Now into its third year, the MISC Outstanding Instructor Award for an exceptional course instructor at the Faculty of Information has been awarded by the Master of Information Student Council (MISC), for 2015, to Dr Colin Furness (MISt 1999, PhD 2010).
MI students, who choose t
he winner in an online vote, are asked to consider instructors’ knowledge and experience, as well as their ability to create a positive classroom environment, provide mentorship, and inspire students.
This year, the student community found these qualities in Dr Furness.
“Colin’s experience as a practitioner contributed to his engaging lectures, and provided us with invaluable insight into the field,” wrote MISC volunteer and student Mari Vihuri, in a nomination statement published on the MISC webpage. “Colin also treated his students with respect,” Vihuri added, “which his students returned in kind.”
MISC Representatives will present a framed certificate to Dr Furness at the iSchool’s Convocation Reception on June 12.
“Colin Furness brings practical knowledge, insightful comments, and a light hearted humour to all his classes, so it’s not surprising he is amongst the favourite instructors this year,” says Professor and Dean, Seamus Ross. “His professional experience outside of the Faculty just adds to his varied course work, which takes learning to a new level.”
For being nominated and winning, Colin comments, “In a school with such talented faculty, my receiving this award is a truly humbling honour.” He says the past year marked his first experience teaching a large first year course, as well as his first time teaching public health informatics. Furness was also the instructor for the very first Knowledge Media Design Capstone course offering, which gave students the opportunity to plan and execute a major, year-long project.
“Evidently I enjoy being in the classroom,” said Dr Furness. “As Frank Oppenheimer once said, ‘the best way to learn is to teach.’”
The nomination process for the MISC Outstanding Instructor Award begins each year in March. MI students may nominate any instructor who has taught at least one course at the iSchool. The recipient is selected based on an electronic vote in early April.
Congratulations Dr Furness, and to all the instructors who were nominated.
