Who's Who at OTS

Want the inside perspective from OTS? "Who's Who at OTS" is the place to find it. 

In this issue, Gloria Holland, director of Technology Support Services, candidly discusses the future of technology at Towson and how its ever-changing role affects her day-to-day life.  

Dr. Gloria Palumbo Holland
Director of Technology Support Services

Years at Towson and positions held:
I have been at Towson for almost nine years! In January 1996, I came to Towson and headed up the summer, minimester and off-campus programs. I transitioned into the Center for Instructional Advancement and Technology (CIAT) in January 1997 as TU's first instructional designer and then moved on to become the center's director. With the reorganization of OTS, I now serve as the director of Technology Support Services.

Describe your current job.
I serve as the interface between the TU community and technology applications and support that includes CIAT, Student Computing Services (SCS), Technology Training, Classroom Technology and Field Support.

What do you see as OTS' greatest accomplishment over the past year?
Our initiative to build a stronger collaborative partnership with the Towson community to better address and support technology needs.

How will technology change Towson University over the next five years?
With the new network and wireless structure in place, we will witness a surge in students' use of technology across campus. Using PDAs, tablets and laptops, students will be able to engage in learning from any location on campus and will be classmates with other students around the world. This, coupled with the strong growth of online learning, will change the way teaching and learning happen at TU.

Describe a typical day for you at OTS.
There is no typical day! Because technology issues often come without warning, most days take me in directions I could not plan. With the constant changes and updating that comes with technology, once we find a solution to one problem another four problems appear. However, the satisfaction of solving a problem, providing a solution and exploring new options is great.

What are your co-workers like?
Bright, talented and dedicated!

Dr. Holland has more than 27 years of experience designing and developing education programs for classroom, television, self-paced, computer-based and distance learning models. She is certified in three methods of instructional design; presents at national and international conferences; teaches graduate-level students in instructional design; and has earned advanced degrees in Adult Education, Instructional Systems Development and Leadership. In 1997 Dr. Holland received the Distinguished Research Award from NSU for the work she did on her dissertation.