Education
- East Carolina University
- Master of Science in Instructional Technology
- Graduate Certificate in Virtual Reality in Education and Training
- Graduate Coursework in Suzuki Violin Pedagogy
- Graduate Coursework in Geography
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Bachelor of Arts in Geography
- Coursework in environmental geography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Wayne Community College
- Associate in Arts – College Transfer Program
- Southern Wayne High School
Professional Employment History
North Carolina Department of Information Technology | March 2023 – Present
February 2024 – Present
Digital Solutions – Services Team
Training & Customer Relations Manager
The NCDIT Digital Solutions team maintains Digital Commons, the Drupal-based web Content Management System used by state agencies to host over 80 state government websites on a mobile-friendly and accessible platform. As the Training and Customer Relations Manager, I developed a new training program that leverages e-learning for new web content editors. I designed an online module in Articulate Storyline titled Digital Commons Orientation (45 minutes) which is hosted in NC Learning Center, the State’s LMS powered by Cornerstone. The self-paced module, which covers basic terminology and how our team is structured to serve customers, is available on-demand and is a prerequisite for the hands-on instructor-led Basic Training which I lead via Microsoft Teams. This approach allows state employees of varying technical skill levels to take as much time as they personally need to get acquainted with the platform before being expected to make edits during hands-on training.
As digital accessibility grows in importance, our team is developing a variety of resources to help State employees understand the topic and take practical steps to making their digital content accessible to all, regardless of abilities. I combined my skills in audio/video recording and editing, Camtasia and Articulate Storyline to develop Creating Accessible Content: Writing for the Web (30 minutes), available in NC Learning Center. I am also learning a great deal about web accessibility by participating in the N.C. Digital Accessibility Community of Practice (A11Y CoP.)
In addition to e-learning and training, I write customer guidance for our Support website. Outside my primary responsibilities, I assist with testing new features before they roll out, write blogs, maintain our support event calendar and newsletter archive, and assist with ServiceNow customer support request tickets as needed. https://digitalcommons.nc.gov/training.
“I just completed the Writing for the Web training and felt compelled to send kudos your way. We have needed this for SO long and it’s very helpful! I’m spreading the word far and wide to all our users to take this training. Looking forward to the future accessibility trainings. Great job!!!”
– NC DHHS Office of Communications Employee
March 2023 – January 2024
Human Resources
Workforce Development Specialist
Quote from a performance review:
“Jennifer has immediately increased the quality of our instructional design projects. She has excellent skills, knowledge and ability in graphics, working with SMEs and organizing content. She has produced high quality products and has supported other instructional designers in increasing their understanding of the concepts and approaches to projects.”
In this position I worked with subject-matter experts to develop e-Learning courses using Articulate 360 and Adobe Creative Suite for publication in the Cornerstone LMS. An example of a course that I designed for publication in the NC Learning Center is the “PPM Framework Review Process” course for project management at NCDIT, which I designed using Articulate Storyline 360. I consulted and coached agency instructors on improving their delivery of live and virtual instructor-led-training (ILT), and I provided graphic and multimedia design to improve their PowerPoint presentations or quick-reference PDF guides. Examples of my work in this area include the “NCDIT Navigating Retirement” ILT session, the new NC Cloud Community of Practice presentation and logo, and the Manager’s Forum. Forty percent of my time was allotted to Instructional Design, thirty percent to facilitating virtual ILT sessions, such as “Professional Development Planning: A Workshop for Supervisors” and the “Future Leaders Development Program,” and the remaining thirty percent was allotted to collaborating with the other members of the Workforce Development Team to produce high-quality materials, track learner progress in the LMS, and assist with LinkedIn Learning and Udemy for Business licenses linked to our LMS.
State Employees’ Credit Union | January 2018 ~ March 2023*
January 2018 – April 2019 and August 2020 – March 2023
Employee Education Resource Development
E-Learning Specialist II
I designed, developed and deployed online training for SECU employees on a quarterly schedule. I used Articulate Storyline, Adobe Creative Cloud, Captivate and Camtasia to design interactive and engaging training produced as SCORM content compatible with the organization’s LMS. I provided user support for training courses and the LMS. This work required knowledge of HTML, audio/video capturing and editing, web design, graphic design, instructional design, and an ability to learn new technologies quickly. I assisted in the migration of the company’s extensive reference library from the Trove system into SharePoint. In 2019 I grew tired of my long commute and sought work closer to home, but I returned to this position when the pandemic allowed me to work 100% remotely.
