Robert Fischer’s Impact on the Language Teaching and Learning Field

Bob Fischer’s pleasant demeanor, honest smile, and magnetic charm immediately put you at ease when you first meet him. Bob is a multifaceted individual. Behind the kind man, who makes you feel comfortable discussing French literature, teaching methodology, and technology, is a gifted professor, amazing researcher, superb leader, and steadfast friend. I first met Bob at the 1997 CALICO conference held at West Point, New York, when he took charge of the organization, giving it needed stability and direction. He made sure that CALICO would remain on the cutting edge, continuing the trajectory of the founder Minnie Kenny of the National Security Agency and Dr. Frank Otto, first Executive Director. He grew the organization through his perseverance and creativity, attracting a membership of diverse researchers and developers. I know Bob, the human being and the professional. I am one of the lucky ones who had the privilege and pleasure to work with him on the CALICO Board from 2000 to 2002 and to stay in touch throughout our professional careers. We have one goal in common: to improve the language proficiency levels of students, and we both care about supporting those who strive to make that goal a reality. We also agree that to achieve our goal it takes an interdisciplinary team of expertise and resources (Fischer, 1999), and that although technology by itself is not the answer; without it, we would not be able to serve the needs of learners and language professionals as effectively.