Design Technology

My classroom practice has been focused on delivering cutting-edge project-based Design & Technology Programs for middle and high-school students focused on teaching Design Thinking with authentic, project-based challenges with a clear design process. 

In terms of practical skills, my students learn the Adobe Creative Suite, CAD & 3D Printing, audio production, podcasting & streaming, robotics, coding app development & videog ame design, and video editing an special effects. I have led the design and outfitting of technology labs and Makerspaces. 

I have built programs within the context of the Middle Years Programme of International Bacclaurate. I am trained and certified to teach Design Technology at both the MYP and Diploma Programme level. I have also developed my own curricula, including building standards and benchmarks and full scope and sequences across multiple grade levels.

Training and Certifications

 

 

  • IB Design Technology at both the MYP and DP levels.
  • Computers In The Classroom: Part 1 (Ontario Additional Qualifications) 
  • I am constantly taking courses to refresh and expand my knowledge in various design platforms
    Recently: Adobe Premiere, After Effects, Teaching with Scratch 3.0, Game Design with Construct 3, Pixel Art (Ask me about them!)

Design and Technology Skills

Adobe Creative Suite (Graphic Design, Illustration, Animation, Video)

  • Photoshop, Premiere (Highly proficient)
  • Illustrator, Animate, In-Design, Acrobat Pro (Proficient)
  • After Effects (Developing) 

Audio, Music Production, Podcasting 

  • Audacity, Audition, FL Studio Pro, 
  • Live Streaming

3D Design

  • Sketchup, Autodesk Fusions, Blender, TinkerCAD 

3D Printing

  • Makerbot & Ulimaker 3D Printers(including considerable experience with configuration, maintenance and troubleshooting (Intermediate / Advanced skills)
  • Slicing and processing software (Cura, Makerware, Simplify 3D) (Intermediate / Advanced skills)

Coding, App Development & Game Design 

  • Scratch, Microsoft Makecode, App Inventor, RPG Maker, Twine, Construct 3

Physical Computing & Electronics

  • Ardunio Development Environment, Raspberry Pi (Intermediate)
  • Fritzing Circuit Design (Intermediate)

Robotics

  • Experienced with the Lego RCX, NXT and new EV3 platforms (Intermediate / Advanced)
  • Started several clubs from scratch, from budgeting and fundraising to planning activities and trips, and day-to-day management and mentoring (Advanced)
  • Experienced FIRST Lego League mentor and coach (Advanced)
  • Experienced Botball Mentor and Coach (Intermediate)
  • Experienced organizing and running competitive robotics tournaments and events.