“I understand that you designed the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) course. I am taking it now and I have to say, I really like the images you choose. Very modern and refreshing! Just wanted to let you know – makes reading it a little more enjoyable!”
– SECU Lending Specialist completing required training
Quotes from performance reviews:
“Jen is an excellent graphic designer and writer. Her autonomy and initiative make her an asset to the organization and the team.”
“Jen produces high quality work that shines and contributes to the department’s growth. Working remotely is an important aspect for her, allowing her to focus, and balance her work and home life. The transition is seamless, as she is dedicated and dependable.”
“Jennifer is one of our most talented developers. She has been asked to work on a new project which I feel will showcase her talents with design and engagement with learners. We are lucky to have Jennifer for sure!”
City of Goldsboro | April 2019 – July 2020
Parks and Recreation
Marketing and Special Events Assistant
In this position I employed my graphic design and video editing skills to promote the Parks Department’s special events, summer camps, and other activities via print, web and social media avenues. I’ve always been a shutterbug, but while there, I became the department photographer and really honed my DSLR photography and editing skills. Photography was the part of my job I loved most!
I enjoyed my work, but knew I was capable of more responsibility and needed greater challenges. The pandemic brought the option of remote work to my former position at the Credit Union; the only reason I left SECU was due to my long commute, so when I was invited to return 100% remotely, I did.
Awards & Recognition
• First Place in the MST Trail Towns category of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail’s 42nd Birthday Photo Contest.
• Photo credit in the Wikipedia article about season 13 American Idol contestant, Majesty Rose.
• Photography featured in the 2001 issue of Renaissance Magazine.
• Second Place for photography at the 2000 Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair.
Galleries
Nature
Parks & Recreation
Live Music
Festivals
The Patchwork Years | August 2011 – December 2017
A few months before the end of my contract at ECU, my husband and I learned that I was pregnant with our first child. Having been a lifelong musician, I decided to teach violin lessons at home while I stayed home with our young daughter. While I was building my studio and recruiting new students, I did a variety of other things to help pay the bills: taught early elementary music classes; tutored Chinese children learning to speak English; taught as an Adjunct Instructor at Wayne Community College; played gigs with a bluegrass band; and sold stock photography to Shutterstock.
Vinciguerra Suzuki Violin Studio
I offered weekly private violin lessons to students ages 4 – 64 by employing the Suzuki method. I also offered weekly group classes to engage students in group performance and to enhance musicianship skills. This work required great interpersonal and listening skills. I worked with families to guide them in the process of renting or purchasing an instrument, we worked together to schedule lessons, and I communicated with families regarding rehearsals, recitals, and other events via email, text, phone, and social media. This work required strong leadership and presentation skills in order to offer quality education and recitals/concerts.
In addition to the instructional aspects of my business, I also promoted my services online, in print, and through community involvement to recruit new students. I designed my own creative website using Adobe Creative Suite 5 with embedded videos, uploading files using an FTP client, maintained a blog, YouTube channel, and, studio Facebook page. I stayed organized by using a Google Calendar, Google Phone number, and Google Drive.
Early Elementary Music Teacher
While running my own violin studio, I offered lessons located a private school where I was later invited to teach the Pre-K through First Grade music appreciation classes. I taught this age group twice a week for two years and we had a lot of fun exploring music, movement, and playing simple instruments. One really fun unit I organized was listening to Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf to learn about different instrument voices. We acted it out and made origami paper wolves.
In another memorable lesson, I incorporated technology with apps on tablet devices. The older children enjoyed exploring musical notation on the treble staff in Noteworks while younger children learned about tempo and rhythm with Dr. Seuss Band.
Online English Tutor for Golden Voice English Online Education
As a native English speaker, I met online several times per week with small groups of Chinese children who were learning to speak English. GVEOE provided instructional PowerPoint lessons in their LMS which I downloaded and used as visual aids to facilitate discussions with the children. The tutoring sessions followed along with the curriculum taught by the lead teachers and my job was to help the children practice speaking to and listening to a native English speaker on the appropriate content.
