Marty Levin
Department:Assistant Professor, School of Computing and Information SystemsEducational Background:- GVSU Data Communication Lab
developerProfessional Background:- 20 years military experience
What is your favorite class to teach?
I take a lot of pride in the data lab we've developed. Data communications has always been a textbook exercise, now it's more of a program. We built the lab in 1997 and now it's one of the top teaching labs in the country. It's equal to labs at UCLA, UCSD, University of Texas, Florida State University, North Carolina State and Kent State, and Grand Valley is the only true teaching university of all of those.
What do you like most about teaching at Grand Valley?
I enjoy the opportunity here to do what I do best, which is, teach with a hands-on approach. I really enjoy the students and the interaction with them.
What do students like best about your class?
They enjoy the opportunity to use the equipment and learn. So many students enjoy hardware and we give them that. They also like my zany personality.
How do you contribute to the success of your students?
I'm a facilitator. I ask them to go beyond the book to accept responsibility for their learning. We explore things together and that's what they need later in life.
What advice would you give to prospective students?
Develop a passion and follow it. Not all classes will be in your area of interest but try to find some interest in them. Make this a time of experimentation and full participation.
What is the most rewarding aspect about teaching at Grand Valley?
When students return to talk about their careers, families, and their lives. The funny thing is that the relationship remains. It's very rewarding.