teaching overview
Courses I've taught at NC State since 1991 have emphasized communication for scientific, business, and technical settings, document and online information design and evaluation, instructional design, and instruction and learning with technology.
"... that I may not heed too much the judgement of the world"
research in web-based instruction (eac 795r)
Web-Based Instruction research affords us a rich opportunity for understanding the nature of (1) human learning in both formal and informal settings, (2) the relationship is between technology and teaching and learning, (3) design in both instructional and technological contexts, (4) iteration and testing in innovation and the development of artifacts created to enhance human behavior or understanding, and (5) interactions between theory building and practice in online teaching and learning environments. Students work individually or in teams of two or three developing publication-quality manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals.
games and learning design (eac 595b)
Games are often included in adult learning environments, from in-class puzzles to competitive and experiential activities to the current trend in massively multiplayer online games and video game-based learning. Students designing and delivering educational materials are, thus, likely to encounter situations where games are part of the educational environment. While instructional design courses train students how to develop educational programs, the design of games aimed at facilitating learning demands a different knowledge base and orientation. This course is designed for students interested in learning more about the history, theory, and practice of games and their place in adult education.
developing technology-based training (eac 595b-001)
Applied research course focusing on current design models and methods for selecting, developing, and evaluating appropriate technology-based instructional systems to meet business training needs. Development of a design process to address teaching/learning factors such as learner readiness, instructor/learner interactions, learning group characteristics, and the characteristics of technologies and learning environments. A technology-based project will be developed to apply course concepts.
methods and techniques of training and development (eac 586)
Theory, research, and current practice for designing and delivering performance-based training. Serves learners, whether experienced practitioners or those considering a career in training and development, by encouraging the recognition of the important theories and principles supporting professional practice and the need for professionals in training and development to base their work on effective theory, research, and practice.
technology and training (eac 585)
Introduction to appropriate technologies for the design and delivery of effective training programs. Models for distance training and individualized learning through computer-based, multimedia, video, and Web-based technologies will be covered. An analysis of research and practice in the effective selection and use of technology in achieving training objectives and responding to learner characteristics and needs will also be addressed in this course.
needs assessment and task analysis in training and development (eac 583)
Introduction to the theory and skills necessary for human resource development practitioners to systematically research, design, implement, and evaluate human performance in business, industry, and other organizational settings. Blends theory and application of the critical knowledge, skills, and attitudes human resource and training and development practitioners need to take the first step in creating HRD interventions for training and learning programs.
advanced instructional design in training and development (eac 581)
In-depth analysis of instructional systems design (ISD) theory and practice using professional competency models. Organizational training requirements, development of performance objectives and measures, design of instructional materials, and address of evaluation issues in training programs in business and industry. Research and development of instructional design projects relating to ISD process and model.
designing instructional systems in training and development (eac 580)
Introduction to instructional design models including needs assessment, systematic training design and development techniques and proactive strategies for evaluating training programs. Instructional design issues of work-based training, learner characteristics and effects of technology on instructional design, implementation and evaluation processes.
"Faced with an impossible task,
and working in a hard, disciplined manner toward its accomplishment,
we grow until it is no longer impossible for us" (L. LeShan)
projects in technical communication (eng 675)
Three credit-hour capstone course of the MS Program in Technical Communication, taken in the last semester of the student's curriculum in lieu of the thesis. Only students in the last semester of their curriculum are eligible to enroll in this course; students need previous coursework to develop sustained, more complex projects, and to be able to defend their projects before the entire MS faculty. Classes will be conducted as seminars, with discussion centering on the progress and problems of researching, writing, and/or creating a larger project, and on helping each other work within established deadlines and different fields. The project will provide students with an opportunity to gain deeper insight into their field, and to acquire greater facility to work in their chosen profession.
online information design and evaluation (eng 519)
Planning, collaboratively writing, designing, evaluating, revising, and structuring online information for web-based delivery. Theory and practice of human-computer interaction. Prototype design of an online support system or information environment: user assistance, tutorials, declarative or action-oriented documentation. Exposure to Internet and World-Wide Web as reading and writing tools. Introduction to user-centered, task-oriented, and scenario-based design principles. Assessment of online materials using heuristic evaluation, usability testing, and participatory design approaches.
advanced technical communication (eng 517)
Advanced study in the theory and practice of information design — that is, in the production of documents that are persuasive, informative, and easy to comprehend. Topics include software documentation, manuals, proposals, collaborative publications management, hypermedia/online help design, and text usability and evaluation. Class time will be divided among seminar discussions, classroom presentations, and computer activities. Assignments include one major publications project, a professional conference paper or journal article, a document design project, and an oral presentation.
computer documentation design (eng 421)
Theory and design of instructional, procedural, and reference materials for computer software and hardware, including user guides, reference manuals, quick reference guides, tutorials, online documentation, and CD-based media delivery. Students will gain significant experience with several hardware platforms and software applications. Training in alternative documentation testing procedures, usability testing, and collaborative revision.
communication for engineering and technology (eng 331)
Written communication in industrial and technical organizations, emphasizing internal communication with managers and technical personnel and including external communication with regulators, vendors, and clients. Intensive practice in writing; relationship of writing to oral and visual communication. For students in engineering and other primarily technological curricula.
technical document design and editing (eng 314)
Prepares students as professional communicators for technical, scientific, and corporate settings. Layout and design principles for written documents; desktop publishing and visual design; introduction to various genres such as proposals, progress reports, e-mail and listserv correspondence, formal reports, instructions and procedures; basics of technical editing; vocabulary, and style manuals; collaborative writing.
"Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you" (Maori Proverb)