot on what he calls COVID-eve. One of his first tasks was transitioning the entire campus to full online learning following Spring Break 2020.
“I look at it as I got here at exactly the right time,” he said. “Some people might think the wrong time. Me, I thought it was the right time because I was put into a situation where I really got to talk to people about online learning and how to do it in a hurry. Rather than incrementally convincing people to go online, it was just Band-Aid off, we’re all online.
“Working with CEL, the people in my department, they were amazing during that period. They were holding trainings; they were developing resources around the clock. They did a lot of heaving lifting during that time.”
As campus, and life, transitioned back to near-normal following the height of the pandemic, the Berlin, Georgia native has been able to explore his new home and see the community in a new light, including learning how to ice skate.
“I really missed campus life the first year so I’m really happy to see everything come back,” he said. “My family really enjoys Minot.”
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
| Published: 11/08/21 |
