John K. Burton, professor of learning sciences and technology in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of “professor emeritus” by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The emeritus title may be conferred on retired professors, associate professors, and administrative officers who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive an emeritus certificate from the university.

A member of the Virginia Tech community since 1977, Burton’s teaching and research focused on instructional technology, including research versus evaluation and hypermedia. Through his work in the Center for Instructional Technology Solutions in Industry and Education, he focused on innovative online delivery of graduate courses.

He served the university as department chair for Teaching and Learning and associate director of the School of Education. In 2010, Burton was named interim director for distance learning and summer sessions at a time when the university’s Learning Technologies Division formally partnered with undergraduate education.

In the classroom, Burton taught a range of undergraduate and graduate courses across the School of Education curriculum, placing strong emphasis on standards and student learning.

In 2010, Burton received the university’s Alumni Award for Excellence in International Outreach.

He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a master’s degree from Illinois State University, and a doctorate from the University of Nebraska.

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