Boise State EdTech Connection
In Memorium
Dr. Connie Wyzard dies of cancer; scholarship established in her name Connie Wyzard, emeritus professor in the Department of Educational Technology, died Dec. 7 at her home after a long illness. She resigned from the department last summer. “Connie was a productive scholar and an exemplary faculty member during her entire 19-year career at Boise State University,” said Diane Boothe, dean of the College of Education. Ross Vaughn, interim EdTech chair and assistant dean, said, “Wyzard was one of the original members of the EdTech Department and contributed greatly over the years to the success of the department and its programs.” A former associate chair of EdTech, Wyzard was an early and effective advocate for integration of technology in the nation’s classrooms to enhance the instructional effectiveness of teachers. While this is taken for granted today, it was far from obvious when she began at Boise State. She designed and managed the undergraduate classroom technology course, which serves about 700 pre-service teachers every year. In addition to teaching graduate courses, Wyzard until recently managed the department’s
adjunct instructors. Wyzard won national awards in 1996 for service to adjudicated youth with disabilities and for work in alternative school networking. In 2005, Boise State students recognized her for her inspirational and impactful teaching. She also was a prolific writer. She co-wrote three textbooks, plus five editions of an introductory technology textbook for preservice teachers. In addition, she wrote several book chapters and numerous journal articles. Wyzard was a reviewer for an international technology journal and also served on the editorial board for a national college textbook publisher. She was also an indefatigable researcher and conference presenter. Wyzard taught reading in Wyoming and Canada before earning her doctorate at the University of Nebraska in 1990. She requested to be remembered through contributions to the Boise State University Foundation scholarship fund. Visit https:// giving.boisestatefoundation.org and select the drop down titled Constance Wyzard Memorial Gifts.
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