This page contains information about the University of Colorado Denver, the College of Arts & Media and the classes I teach in the Digital Design program.

Teaching Philosophy
Digital design with its constantly evolving nature present many challenges for students. As an educator I have discovered one must be creative, motivated and highly organized when teaching electronic media. Using well-planned syllabi, I define project expectations and grading criteria. My classes address the pedagogical structure of the Digital Design curriculum and to also address creative, technical, historical and theoretical approaches to image making in the electronic age. Critical discourse generated through readings and lectures is of the utmost importance and governs the genesis and evolution of all student projects.

When teaching I cater to the individual needs of students allowing each to achieve his and her maximum potential. I have found that digital design attracts a wide variety of students and this mixture creates a rewarding and challenging learning environment that stimulates individual and collaborative artistic growth.

For some, technology is intimidating. Having chosen the mediums of video and computer for my professional work, I understand the challenges students face when working in these highly technical and evolving mediums. I present and teach technology in a “hands on” and user-friendly manner, explaining and demonstrating the tools of each program. Because students must possess the language and technical skills necessary to function as a screen based designer, I believe a strong foundation in the use of digital technology and production output allows the student more freedom to create artwork and generates the skills necessary to learn new technologies.

Digital Design
The Digital Design program is structured to prepare students to be creative, innovative and thoughtful screen-based designers. The curriculum in Digital Design focuses on building strong digital foundational skills and asks the students to be active researchers through self-motivated exploration of design, design practice and related technologies. The program encourages design students to reach across disciplines, to be innovative with technology and investigate a range of possible solutions when solving design problems. Digital Design students are asked explore contemporary user experiences and systems that includes mobile platforms, interactive environments, screen-based delivery systems, gaming, etc, and to consider and explore future technologies. Digital Design students are asked to use critical thinking skills when solving design problems and to question and evaluate how the public processes visual and design information.

Digital Design Outcomes
The Digital Design program has defined seven key learning outcomes for students that graduate from the Digital Design program. These learning outcomes represent the knowledge, skills and dispositions that are needed to be innovative, thoughtful and research driven digital designers.

• Graduates from the Digital Design program are expected to be proficient in the technologies and the software taught in the curriculum and to display mastery of at least one technology in their BFA thesis project.

• Digital Design graduates are expected to use visual research techniques that include skilled conceptualization, observation, reflection and deconstruction when solving design problems.

• Graduating students must be able to communicate effectively through design and to choose the appropriate delivery medium for their message.

• Graduating students must understand the persuasive power of design and their responsibility to the public.

• Digital Design graduates must be able to work in a collaborative work environment.

• Graduating students must understand the standards of professional practice including the client/designer relationship, their responsibility to society and the environment.

• Graduates from Digital Design program will have an enjoyment of critical thinking, creative problem solving, learning new technologies, and an appreciation of art and design.