Gary Bitter





Introduction
Gary Bitter did his doctoral work at the University of Denver, specializing in the fields of Mathematics and Computer Education. Over his long career he has made substantial contributions to math education and computer education.

Quoting from an Arizona State University document:


 * Dr. Gary G. Bitter’s groundbreaking research and development of digital curricula and professional development materials is poised to transform PreK-12 learning environments. He has published over 200 articles and books in the areas of educational technology, mathematics education, the professional development of teachers, presented an estimated 1,200 talks to state, national, and international organizations. Dr. Bitter is also an inspirational leader who is very much responsible for the advancement of technology-based research in Arizona and throughout the world.

Bitter's Work with ISTE
Gary Bitter served on the Board of Directors of the International Society for Technology in Education. He was the President of ISTE for the year 1991-1992.

Gary was co-director of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) Project. The NETS Project developed National Standards for Students and Teachers. More than 40 states including Arizona use some form of these technology standards.

Bitter's Work with the NCTM
Quoting from http://www.nctm.org/news/content.aspx?id=692:


 * Reston, Va., May 3, 2006 — The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) recognized Gary G. Bitter and L. Carey Bolster as recipients of the 2006 Mathematics Education Trust (MET) Lifetime Achievement Award for Distinguished Service to Mathematics Education. Both were selected in recognition of a lifetime of accomplishments in leadership, teaching, and service to mathematics education.

Gary G. Bitter has been a leader in the creation and development of technology-based curricula and professional development materials. He has also authored textbooks and digital curricula in wide use.


 * Bitter has spent more than 35 years teaching, advising, and mentoring at Arizona State University (ASU). In 1986, he developed a graduate program, Educational Media and Computers, to train ASU students to use technology for school, university, and industry careers.


 * Over the years, Bitter has secured millions of dollars in grant funds for technology-based research and projects. In addition to supporting significant research, these funds have provided meaningful job opportunities to many ASU students and staff members. “Gary’s greatest legacy is the value he’s added to the human side of the effort to effectively use technology in education,” wrote one nominator.


 * Bitter has used his scholarly reputation and external grants to serve the local community. He has assisted the Navajo, Havasupai, Salt River, Gila, and Hopi Indian reservations with mathematics and technology education. He developed the Hispanic Math Project for migrant students as well as The e-Learning Network to train poor or geographically isolated adults, via the Internet, for financially promising careers in computer networking and information technology.

Awards and Honors
Quoting from his Biography:


 * Dr. Gary Bitter is a Professor of Educational Technology at Arizona State University and Executive Director of Technology Based Learning & Research (TBLR). He has received lifetime achievement awards from the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) as well as outstanding alumnus awards from Kansas State University and Emporia State University.


 * Over the past decade, Gary has received grants in excess of ten million dollars to support his research and development efforts. Grants sources include the U.S. Department of Education, National Science Foundation, Intel, Cisco, Texas Instruments, Apple, IBM, and others.

Personal Note by David Moursund 11/3/2008
I have known Gary and worked with him for about 35 years. Gary is "my kind" of person. He sees what needs to be done and he does it. His list of books, articles, grants and contracts, doctoral students, and other accomplishments is overwhelming.

I especially remember when Gary hosted the 1991 National Educational Computing Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. This conference is held in early summer, and Phoenix is known for its above 100 degree temperatures. It was fun to watch Gary try to convince the NECC board of directors that "dry" heat is not really very hot. I think Gary made a silk purse out of a sows ear—and put on a great conference!

Books Authored
BestBooksBuys List of 38 of Gary Bitter's books for sale.

Articles Authored
See the long list at http://tblr.ed.asu.edu/bitter/Home/Fullresume/index.php#table5.