Adjunct Instructor for Information Systems Department at Wayne Community College
I taught as an adjunct instructor for the Information Systems Department at Wayne Community College during periods of high student enrollment when additional instructors were needed. I served under three consecutive Department Chairs: Sharon Bull, Glenn Royster, and Jennifer Tyndall. Some years I did not teach, other years I taught multiple course sections in more than one semester. Some were full-semester while others were on late-start condensed schedules. I enjoy teaching and pick up a class when I am able to assist, but I haven’t had the time available to devote to it outside my full time job in recent years.
I taught the following courses in both hybrid and 100% online formats using the Moodle LMS and Cengage platform:
- CIS 110 – Introduction to Computers: Prerequisite: CIS 070 or appropriate computer skills test score. This course introduces computer concepts, including fundamental functions and operations of the computer. Topics include identification of hardware components, basic computer operations, security issues, and use of software applications. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role and function of computers and use the computer to solve problems. This course has been approved to satisfy the Comprehensive articulation agreement general education core requirement in natural science/mathematics (Quantitative Option).
- CIS 070 – Fundamentals of Computing: This course covers fundamental functions and operations of the computer. Topics include identification of components, overview of operating systems, and other basic computer operations. Upon completion, students should be able to operate computers, access files, print documents, and perform basic application operations.
Bluegrass
I’ve played with a handful of bands across the years, all over North Carolina. I’m not actively playing any more, but I had a lot of good, clean fun!
East Carolina University | May 2006 – July 2011
August 2009 – June 20011
College of Education – Instructional Technology Center
Distance Education Coordinator
I assisted in the development of the I.S.L.E.S. module for the grant-funded Teacher Quality Partnership. I assisted faculty in selecting and implementing appropriate technology tools for both online and face-to-face instruction. I scheduled the use of video conferencing facilities. I served as webmaster over the College of Education website using the CommonSpot web content management system. I worked with the Marketing Director by providing graphic design and multimedia design on a variety of special projects as requested by the Dean of the College of Education, such as presentations given to Chancellor Ballard and a Facebook advertisement. Additionally, I served on the College of Education Technology Committee as well as the College of Education Enrollment Management Planning Team.
August 2008 – July 2009
College of Education – Center for Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education
Instructional Technology Specialist
Working at the Center was so much fun and I got to see, do, and experience many interesting things with a fun group of colleagues. I enjoyed collaborating with the science and math subject matter experts in my department to deploy math and science curriculum programs online for K-12 teachers using a variety of web-design software programs, including Flash, Dreamweaver, and Photoshop.
I provided technology professional development programs for K-12 teachers in eastern North Carolina as part of the North Carolina Mathematics and Science Education Network (NC-MSEN). I designed innovative new workshops which allowed teachers to work online from home and by visiting State Parks in their local area to learn how to utilize a GPS unit and make observations about the environment they explored. Teachers earned CEU for these workshops. I also taught workshops in virtual reality for CEU credit.
I led several GPS scavenger hunt activities for middle grades students involved in the Pre-College STEM program. We celebrated the International Year of Astronomy and the Center’s 25th birthday during my time there.
I designed the posters that accompanied the tire on display.
May 2006 – July 2007
Information Technology & Computing Services – Academic Computing Division
Instructional Technology Specialist
This was my first full-time position after finishing graduate school. I lead face-to-face classroom training on the university’s web content management system, which at that time was PaperThin’s CommonSpot. I taught university faculty, staff, and graduate students how to edit content on their departments’ web pages, and after training was completed, I supported their use of the CMS by developing tutorials, reference materials, handling help desk tickets, and offering individual consulting. In addition to user support, I created new directories and assigned user access. Other duties in this role included providing information sessions to new students and new employees, designing Smart Classroom quick-reference guides, and representing ITCS at a variety of functions.
Student Employment and Experience
Master of Science | Instructional Technology | East Carolina University
Graduate Certificate | Virtual Reality for Education and Training
During my Master’s program, I chose electives that allowed me to complete the Virtual Reality for Education and Training Graduate Certificate at the same time as I completed my degree. I also volunteered in the Virtual Reality for Education Laboratory (VREL) and helped demonstrate the equipment when middle and high school groups came for tours.
