Ben Tupper is OTD's Educational Technology Specialist. While his primary role is to administer our Learning Management System, he's a true magician in finding solutions to nearly every challenge that comes his way.
What is it about educational technology that drew you in?
I have always loved teaching and have been involved in education for many years. I have also always loved experimenting with technology, learning all I can about technological advancements. I serendipitously stumbled upon educational technology while pursuing my PhD, when I spent time helping our educational technologist and working with students and faculty to use technology effectively in their classrooms. After that, I was hooked! I found a job that let me stay in the world of education and experiment with technology to hopefully make the spaces where I work better as teaching and learning environments.
Tell us more about your role with OTD.
My main roles include administering our Learning Management System, Canvas, ensuring that it is running smoothly and that students and instructors can use it effectively. If I do my job well, Canvas supports and enhances teaching and learning. I also collaborate with faculty to integrate new technologies that align with their teaching style and course content. I provide photography and video editing services, as well as general support to the school community.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Problem-solving! I love trying to find solutions to problems that arise and experimenting with different technologies, tools, and workflows that will help solve them.
I get to spend my days working with technology and interacting with students and faculty. What's not to love?
What are the ways that your role helps students learn?
I believe that using technology effectively in the classroom can help students learn. I avoid using technology for the sake of it, but instead focus on how it can enhance the teaching and learning in our spaces. I enjoy helping students discover new tools they can use and working with our GAs to develop new workflows that streamline our work.
We know you do a lot of other interesting things, like safari photography…. What else do we need to know?
My experience as a safari guide in South Africa was unparalleled. I love being outdoors (which may seem incongruous for someone who also spends many hours in front of a computer, but it helps me find balance). I previously worked as an adventure guide in Alaska, leading kids of all ages on backcountry hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and other outdoor adventures. Check out Ben's professional photography site.
Although I consider myself an educator, I have never taught in a traditional school setting. I have taught at outdoor science schools in California, national parks in South Africa, and 4-H Centers on the coast of Georgia. I also love to play banjo!
What brings you personal joy?
Spending time with my family is my favorite thing to do. I love being silly with my sons, going on adventures, and seeing the world through their eyes. I am relatively new to North Carolina, so it is fun to explore all that this state has to offer with them.
My wife, Sarah, is also an educator and a former middle school teacher. We met on the first day of our PhD program during a book discussion group in orientation. My oldest son, James, is 5 and a half and loves to accompany me to work (especially to see Lindy and her treasure trove of fruit snacks). Caleb is 19 months old and wants to emulate everything his big brother does. There is never a dull moment, and every day I spend with them is a blessing.