Steven M. Schneider

Professor of Information Design & Technology | Co-Director, AI Exploration Center | SUNY Polytechnic Institute

AI for the Public Good Fellow, 2025–2026 | State University of New York

Teaching Portfolio Overview

Teaching at a Glance

52
Course Offerings
4
Departments
35
Years Teaching
1991–2026
Teaching Span

Throughout my career, I have developed and taught a diverse range of courses that bridge communication, technology, and political science. My curriculum reflects the evolving landscape of digital media and its impact on society, spanning over three decades of academic instruction.

Information Design & Technology

  • 2005–2025Information Technologies
  • 2017–2025Designing/Writing Interactive Text
  • 2013–2024Principles & Projects in New Media
  • 2001–2024Ethical/Legal Issues Information Age
  • 2024Topics: Exploring Design of Information with AI
  • 2025Topics: Research in AI & Society
  • 2004–2018Seminar in Emerging Information Technology
  • 2016Topics: Interactive Text Design
  • 2015Topics: Design/Writing Interactive Text
  • 2015Topics: Digital Natives
  • 2006–2015Topics: Projects in IDT
  • 2014Topics: Hypertextuality
  • 2013Research Methods for IDT
  • 2012Topics: Reading Contemporary Issues
  • 2012Topics: Hypertext Workshop
  • 2011–2014Websphere Analysis
  • 2010Virtual Teamwork & Knowledge Management
  • 2010Topics: Web Sphere E-Research
  • 2005Topics: The Web and Real Life
  • 2004Topics: Web Analysis Techniques

Political Science

  • 1991–2026American Public Policy
  • 1999–2023The Politics of Life & Death
  • 1994–1999American Politics
  • 1991–2016Elections-Political Behavior
  • 2006–2016Online Politics
  • 2001–2003Public Opinion/Contemporary Society
  • 2002Topics: Online Politics
  • 1998Topics: The 1998 Elections
  • 1997–1998State & Local Government
  • 1997Domestic Public Policy
  • 1996Topics: Presidential Nominating Process
  • 1993–1997American Politics & Communication Technology
  • 1994Topics in Political Science
  • 1993–1998Topics: Politics of Abortion
  • 1992Choosing Presidential Candidates: 1992

Communications

  • 2016–2026Design/Writing Interactive Text
  • 2015–2025Digital Media/Information in Society
  • 2025Portfolio Review/Professional Development
  • 2014–2017Introduction to Digital Media & Design
  • 2013–2014Senior Practicum/Communication
  • 2013Analytical & Research Writing
  • 2012–2013Communication Theory
  • 2011–2013Introduction to Technical Communication
  • 2012Communicating on Computer Networks
  • 2006–2011Online Politics
  • 2016Computer Software Documentation
  • 2005Report Writing/Technical Communication

General Studies & Social Sciences

  • 1999–2001Themes: Western Civilization Since Renaissance
  • 1992–1997Methods of Inquiry

Teaching Evolution

My teaching career demonstrates a clear evolution from traditional political science instruction in the early 1990s to cutting-edge courses in artificial intelligence and information design. Early work emphasized American politics and policy; mid-1990s communication technology courses broadened the scope toward interdisciplinary approaches that eventually led to the IDT program. Current courses concentrate on the intersection of AI and society, ethical considerations in information design, and the practical skills students need to navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Course Development Philosophy

The underlying approach connects theoretical understanding with practical application. Whether the subject involves hypertext theory or political behavior analysis, students tackle genuine challenges and create solutions demonstrating competence and ethical awareness. Consistent focal points throughout my teaching include democratic participation in digital spaces, information literacy and design ethics, and the social impact of emerging technologies. My goal is to prepare students for both immediate professional demands and sustained intellectual development.