education

Teaching Philosophy


I teach art to facilitate innovation and exploration. Artistry creates empowerment by self-expression and opportunities to develop responsibility, confidence, problem solving skills, and independent research. Fun project-based assignments and collaborative coursework encourage essential skills and real-world experience within my classroom.

I require active participation and commitment of my students to explore, learn, work together, and to discover their own potential. The pursuit of art is illustrated with color, design, visual vocabulary, identity, and history. To some art might appear to be just fun with colors, but I hope students aspire for more.

Art is action-packed articulation and a transcending means of communication. Artistic accomplishments reveal our capability to experience the world through the senses of another. These open expressions and perspectives build acceptance, respect, and ultimately the sense of community. How do you express yourself?

I focus on facilitating expression that is uniquely your own. I encourage the exploration of personal expression by generating inquiry that leads to research, journaling, mind mapping, and playing. I create an instructive environment that gives you the freedom to explore your potential with reassurance, assistance, and individual attention; you will gain practical knowledge and integrated techniques while retaining artistic integrity and your personal vision.

Please be sure to check out my presentations at Slideshare to review conference lectures or education workshops. Thank you!!

Education Best Practices

– Superheroes’ Transformative Digital Storytelling
– Feather in Your Cap – Achievement and Recognition
– Boldly Go – Celebrate Success and Cataclysm Stories
– Universal Design and Best Practices for Accessible Content Online
– Parallax Learning and Creative Contingency Plans

Virtual Worlds

– Introduction to Second Life
– Selecting and Using Virtual Worlds
– Designing Virtual Worlds
– Building Virtual Worlds
– Using Second Life to Collaborate and Connect
– Inspire Engagement through Appearance and Branding
– Effective Immersive Social Networking in Virtual Worlds
– The Arts in Immersive Environments
– The Future of Social Media and Virtual Worlds – Immersive 3D Web Environments, Experiences, and Education
– Virtual World Graduates: Where are they now?
– Virtual Expressions and Immersive Art
– Virtual World Graduates – Real World Jobs
– Building a Virtual Professional Learning Community
– Authentic Avatar Brand – Built Trust Through Your Virtual Presence
– Intellectual Property Respect – A Virtual Artist’s Perspective
– The Past, Present, and Future of Virtual World Education
– Authentic Avatar – Inspiring Trust with Your Virtual Identity
– Developing a Professional Image in a Virtual Community
– Share the Block Crayon – Collaborative Superhero Teams
– Courage to Encourage – Origin Story Lessons
– Learning by Leading – Discover Your Destiny
– The Superhero’s Journey – Transformative Endeavors
– Liberate Agency Amplification Via Avatar Identity

Arts

– Color Interaction in Design
– Intro to Color Theory
– Application of Color Theory
– Color and Meaning
– Color Assertion in Attire
– Confidence with Color
– Color Fundamentals
– What Hue are You? Fabricated Fable – Digital Printing on Fabric
– Making Your Own Personal Pattern
– Acrylic Painting
– Playing with Patterns
– Fab Fabrics
– Magic Wands & Masks
– Wax on, Wax off – Batik Dyeing
– Polymer Clay Day
– M.C. Escher & Tessellations
– Sustainability in the Arts
– Why do I have to write an artist’s statement?
– Intellectual Property – Respect for Copyrights and Your Rights
– Patterns, Pixels, and Superpowers – Designing an Art Practice
– Creative Small Business Basics

Basic Computing

– Digital Safety and Citizenship
– Computer and Tablet Basics
– Computer Basics I & II
– Email and Internet
– Basic Computing XP
– Mac Basics

Digital Storytelling

– Infographics and Data Visualization
– Introduction to 3D Design
– Immersive Engagement

Video

– Introduction to Digital Video
– Directing and Production
– Advanced Digital Video
– Digital Video Projects

Graphics

– Introduction to Computers for Graphic Arts
– Digital Imaging for Artists
– Slideshow Albums
– Introduction to Photoshop
– Photoshop II
– Intro to Photoshop Elements
– Photoshop Elements
– Photoshop for Artists
– Pen Power & Vector – Illustrator for Artists
– Digital Photography
– Art + Technology – Photoshop 1, 2, 3, and 4

Website Design

– Introduction to Multimedia Web
– Web Management Systems
– WordPress Website Design
– Website Design Basics
– Website Design and Media
– Website Engagement
– DIY Intro to WordPress Websites and Blogs
– Expressive Websites
– Internet Adventures

Social Media and Marketing

– Beyond Networking: The Power of Social Media
– Social Media: Facebook, Second Life, Twitter, Flickr
– Branding and Marketing
– Intro to Facebook
– Facebook Marketing
– Facebook Community Creation
– Social Media Networking
– Use Facebook and Twitter to Build an Audience
– DIY Online Marketing
– Branding and Marketing for the Arts
– Cooperative Marketing
– Publicity and Press Releases
– Social Media Marketing
– Social Networking for Superheroes and Nonprofits
– Social Media Success
– Creating Interest with Pinterest

I teach at Peninsula College.