Angela Ramnarine-Rieks

I am a PhD candidate who is studying collaborative game design based learning. I am currently developing my dissertation proposal and expect to defend in the 2011-2012 school year.
 
My academic training in the information science field includes a Master of Library Science (2003) and a Master of Science in Information Management (2004) both from Syracuse University. My other studies were in the life sciences, BSc in Agriculture and an MSc in Food Science and Technology (2000) from the University of the West Indies. I am still looking for the appropriate interdisciplinary niche to combine these two disciplines.
 
Prior to entering the PhD program I worked as a librarian primarily involved in web development and management, development of digital collections and managing various aspects of library systems.

Research Interests

My research interest is within the area of computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL). Much of my research revolves around the following themes: game design based learning in collaborative environments, identification of major learning theories in collaborative learning, socio-technical studies in learning, achieving effective collaboration via distance learning, the role of the learner characteristics play in the success of distance learning systems, exploring collaborative learning within the wireless grids sphere, the role of libraries and librarians as facilitators of learning in the networked world. One of my current goals is to link the explorations occurring in CSCL, with research and evolving practice models relating to libraries.

Teaching Interests

Before joining the PhD program I taught as an adjunct instructor in courses related to digital libraries, information retrieval in libraries and library systems and technologies. I have continued to teach some of these courses while in the program. I am also interested in teaching courses with a more technical spin for librarians; more specifically in database design and management, web development, web content management and research design for libraries.

Professional Interests

I am a member of Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE), American Library Association (ALA), Association for College and Research Libraries (ACRL) and The American Society for Information Science and Technology (ASIST).

Personal Interests

I enjoy golfing, recreational reading, yoga and aerobic activities such as running and hiking and spinning classes. I basically try to incorporate some type of exercise routine in my daily activities depending on the season to offset the sedentary lifestyle of academic work.
 
With respects to my limited creative efforts I tend to focus on cooking and baking. I am told that my food is pretty good which serves as a motivation to explore different creations. I also dapple in a little gardening and landscaping which has now been reduced to keeping weeds at bay.