Frances G. Smith, Ed.D., CVE
Coordinator of Technology and Distance Learning VDOE’s Training & Technical Assistance Center
School of Education
Virginia Commonwealth University
10 E. Franklin St., Suite 200
Richmond, VA 23284-3081
804-827-1406 | fgsmith@vcu.edu
Education
- Ed.D, George Washington University, (Higher Education Administration)
- "Perceptions of universal design for learning in college classrooms"
- Ed.S, The George Washington University (Transition Special Education)
- M.A., The George Washington University (Collaborative Vocational Evaluation Training)
- B.A., The University of North Carolina at Wilmington (Psychology/ Social Science)
- University of Wisconsin - Stout, Graduate coursework in assistive technology (1999)
- Center for Applied Special Technology - Universal Design for Learning Institute (2001)
Professional Endorsements / Licensure
- Certified Vocational Evaluation Specialist (CVE), CRCC
- Postgraduate Professional License, Commonwealth of Virginia
- Psychology, Vocational Special Needs, Vocational Evaluator Endorsemen
Professional Experiences
- Coordinator of Technology and Distance Learning, VDOE Training & Technical Assistance Center - School of Education, VCU (1999 present)
- Director, INFUSIO Lab /Affiliate Faculty, School of Education, VCU (2000- October, 2008)
- University Information Technology Advisory Council - VCU (2001-2005)
- Vocational Technology Specialist, Integrated Technology Services | Career and Transition Services - Dept. of Student Services and Special Education, Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax, VA (1991 – 1999)
- Vocational Evaluation Specialist, Mt. Vernon Vocational Assessment Center, Fairfax County Schools (1986 –1991)
- Regional Coordinator, NW Regional Vocational Assessment Center, Frederick County Public Schools (1984-1986)
- Visiting Adjunct Faculty, The George Washington University, Teacher Preparation and Special Education, (1986-present)
Current Professional Memberships/ Associations
- Virginia Society for Technology in Education (VSTE)
- The National UDL Taskforce
- The Vocational Evaluation and Career Assessment Professionals Association (VECAP) – President-Elect
Grants / Special Recognitions
- Learning Technology Research Group (2008-present), Centers for Teaching Excellence, Virginia Commonwealth University
- Smith, F. (2004-2005). Learning through curriculum design: An online course in universal design for learning, Faculty Administrative Modules in Education (FAME), The George Washington University
- Smith, F. & Young, C. (2005). Extending classroom instructional information with electronic media, Centers for teaching excellence, Virginia Commonwealth University.
- Smith, F. (2004). Maximizing technology resources for all learners through a Tablet PC. VCU faculty mentor program, Academic Technology, Virginia Commonwealth University
- Smith, F. (2004). Enhancing a web presence to expand service delivery through audio/video streaming and interactivity, VCU faculty mentor program, Academic Technology, Virginia Commonwealth University
- Paul R. Hoffman Leadership Award (1998), The Vocational Evaluation and Work Adjustment Association
Research:
- (2009-2012) Co-Principal Investigator: Research for eLASTIC: Electronic Learning and Assessment Tool for Interdisciplinary Connections Among the Visual Arts, Reading, and Writing - Qatar National Research Fund, Virginia Commonwealth University.
- (2009) Principal Investigator: The Academic and Personal Use of Social Media Tools Among University Students in Education, Virginia Commonwealth University.
- (2006) Co-Principal Investigator: Faculty and Student Preferences for Learning New Technologies, Virginia Commonwealth University.
Selected Publications
- Nugent, J. S., Reardon, R. M., Smith, F. G., Rhodes, J. A., Zander, M. J. & Carter, T., (2008). Exploring faculty learning communities: Building connections among teaching, learning, and technology, Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, 20(1), 51-58.
- McManus, S., Smith, F. G., & Jones, S. (2008). Chapter 10: Assistive technology. In P. Wehman & C. Thoma (Ed), Student-Led IEP’s: A guide for special educators and families, Baltimore, MD: Brookes Publishing Co. (in press)
- Smith, F. G. (2008). Perceptions of universal design for learning (UDL) in college classrooms. Ed.D. dissertation, The George Washington University, United States -- District of Columbia. Retrieved September 21, 2008, from Dissertations & Theses @ George Washington University - WRLC database. (Publication No. AAT 3296852).
- Leconte, P., Smith, F.G., & Johnson, C. (2007). The VECAP position paper on universal design for learning: Another step towards social justice. Vocational Evaluation and Career Assessment Professionals Journal, 4(1), 39-49.
- Smith, F. & Leconte, P. (2005). Universal design for learning. Encyclopedia of Distance Learning, 1, 1926-1928.
- Smith, F. & Leconte, P. (2004). Universal design for learning: Assuring access and success for all. VSTE Journal 19(1), 25-29. Retrieved December 27, 2004 from http://www.vste.org/communication/journal/vj_1901/vj_1901_05.pdf.
