Teacher * Coder * Historian * Curriculum Designer

Teaching Technology History Design

After more than 30 years as a high school Computer Science and Social Science teacher, I approach teaching with a practitioner’s mindset. My work as an educator is grounded in three core principles: rigor, relevance, and personalization. These values shape how I design courses, organize learning experiences, use technology, and support students as they develop confidence and independence. Rigor means setting high expectations and asking students to think deeply, solve problems, and produce meaningful work while I strive to keep learning relevant by connecting learning to authentic situations, professional practice, and the world beyond the classroom. Personalization means recognizing that students bring different experiences, strengths, and needs to their learning, and providing the support and flexibility that helps them grow.

My work also extends into teacher preparation and educational technology. I teach graduate courses at Cal Poly Pomona and have mentored aspiring teachers through clinical practice and teacher preparation programs. These experiences have reinforced one of my strongest beliefs about education: theory becomes most powerful when students can apply it to authentic practice, reflect on the results, and use what they learn to improve.

Technology has always been an important part of my teaching, but I do not believe technology should replace thinking. I am most interested in how digital tools can support inquiry, creativity, active recall, problem solving, reflection, and meaningful collaboration. Whether I am teaching future educators, computer science students, or young designers and photographers, my goal is the same: to create an intellectually rich and supportive environment where students are challenged to think for themselves, develop practical expertise, and take ownership of their learning.

When I am not teaching, I engage in private family and public history research, where I utilize historical methodologies and evidence to investigate how individual experience is constructed and remembered within the broad context of historical memory. In addition, I create digital applications and tools that aid students exploration, inquiry and higher order cognition.