Barbara Z. Johnson in Duluth, MN | University Of Wisconsin - Madison - St. Olaf College

Barbara Z. Johnson

Female

I was an instructional technology developer and consultant at the University of Minnesota - Duluth (UMD) where I worked with faculty to choose and implement technology solutions to enhance their teaching. I taught numerous workshops on software and integrating computers into the classroom and providing support to faculty who developed online courses and course components. I have recently moved to Grinnell College in Iowa, where I consult and support faculty who are innovating their teaching with digital technology tools! While at UMD, my long-term interest in (and playing of) computer-based games inspired me to ask how games can be integrated into the classroom and how the curriculum can evolve to include games as part of the educational experience. Since the late 1970s, I have observed how gaming and the culture around it leads players voluntarily to learn a variety of content and skills, and I am most interested in learning how we can use games as virtual experiences that enhance and distance education. My experience with educational aspects of computer games and virtual worlds led me to be a doctoral student in Teaching and Learning at the University of Minnesota, where I hope to narrow my research interests into something manageable. I volunteered with the Sim Savvy Girls Clubs (now based in Arizona), working in Teen Second Life to guide teens in object creation and computer programing through use of the Linden Scripting Language. Specialties Educational technology, video games in education, web ADA compliance, academic writing, research in education, project management, software engineering, and web site development. read more ...