- Leconte, P. & Smith, F.G. (2003) "Universal Design for Learning - Assuring Access for All", Talkin Tall: Voices for Millennium Teachers
- Smith, F.G. (2003) "Universal Design for Learning and Vocational Evaluation - Recognizing the Parallels", In R.R. Fry (Ed.), Eleventh National Forum on Issues in Vocational Assessment: The Issues Papers
- Langton, A.J., Smith, F.G., Lown, N.F. & Chatham, L. J. (1998), Guide to Using Assistive Technology in Assessment and Vocational Evaluation, Center for Rehabilitation Technology Services, South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department.
- Reed, B., Thomas, S., Lown, N. & Smith, F.G. (1995) The Role of the Vocational Evaluator in R. R. Fry (Ed.), Seventh National Forum on Issues in Vocational Assessment: The Issues Papers
- Smith, F., Lombard R., Neubert D., Leconte, P., Rothenbacher, C., & Sitlington, P. (1994). The Position Paper of the Interdisciplinary Council on Vocational Evaluation and Assessment. The Journal for Vocational Special Needs Education, 17 (1), 41-42.
- Bjorlie-Ellis, J., Rothacker, L.B. & Smith, F.G. (1987) Telecommunications Networking for Vocational Evaluators: An Innovative Approach to Accessing Evaluation Resources, In R.R. Fry (Ed.), Third National Forum on Issues in Vocational Assessment: The Issues Papers.
Selected Presentations
- Keynote presenter, "Promoting access for all youth through universal design and universal design for learning", 2009 Pennsylvania Community on Transition Conference, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA
- Feature presenter, “Social networking tools: What every transition practitioner needs to know”, 2008 Pennsylvania Community on Transition Conference, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA
- Nugent, J., Reardon, M., Smith, F. G., Rhodes, J. A., & Carter, T. (2008). “Teachers as learners, learners as teachers: Reflecting on the digital disconnect”, EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative Annual Conference, San Antonio, TX
- Croasdaile, S. & Smith, F.G. (2007). “Universal design for learning in the age of Web 2.0”, Virginia Society for Technology in Education Annual Conference, Roanoke , VA
- Smith, F. G. & Leconte, P. (2007). “Universal design for learning: The VECAP Position Paper”. 14th International Division on Career Development and Transition Conference, Orlando, FL.
- Nugent, J., Smith, F. G., & Rhodes, J. A. (2007). “Exploring faculty learning communities: Building consensus among teaching, learning and technology” (Poster Session). EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative Annual Conference, Atlanta, GA.
- Smith, F.G., Leconte, P., & Johnson, C. (2007). “Universal design for learning and vocational evaluation and assessment: The VECAP position paper”; Busic, D., & Smith, F.G. “Work sample development and tool sharing”, Thirteenth National Forum on Issues in Vocational Evaluation and Assessment, Auburn, AL
- Smith, F. G. (2008). Social networking tools: What every transition practitioner needs to know. Virginia Transition Forum, Roanoke, VA; (2007) Norfolk, VA
- Smith, F. G. & Leconte, P. (2007). “Universal design for learning: The VECAP Position Paper”. 14th International Division on Career Development and Transition Conference, Orlando, FL.
- Invited Keynotes: Landeros-Dugourd, E. & Smith, F. G. (2006). "International symposium on universal design for learning", UNIFE University, Lima, Peru
- Smith, F.G. (2005) "Learning through curriculum design: An online course in universal design for learning ", VCU Regional Blackboard User's Conference, Richmond, VA
- Smith, F.G. & Leconte, P. (2005) "Universal design for learning: Implications for career assessment and transition ", Twelfth National Forum on Issues in Vocational Assessment, Portsmouth, VA
- Smith, F.G., & Michaels, L. (2005) "Universal Design for Learning: Finding the Best Resources", Virginia Society for Technology in Education
- Ligon, K. & Smith, F.G. (2004) "Training & Technical Assistance Through a Tablet PC", International Closing the Gap Conference, Minneapolis, MN
- Smith, F.G. (2004) "Designing Accessible Media for All Learners", Virginia Society for Technology in Education Conference, Roanoke, VA
- Leconte, P., Smith, F.G., & Thoma, C. (2003) "Universal Design for Learning: The Possibilities for Instruction and Assessment", Ligon, K., Smith, F.G., & Young, C. (2003) " Training and Technical Assistance through a PDA", International Conference of the Division on Career Development and Transition, Roanoke, VA
- Smith, F.G. (2003) "Universal Design for Learning: Assuring Access for All". Eleventh National Forum on Issues in Vocational Evaluation and Assessment, Charleston, SC
- Smith, F.G. (2001). "Technology Access - A Virtual Look at Today and Tomorrow", Tenth National Forum on Issues in Vocational Evaluation and Assessment, Albuquerque, NM
- Leconte, P. & Smith, F.G. (1999). "Designing and Delivering an Applications Course in a Virtual World", 10th International Conference: Division on Career Development and Transition, Charleston, SC
- Smith, F.G. (1994) "Preparing for the Workplace of the Future: Applying Technology to Meet the Diverse Needs of Students in Special Education", Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) International Conference, Nashville, TN
- Icke, N., Kenny, K. and Smith, F.G. (1992) "Ergonomics and Workstation Adaptations: Fitting the User to the Computer", Closing the Gap Conference, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
