Ferguson Center for Technology-Aided Teaching and Learning

William C. Ferguson

Established in 1996, the Center accepted the mission of promoting the effective use of technology in the service of teaching and learning. Since then the center has grown and evolved. The Ferguson Center is now home to the Education Department’s Learning Café, a fully equipped computer and media-enabled space that flexibly supports problem-based learning and group work. The Ferguson Center staff, using the resources of the Learning Café, supports Education Department courses, activities, and student field experiences. The Center also collaborates with other organizations and institutions for the development and implementation of instructional technology.

The Ferguson Center for Technology-Aided Teaching and Learning at Albion College is named for its founder and benefactor, William C. Ferguson, former CEO of NYNEX. Mr. Ferguson graduated from Albion College in 1952 with a degree in mathematics education. His career took him into the field of technology, specifically communications. The purpose of the Ferguson Center is to bridge the gap of using technology in the K-12 classroom within the context of the education of teachers. Technology abounds; however, the intent of the Ferguson Center is to integrate technology and curriculum for the benefit of student learning and teacher modeling. Mr. Ferguson was formerly a member of the Board of Trustees of Albion College, and served as president of the College in an interim capacity during the 1995-96 academic year.

Dr. Eric Dickens is the Director of the Ferguson Center for Technology-Aided Teaching and Learning where he assists faculty and students with effectively integrating educational technology into their instructional practices. Throughout his career in K-12 and higher education, Eric has been driven by a passion for equity and social justice, examining ways various technologies can be used to support specific learning needs of diverse learners and culturally relevant and sustaining practices. His recent scholarship focuses on digital tools and innovative practices to support English Learners.