Screen Shot 2016-05-06 at 9.08.56 AMAfter teaching middle school for twelve years (with one year of technology coaching mixed in there), I am now a professor of educational technology at a small university in Oregon. People keep saying that the “honeymoon period” will wear off, but the truth is, I get up everyday excited that I have the opportunity to help develop the next generation of teachers. I collaborate with crazy-smart people who push my thinking on a daily basis. I get to develop new projects and programs oriented around technology.

I tend to focus on creativity, design thinking, technology, and pedagogy. The following are some of my research focus areas:

  • Design thinking in traditionally non-STEM fields (especially the humanities and the social sciences)
  • Using design thinking along with UX Design Theory to design courses
  • Creativity and assessment
  • Personalized professional developmet with a focus on instructor self-efficacy and creative engagement
  • The nature of technology and the effects on social, cultural, and political structures
  • Flow Theory and student engagement (with a focus on hitting a “creative flow” in PBL classrooms)
  • Technology and language acquisition