Where did you go to college?

I received both an EdD and EdM in Instructional Technology & Media from Teachers College, Columbia University; an MS in Science of Teaching from Pace University; and a BA in English Literature and Drama from St. Michael’s College.

Where did you work before the COE?

I was a senior education analyst for Kamehameha Schools for four years. Before that, I taught writing at Public School 26 in Brooklyn, New York. This was part of the New York City Teaching Fellows program. I also worked as an elementary teacher at Colegio Colonial Bilingüe in Antigua, Guatemala.

What drew you to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa?

I love that UHM is a good-sized public institution with strong ties to the community.

How did you become interested in Learning Design and Technology?

I became interested in the role of technology in education as a writing teacher in New York City. In that role, I realized quickly the potential of technology to engage learners and support teachers. I really wanted to learn as much as I could about the field, so I decided to go to graduate school.

Briefly describe the importance of this field on education.

Technology is having a profound impact on the way people learn and access information, in and out of school, from early childhood through adulthood. The field of Learning Design and Technology studies this phenomenon from multiple perspectives, emphasizing the ways we can improve teaching and learning in the 21st Century.

What is your philosophy or approach to teaching?

My philosophy of teaching centers on understanding, which I believe is made possible by building rapport with students, finding ways to engage with content, and building a community of respect and shared knowledge. Regardless of course content and the age or experience of students, my focus is on understanding at multiple levels, from subject matter to student goals, to learning processes and teaching practices. I believe understanding across all of these levels is essential to effective teaching and learning.

What are your future plans?

My future involves continuing to research the design of digital environments and their impact on learning and engagement. I also look forward to learning more about the work of my colleagues. And, finally, I plan to attend lots of UH volleyball games and eat lots of malasadas!