Department of Marketing Professor Joe Cannon has been named as Dean’s Distinguished Teaching Fellow. The award recognizes his innovation both in the classroom, and in his online teaching. All together, he’s been an instructor for more than 25 years, with 20 of those years spent at CSU.

Cannon helped invent and create the ACTIV82LRN online software, which makes online learning more engaging and more interactive — helping to simulate the classroom experience. He was also one of the first to “chunk” his online content, into short, 10 to 20-minute videos for the online MBA, making it more convenient for online students to fit courses into their busy schedules. He is also the author of two textbooks, Basics of Marketing and Essentials of Marketing.

On campus, he’s become known for “flipping the classroom.” By flipping, he has completely removed lectures from the classroom and focuses on in-class activities with in-depth group discussions and analysis. “As I’ve gone on in my teaching, I’ve begun to value active learning, more and more,” says Cannon. “That means students engaging in the materials through discussion, problem-solving, and analysis… So I’ve tried to design my classroom to maximize those opportunities.”

Dean Beth Walker says of the award, “Joe is most deserving of this prestigious recognition and honor. Recognized nationally for his innovative teaching methods, Joe is among the most talented and dedicated educators in the country. Deeply committed to student learning, Joe is on the forefront of using technology to improve engagement and learning.”

Cannon adds, “It means a lot that the college has recognized the hard work and new ideas I’ve tried to bring to the classroom. It’s great to see that the college has such a commitment to excellence. And I’m just one of many. I feel very honored to receive this fellowship, knowing there are so many great teachers here. I wish there were more teaching awards because so many of my colleagues across the College of Business are deserving of recognition.”