Tim Newby is Professor of Educational Technology at Purdue University. He teaches introductory courses in educational technology, as well as advanced courses in foundations of instructional design theory, instructional strategies, and motivation
and instructional design. He is a member of the university’s Teaching Academy and was inducted into its “Book of Great Teachers.” His primary research efforts are directed toward examining the impact of learning and instructional strategies on
students’ learning and toward defining/investigating instructional conditions that foster and support the development
of expert learners. Tim is particularly interested in the use of Web 2.0 technologies and their potential impact on learning.
Don Stepich is currently Associate Professor in the Instructional and Performance Technology Department at Boise State University, where he teaches courses in instructional design, learning theory, and needs assessment. As an instructional designer, Don is interested in the use of interactive strategies to help students learn and in the improvement of instructional
materials through continuous evaluation. He is particularly interested in how individuals become experts in a professional discipline, case-based instruction, and the use of analogies in learning. In a former life, Don was a professional social worker in a variety of mental health and private counseling practices. In fact, it was his counseling work that led him into education. He found that he was spending a lot of time teaching assertiveness, active listening, and communication skills, which led him back
to school to study learning and instructional design.
Jim Lehman is Professor of Educational Technology and currently serves as the Associate Dean for Discovery and Faculty Development in the College of Education at Purdue University. He teaches classes on the educational applications of computers,
integration and management of computers in education, interactive multimedia, and distance learning. He is a member of the university’s Teaching Academy and was inducted into its “Book of Great Teachers.” His research interests include integration
of computer technology into science education, interactive multimedia design, and online learning. He directed a PT3
implementation project at Purdue focused on enhancing preservice teachers’ preparation to use technology, and he
has been involved in projects related to online learning, STEM education, and computer science education. In his
spare time, Jim likes to bike, garden, and do home repairs.
Jim Russell is Professor Emeritus of Educational Technology at Purdue University and former Visiting Professor at Florida State University. Jim started his teaching career as a high school mathematics and physics teacher. The Purdue University
Teaching Academy has recognized him as a fellow and has honored him for exemplary work. He is also a member of Purdue’s “Book of Great Teachers.” His specialty areas are presentation skills and using media and technology in classrooms. Jim enjoys
building plastic models and operating his HO-scale model railroad in his spare time. His wife, Nancy, is a nurse; their married daughter, Jennifer, is a high school guidance counselor; and their son-in-law, Lance, works for Lilly Pharmaceuticals. Jim and Nancy’s granddaughter, Lauren, is a true joy in their lives.