TEACHING PHILOSOPHYMy teaching is influenced by and shapes my research. In my course design and delivery, I encourage students to acknowledge the ethical, operational, and structural implications of technological choices, to critically investigate technical solutionism, and to leverage their agency to mobilize enact people-centered transformations of sociotechnical systems. I draw from constructivist social epistemology to build a classroom that is an iterative, interactive process in which students not only understand a topic, but take active part in shaping how we collectively understand it, as a class. Active discussion, experiential learning through iterative projects, and pursuing students' unique interests are among the suite of pedagogical methods used in my classroom.
STUDENT QUOTES (FROM COURSE EVALUATIONS)
"[I wasn't expecting to], but I feel like I have learned so much about my place in the world of digital tech and media. [Dr. Paris is] a great instructor and we have loved taking this course with [her]!" – Rutgers, undergraduate Data in Context; Spring, 2024
"The class discussions were very engaging and Britt was very knowledgeable about foundational scholars and important works in the field of Communication, Information Sciences, and Library Sciences. I liked how she brought in historical connections to frame some of the theories and scholars. The reading list was very extensive and presented a foundational knowledge on the scholarship in the field of Communication, Information Sciences, and Library Sciences” - Rutgers, PhD Seminar in Information Studies; Fall, 2023 "This course is probably one of the most influential courses I've taken in the MI program and this is largely due to not only the way the course is structured, but also the intentional and thoughtful engagement of the instructor." – Rutgers, MI Ethics, Values & Change in Information Practices; Spring, 2023 “My [main] takeaway from the course is the true power of the people... Sociotechnical change takes persistence and realizing the power of our voices.” – Rutgers, MI Ethics in Information Practices; Spring, 2020 “I really love the organization [of the course], especially how we build up to our term paper throughout the entire semester. I think that the way the course was set up was really conducive to learning and that the assignments were great supplements to the course material.” – Rutgers, MI Ethics in Information Practices; Spring 2021 The material and the teaching style of the professor are the strongest parts [of this course]. While the readings are a little difficult to understand at first, the professor makes great effort to help the class understand and it helps a lot." – Rutgers, undergraduate Gender & Technology; Fall 2019 "Britt is one of the best professors I've ever had. She is really cool and very passionate about the subject matter. I would highly recommend her and this course to other students." – UCLA, undergraduate Information & Society; Summer, 2017 TEACHING
Rutgers University / Department of Library and Information Science
Fall 2019 - present / Assistant Professor
University of California, Los Angeles / Department of Information Studies Winter and Summer 2017 - Instructor / Information Studies 30: "Internet and Society" Truman State University / Department of Communication Spring 2014 - Instructor
The New School / School of Media Studies Fall 2013 - Graduate Teaching Associate / Understanding Media Studies Spring 2013 - Teaching Assistant / Media Studies: Ideas The New School / Undergraduate Division Fall 2013 - Teaching Assistant / Who New? The History of the New School RESEARCH MENTORSHIP / ADVISING
Rutgers University/Department of Library and Information Science
Graduate Independent Study
University of California, Los Angeles / Computer Science Department Kleinrock Center for Internet Studies / Internet Research Initiative 2017 - 2018 - Research Lab Coordinator University of California, Los Angeles / Undergraduate Division Undergraduate Research Center 2016 - 2017 - Graduate Research Mentor |
