Charles E. Watson named associate director of Center for Instructional Development and Educational Research

4 Jun 2010

Charles E. Watson of Radford, Va., currently the director of professional development and strategic initiatives within Learning Technologies at Virginia Tech, has been named the university’s associate director of the Center for Instructional Development and Educational Research.

In his new position, Watson will provide university-wide leadership in the areas of teaching, learning, faculty development, and the scholarship of teaching and learning. Specifically, he will focus on developing an awareness and value of the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL), as well as a program for the active support SoTL research at Virginia Tech. In addition, he will provide leadership in the design, development, and implementation of learner-centered teaching and learning university wide.

"He has exceptional knowledge of teaching and learning in higher education and extraordinary skills in assisting faculty in developing effective learner-centered instruction" said Peter Doolittle, director of the Center for Instructional Development and Educational Research. "Eddie's vision and technical skills will enhance the development of the center and Virginia Tech as leaders in pedagogical practice and research in higher education today."

Watson began working at Virginia Tech in 1997 managing the College of Arts and Sciences' (currently the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences) Video Distance Learning system and serving as the instructional design and technology specialist for the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures. In 1998 he joined Learning Technologies, eventually becoming director of professional development and strategic initiatives.

He received dual bachelor's degrees in English and statistics, a master's degree in English, and a Ph.D. in instructional design and technology, all from Virginia Tech.