The Directorate for Innovation and Educational Technologies for the nation of Turkey, Huseyin Kocasarac, visited the IUPUC campus on October 7, 2021. Kocasarac was a guest of retired BCSC teacher and administrator, Gary Goshorn, who sponsored him on the trip, and was hosted on campus by Crystal Walcott and Karen Garrity, faculty in the IUPUC Division of Education. Kocasarac’s motivation for his trip to the United States is his interest in learning about innovations that are being implemented our nation’s K-12 schools and universities.

While on campus, Kocasarac toured the CC and LC buildings, and had the opportunity to interact with faculty, staff and students in conversations about the technology used to support and enhance learning. Kocasarac was impressed with the thoughtful integration of technology into the IUPUC academic programs.

In addition, Kocasarac visited classes taught by faculty in the IUPUC Division of Education, including Larry Ruich and Crystal Walcott. In the classes he observed both large- and small-group instructional strategies, and discussions around student assessment and the teacher’s role in the classroom. At the conclusion of each class, Kocasarac addressed the students with a message that stressed the importance of becoming life-long learners. He also shared that the speed of change in educational technology development necessitates that teachers be flexible and open to change.

Kocasarac is also visiting several other universities during his trip, including Indiana University Bloomington, Miami University of Ohio, and CSA Lincoln Elementary School in Columbus, IN. Upon his return to Turkey, Kocasarac will present a summary of his visit to the Turkish government, including examples of how technology plays a critical role in the American classroom.