Colorado Tech Online Faculty
Meet Dr. Stephan Reynolds
School of Information Technology
Dr. Stephan Reynolds, an instructor through Colorado Tech Online, has a very clear and concise response if asked what is most rewarding about teaching for him and what he has learned from it, "Above all, observing student's success and discovering that I too can learn from students are the most rewarding and enlightening aspects of teaching." Getting results like that takes knowledge, experience, dedication and an educational philosophy that works. Dr. Reynolds brings all of the above to the virtual classrooms that he facilitates through Colorado Tech Online.
Dr. Reynolds brings an extensive educational background to the courses he facilitates through Colorado Tech Online. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics from LaGrange College, a Master of Science in Organizational Behavior from National Technological University (now Walden University), and a Doctor of Education in Computing and Information Technology from Nova Southeastern University. His doctoral dissertation was entitled "Development of a Strategic Plan for the Integration of College Computer Services and Library Services."
Dr. Reynolds also has a wide array of professional experience. "I have worked as a vice president at five colleges and universities during the past two decades, serving as the technology CIO for those institutions as well as an adjunct faculty member. Prior to academia, I worked at NASA as a senior computer systems designer on the Space Shuttle Program. I have also worked as a purchasing manager in business and manufacturing environments. I served eight years in the United States Marines, working both as a deceptive electronic countermeasure devices technician during the Vietnam War and as a security guard at various US embassies abroad. I have also worked as a paramedic closer to home."
In the academic profession alone, Dr. Reynolds has 14 years of experience in every level of post-secondary education. "I instruct a wide variety of information technology, business, e-commerce, and project management courses at various traditional and online colleges and universities. I instruct at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral level."
Considering all this experience, it is interesting to note what stands out for Dr. Reynolds. "When I worked as a paramedic in my 20's, I can remember every run and the adrenalin rush I felt. The few moments of highs I had knowing I could help or save someone more than compensated for the lows of waiting around for a call. In a sense, I feel the same way when I see a student succeed and hear those "I get it!" moments. When I get complementary emails or any sort of 'kudos' from students, I still show them to my wife. The feeling that I have made a difference in a student's life is the most rewarding part of teaching for me, because those moments are the high point of teaching."
With experience in both online and traditional classrooms, Dr. Reynolds has tailored his educational philosophy to fit the Virtual Campus with Colorado Tech Online like hand in glove. "In an online environment, one of the best techniques I have found is simply listening to students, letting them know you care. It is that teacher-student connection which helps motivate students in the virtual classroom environment. I believe teaching is a form of customer service, in which the teacher creates and facilitates a learning environment that motivates the students to learn and supports them in this learning process. Instead of focusing on a particular teaching technique, I believe the teacher should utilize different tools to stimulate maximum learning in the students."
Dr. Reynolds feels that the Virtual Campus offered through Colorado Tech Online is unique in that it provides tools that can address every learning style. "My experience has taught me that students learn best if they are active participants in the learning process. When I teach, I use strategies that facilitate student learning, rather than simply transmitting information one-way (teacher to student). I use visual aids such as power point presentations and the white board to address the visual learners. I direct students to the online library and show then how to use the research databases that Colorado Tech Online provides. I also believe in using questions to engage and involve students in the learning process. Whenever possible, I will move around the class to promote interaction among students. I will introduce questions that allow them to express their ideas and thoughts. These practices help to increase their independence in acquiring knowledge and helps develop their communication and interpersonal skills, both of which are important for professional success."
With all the dedication and thought that Dr. Reynolds put into teaching, one may think that free time is a precious commodity for him. It may be, but he has a very therapeutic approach to that. "My wife Tricia and I have raised four wonderful children. Currently complimenting my passion for teaching is my love for antiquing and for woodworking. In other words, when my work on the computer is done I go back to basics and make sawdust. I purchased an old house in a historic, bucolic area of Green Bay, Wisconsin that is a perfect setting for my antiques and woodworking. My hobbies provide a wonderful contrast when I want to get away from technology, because when I log on again, I feel refreshed and ready to go."
Dr. Reynolds is a truly dedicated professional – dedicated to helping current and potential students at Colorado Tech Online perform to the utmost of their abilities and succeed in their professions. "If you want a truly rewarding educational experience, then Colorado Tech Online will become one of the best investments of your life."
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