Instructional Design Portfolio
Overview
I’ve always been driven by a passion for design, seeing it as both an art and a problem-solving tool, which has shaped my academic and professional journey. With a Ph.D. in Education and Information and Communications Technology from the University of Lisbon (2024), an M.A. in General Linguistics (TESOL) from California State University, Fresno, and a B.A. in Business Administration (Marketing) from Fresno Pacific University, I’ve focused my expertise on enhancing learner experiences in Virtual Learning Environments. My dissertation explored UX and Information Architecture, integrating design strategies into iterative course development to improve online education.
Since 2012, I’ve been a Lecturer in higher education, joining UC Santa Barbara’s English for Multilingual Students Program in 2016, where I’ve designed all of our program’s online courses, using both Moodle and Canvas across online, hybrid, and in-person modalities. I’ve also consulted with faculty through tutorial videos and presentations on topics spanning from LX research to note taking. In my instructional design work, I am constantly blending my front-end web skills and inclusive design principles to elevate teaching and learning—skills I’m eager to bring to a design-centric role.
At a glance:
Education
- PhD in Education and Information and Communications Technology
- M.A. in General Linguistics with an option in TESOL
- B.A. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing
Expertise
- LMS platforms (Canvas, Moodle)
- UX/LX design
- UX/LX research
- Information Architecture
- Online, hybrid, and in-person course design
- EdTech and related technologies
Case Studies
Philosophy
I believe learning thrives in a collaborative, learner-centered environment where a leader and learner engage as partners, drawing inspiration from the apprenticeship model while adapting to the unique demands of higher education. I believe deep learning arises from creative and iterative processes that ignite engagement for both teacher and student, fueled by intrinsic motivations tied to the subject’s relevance in learners’ present and future lives.
I also believe that technology should enhance proven pedagogical models with intention, not merely because it’s ubiquitous or expected. I believe a blend of cognitivist, pragmatist, and constructivist perspectives fosters environments where mental growth, practical relevance, and active knowledge construction converge.
Skills and Expertise
My expertise in front-end web programming languages, combined with extensive PhD research in user and learner experience—particularly in information architecture—provides me with a robust foundation for mastering new technologies and envisioning their applications in instructional design.
This blend of technical proficiency and deep understanding of how users interact with digital systems enables me to quickly grasp the mechanics and potential of emerging tools. For instance, while I’ve become an expert user of the Canvas LMS, adapting its features to enhance learning experiences, my background equips me to efficiently learn and leverage any new platform.
I can swiftly identify how technologies align with pedagogical goals, making connections across diverse contexts to implement them effectively and creatively, whether for course design, user navigation, or engagement strategies.
Teaching Materials
My passion for creativity, technology, and pedagogy, honed over more than a decade of teaching, drives me to develop innovative and engaging instructional materials that resonate with learners. This unique blend allows me to seamlessly integrate cutting-edge tools with sound educational practices, transforming traditional content into dynamic, student-centered experiences.
My extensive classroom experience has deepened my understanding of diverse learner needs, while my enthusiasm for technology empowers me to experiment with novel approaches—such as interactive digital whiteboards or polished video content. Together, these strengths enable me to craft teaching materials that are not only pedagogically robust but also creatively compelling, consistently enhancing engagement and learning outcomes.
Workshops
I’m passionate about sharing my knowledge and practical advice on integrating technology seamlessly into the classroom, helping educators elevate their teaching with innovative tools. Within the EMS Program, I’ve led multiple workshops and talks, exploring topics such as using Slack and Nectir for communication, enhancing UX in course site design, and optimizing note-taking with Notion and other personal knowledge management (PKM) systems like Obsidian.
These opportunities highlight my dedication to connecting pedagogy with technology, providing colleagues with clear, adaptable strategies. My ability to break down complex tools into useful insights draws from my extensive experience and my enthusiasm for cultivating tech-enhanced, collaborative learning spaces.
A Note on Canvas
Since the implementation of Canvas at UCSB, I have actively explored its core features and LTIs in both sandbox and live teaching environments. Tools like Syllabus, Announcements, Modules, Grades, People, Pages, GauchoCast, Assignments, Discussions, Quizzes, Files, and Zoom have proven essential in supporting the pedagogical frameworks I build for my courses. I emphasize purposeful integration by choosing a few tools and applying them in versatile ways. For example, I use the Quiz tool to assess student understanding, collect feedback, and facilitate timed writing exercises.
Canvas is always evolving, much like the web development world, so staying up to date is less about knowing everything and more about knowing how to learn quickly. That is where my tech background and pedagogical lens intersect, enabling me to make fast, meaningful adaptations.
Case Studies
My professional journey in education is captured through a collection of case studies that showcase my innovative contributions. One highlight includes guiding a team of educators to successfully secure a grant, enabling the creation of tailored, high-impact courses for diverse learners. Another pivotal experience involved reimagining traditional course materials as dynamic online learning experiences that maintained academic rigor while embracing digital tools. Furthermore, I have strategically integrated cutting-edge technologies into educational frameworks aimed at creating improvements in learning outcomes. Collectively, these cases illustrate my passion for collaborative, creative, and purposeful advancements in education.