University of Guam faculty present the newly released reference book that they authored. (Standing, from left) John J. Rivera; Kirk D. Johnson; Dean A. Olah; Richard S. Colfax; (seated, from left) Joann C.E. Diego; and Yukiko Inoue-Smith.

Ten faculty members from the University of Guam contributed to a new reference book for higher education educators, administrators, and researchers. Produced and edited by UOG Professor of Educational Psychology and Research Yukiko Inoue-Smith, “Faculty Roles and Changing Expectations in the New Age” was released on Feb. 15 by publisher IGI Global.

The book explores the ongoing technological changes in higher education and directs educators to lean toward a technology-based teaching platform, rather than the traditional lecture-based platform.

“I produced this book because of several ways in which higher education is changing,” Inoue-Smith said. “In particular, higher education has shifted its emphasis from teaching to learning, so faculty are now expected to provide a variety of platforms for learning and to foster 21^st century skills. These skills include teamwork, problem solving, critical thinking, and self-management — all of which help prepare students for successful futures as citizens, professionals, and especially lifelong learners.”

The UOG faculty members, along with contributors from higher education institutions in the U.S. mainland and other countries, wrote individual chapters of the book. The chapters provide real-life examples and experiences of those involved in optimizing the practices of teaching and learning in the digital age. The contributors also offer course designs and pedagogical approaches.

Contributing to the book from UOG are:

• Masumi Kai, PhD., Professor of Japanese
• John J. Rivera, PhD., Assistant Professor of Public Administration
• Richard S. Colfax, PhD., Professor of Human Resource Management
• Joann C.E. Diego, DBA, Program Coordinator III
• Christopher S. Schreiner, PhD., Professor of English
• Dean A. Olah, EdD., Assistant Professor, Education Foundation
• Kirk D. Johnson, PhD., Professor of Sociology
• Evelyn Doman, PhD., Associate Professor, TESOL
• Elizabeth M. Hawthorne, PhD., Former Dean, School of Education
• Yukiko Inoue-Smith, PhD., Professor of Educational Psychology and Research
• Alison Hadley, UOG alumna

Several other UOG faculty and administrators served on the Book Advisory Committee including:

• Manny B. Hechanova Jr., Associate Director, Telecommunication and Distance Education Operation
• Troy McVey, Interim Assistant Vice President of Academic Excellence and Director of Graduate Studies
• Chris Pangelinan, Coordinator, Center for Online Learning
• Christopher S. Schreiner, Professor of English
• Kyle D. Smith, Professor of Psychology
• Mary Spencer, Dean Emerita, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

The book is available for purchase on Amazon.

Inoue-Smith has authored other books on educational topics, including “A Jungle Named Academia: Approaches to Self-Development and Growth," as well as many collections of tanka poetry, including “The Inescapable Seasons of Life,” “Do Cats Dream?”, "The Wail of Gaea," “A Shawl of Mist,” and "Winter Woods." Her works are available for purchase via Amazon and www.JustFiction-edition.com.