Phone: 828-227-2746
Email: houghton@wcu.edu 
Office Address: 124 Killian
Website:  http://www.wcu.edu/ceap/houghton

Education

• Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison, Curiculum and Instruction (computer education focus), 1989
• M.S., University of Wisconsin-Superior, Master of Science Teaching, 1973
• B.S., Hanover College, 1970

Research Interests

Dr. Houghton is interested in the changing paradigm of our understanding of system theory and its axioms which steers educational research which in turn guides our teaching methods and practice. Within the emergent paradigm, he focuses on creating and using knowledge of digital technology to support and transform thought and educational practice. His scholarly work addresses the emerging nature of literacy in an exponentially changing, digital global age and the knowledge and skills needed to achieve and learn such literacy for educators and for elementary and middle grades for students.

Publications and Presentations – Selected List

Refereed Journal Articles

• Houghton, R. S. (2010, in press).  Navigating a web-based eMonograph: Designing more effective Internet reading. NCMSJ. E-Monograph series 1(1).
• Houghton, R. S. (2010, in press).  Literacy and Composition in the Digital Age: Challenges and Opportunities in the Middle Grades. NCMSJ. E-Monograph series 1(2).
• Houghton, R. S.; Strahan, David (2010, in press).  Deeper Learning: Using Traditional Reading Strategies in the Digital Age. NCMSJ. E-Monograph series 1(3).
• Houghton, R. S. with David Strahan (2010, in press).  The Breakaway Literacies Difference: Enabling our students’ deeper digital learning. NCMSJ. E-Monograph series 1(4).

Refereed Chapters in Edited Books

• Houghton, R. S. (2002). Rural Education: Leadership and Technology. In D. Chalker, Leadership for Rural Schools: Lessons for All Educators. Scarecrow Education.

Books (paper)

• Houghton, J.; & Houghton, R. S. (1994). Circuit Sense for Elementary Teachers and Students: Understanding and Building Simple Logic Circuits. Teacher Ideas Press.
• Houghton, J.; & Houghton, R. S. (1999). Decision Points: Boolean Logic for Computer Users and Beginning Online Researchers. Libraries Unlimited.

Course textbooks (online multimedia)

• Houghton, R. S. (1995-2010). Digital Literacy Methods. http://bit.ly/draNAE
• Houghton, R. S. (1996-2010). Multimedia Education. http://bit.ly/bcGR2U

Presentations at Professional Meetings

• Strahan, D. & Houghton, R. (April 25, 2009) “Creating Online Courses with the Spirit of Middle Grades; Issues & Opportunities” Presented at the NMSA Middle Level Teacher Symposium, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Creative Works

• Houghton, R. S. (2010). Mobile Digital Literacy: Analyzing the World of Palm, Netbook & Touch Tablet 'Thought Makers'. http://bit.ly/3qRRt
• Houghton, R. S. (2010). 3D Virtual Reality & Second Life Literacy. http://bit.ly/aUHMql