Teaching

I primarily teach programming, teamwork, and serious game design courses.

Programming is an art form in that there isn’t one "right" way to solve a problem. I encourage best practices such as design patterns and refactoring, but I also believe that logic and critical thinking can be filtered through an individual's mental model, resulting in solutions as unique as a visual artist’s signature style.

Courses Taught 1998-present

Interactive Arts and Media Department, Columbia College Chicago

  • Authoring Interactive Media. 2006-2010
  • Computational Media Development. 2012
  • Directed Study. 2011, 2018
  • Game Culture. 2006-2007
  • Generative and Algorithmic Art. 2008-2009
  • IAM Team (capstone). 2007-2008
  • Independent Project: Interactive Arts and Media. 2011
  • Indie Game Project (capstone). 2011
  • Indie Game Studio (capstone). 2012
  • Introduction to Game Development. 2010-2011
  • Introduction to Programming. 2007, 2013-present
  • McCarthy Technologies Bootcamp. 2006-present
  • Object Oriented Programming. 2017-present
  • Production: Word and Image. 2006
  • Simulation and Serious Game Design. 2014-present
  • Simulation Design. 2008-2012
  • Simulation Design II. 2007

Interactive Multimedia Program, Columbia College Chicago

  • Aesthetics for Interactive Multimedia. 2000-2001
  • Creating Websites. 1998
  • Graphics and Animation for Interactive Multimedia. 1998-1999
  • Individual Vision (capstone). 2005-2006
  • Interactive Multimedia Production (capstone). 1999-2006
  • Interactive Multimedia Production II (capstone). 1999-2007
  • Introduction to Interactive Multimedia Production. 2004-2005
  • Portfolio Practicum. 2003

Institute for Science Education and Science Communication, Columbia College Chicago

  • Computer Models and Virtual Worlds in Science, co-instructor. 1998-1999
  • Multimedia Seminar. 1999

Columbia College Chicago Division of Continuing Education

  • Beginning Director. 1998-1999
  • Beginning Website Design. 1998-1999
  • Multimedia Authoring: Flash. 1998-1999

Recent Course Descriptions

Introduction to Programming

An introduction to object-oriented programming theory, problem-solving, algorithm development, and data abstraction that lays the foundation for further programming study. Topics include: data structures, selection, repetition, and sequence control structures, program design, testing, and documentation using programming best practices.

Object Oriented Programming

Design principles of modularity and abstraction are utilized in the building of applications; object-oriented principles such as encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism are covered in depth. Applications created throughout the semester utilize object-oriented, event-driven strategies.

Simulation and Serious Games

Course focuses on designing and developing game-like simulations and serious games. Aspects of the industry are addressed throughout the semester including vocabulary, theory, design requirements (including pedagogical goals), implementation, assessment and evaluation.