Douglas Morgenstern

Douglas Morgenstern is a Senior Lecturer Emeritus in Spanish at MIT's Department of Global Languages, affiliated with the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. He retired from MIT in 2011 after teaching Spanish language courses since 1980. Additionally, he has instructed first-year Spanish at Harvard University Extension School since 1981, transitioning to fully online delivery in 2014.

Education:

• MA in Spanish, University of Arizona
• BA in Harpur College, State University of New York, Binghamton

Research & Teaching: Morgenstern pioneered the use of technology in language learning, co-authoring Spanish textbooks, advising a PBS telecourse, and developing conversational activities. He directed the MITUPV Exchange (2000-2011), a cross-cultural project connecting U.S. and Spanish students via digital media, featured in Wired and MLA publications.

Awards:

• Harvard Extension's Bonanno Award (1993) for teaching excellence
• MIT's Levitan Award (2009), first recipient in Foreign Languages

Professional History: Prior roles include teaching at Stanford University, California community colleges, and English instruction in Colombia (Peace Corps). He has also contributed to academic publications on language pedagogy and digital collaboration.