Curry School of Education

Education

• Ph.D., Arizona State University, 1988
• M.Ed., University of Arizona, 1985
• B.A., University of Arizona, 1983

Personal Statement

In my teaching and outreach, I specialize in user-centered instructional design, based on needs assessment and validated through rapid prototyping and continuous evaluation. I draw upon learning and psycho-social theories to ensure instructional effectiveness, and employ proven user-interface design practices. Delivery media range from interactive multimedia on the web, to instructor-led class/workshop packages, to self-guided stand-alone modules. I’ve produced scores of instructional/interactive products (and earned design awards) for P-12 education, teacher professional development, adult/life-long learning, e-learning, and consumer/public health education, and led qualitative and quantitative evaluation efforts for intact products and programs.

A Curry faculty member since 1988, I was recognized in 1996 with a Harrison Outstanding Faculty Award.  I’ve published over 45 journal articles and book chapters, and designed over 40 interactive and instructional products. I’ve been recognized by the flagship organization in IT, the Association for Educational Communications & Technology (AECT), for Outstanding Practice (in 2010 as project lead and in 1988 as project designer) and for scholarship, with the Young Scholar Award (1990). I’m also the recipient of the Rising Star Award from the North American Simulation & Gaming Association (NASAGA, a co-award with Dolly Joseph in 2006).

Research Interests

With my research program, I focus on identifying effective instructional methods across a range of learners, content areas, and practice domains. My current projects include:

• MyTeachingPartner-Mathematics/Science addresses the needs of young children at-risk for early school failure, and the teachers who guide their learning. The project offers year-long curricula for pre-kindergarten mathematics and science, with engaging, cognitively demanding inquiry activities scaffolding students’ deep knowledge and skill development. Rich teacher supports are embedded within the curricula for quick and easy review during teachers’ preparation: Every activity features one or more short video demonstrations of high quality, high fidelity teaching practice, along with teaching tips and recommendations for both differentiated instruction (for children of differing knowledge and skills) and extensions across the school day and at home. Winner of the 2010 Outstanding Practice Award from the Association for Educational Communications & Technology (AECT).
• MyTeachingPartner provides Pre-K teachers with support from their own on-line consultant, along with a research-based educational curriculum designed specifically to support the development of early language and literacy in at-risk Pre-K students.
• The Consumer Health Education Institute (CHEDI) employs innovative, consumer-centric methods for the provision and exchange of targeted health education.