Dr. Veronica Pantelidis ran the certificate program, lab and VR in the Schools publication and was assisted by my then boyfriend and eventual husband, David Vinciguerra. My first publication was co-authored with David and published in VR in the Schools. I later went on to use that project as the basis for a VR workshop I provided STEM teachers.
Virtual Pumpkin Carving: Journal Article and Workshop
Journal article published in VR in the Schools.
PowerPoint Presentation
Coursework Completed:
- • EDTC 6240: Virtual Reality: Principles and Applications
- • EDTC 6242: Building and Using Graphics-Based Virtual Reality Environments for Education
- • EDTC 6244: Building and using Text-Based Virtual Reality Environments for Education
- • EDTC 6848: Seminar on Virtual Reality and Education
- • EDTC 6991-602: Internship: ECU Virtual Reality in Education Laboratory
Adjunct Instructor | Pitt Community College Information Systems Department
While working as a Graduate Assistant in the Instructional Technology Center, one of the faculty shared with me that Pitt Community College needed instructors for basic computer skills courses. I had enough graduate hours under my belt to be eligible to apply and knew that the experience would be invaluable. I was offered the position and taught two face-to-face courses in the fall of 2005: CIS-110 and CIS-070. This paved the way for me to teach these courses again at Wayne Community College years later.
Graduate Assistant | College of Education Instructional Technology Center
I worked as a Graduate Assistant in the College of Education Instructional Technology Center while earning my degree. I opened the computer lab in the Speight building each morning where future teachers completed college assignments. I offered them basic technical support, kept the printer stocked with paper, and tended to the faculty equipment checkout system.
Before Smart Classrooms were popular, if faculty wanted to incorporate a PowerPoint slideshow or video presentation, they would use the ITC’s online system to request a laptop and projector. I would deliver the equipment to the appropriate classroom, set it up, offer basic technical support, and retrieve the equipment at the end of class. During my time in this position we also acquired laptop carts which functioned as mobile computer labs that could be delivered to the classroom for students to complete assignments in class. Student teachers were also able to check out video cameras to record themselves teaching during practicum.
Co-Director | Southeastern Regional Teaching & Technology Conference
I worked a second Graduate Assistantship for the College of Education Instructional Technology Center as the Co-Director of the Southeastern Regional Teaching & Technology Conference for two years. This 2-day conference connected K-12 teachers in eastern North Carolina with resources for incorporating technology into their classrooms. I assisted in reviewing presentation proposals, I maintained the conference website, designed the printed program, name tags and poster signage, selected and designed totes and other promotional items, planned snack and luncheon menus and assisted with registration each morning of the conference.
Webmaster | WZMB 91.3 FM ECU Campus Radio
I created and maintained the website for ECU’s campus radio station. I worked in the station several days a week, created graphics for promotions and photographed station events. One memorable event was a combination car show and blood drive; the event itself was pretty much a flop. There was one car on display and the only people who gave blood were station staffers. The biggest lesson I learned from this event is that the way you frame your photography makes a huge impact. After seeing the photos I put on our website, one of the D.J.’s told me, “Wow, it looks like we had such a great time! You’d never know it was such a small event!”
Graduate Coursework in Geography | East Carolina University
When I first moved to Greenville to study at ECU, I enrolled for summer classes as a non-degree student and applied for the Master of Arts in Teaching program, but things didn’t go to plan. During my interview with the program director, she felt I was “too introverted” to be a teacher and did not admit me to the program. I had to pivot quickly, so I applied to the Master of Arts in Geography program and was accepted. I also took courses in ethnography, planning, land use law, and began research for a cultural geography thesis relating to bluegrass music and a sense of place.
Between geography classes, I would visit my then boyfriend eventual husband, David in the computer lab where he worked as a Graduate Assistant while he completed his Master’s degree in Instructional Technology. I had never heard of the field before, but what he was doing looked like a lot of fun and allowed for a degree of creativity that interested me. I changed my major to study Instructional Technology and have found it to be very rewarding and a great fit for me.
Life truly has its twists and turns and you never know where you’ll end up. For instance, the office where I had that doomed interview with the program director? It eventually became mine. Introverts are capable and empathetic teachers and have a place in education; it just may look different than the way an extrovert teaches in front of a large classroom.
Candy Shop Clerk | Tropik Sun Fruit & Nut
I worked at a candy shop in the mall until I found work related to my degree field. I popped fresh popcorn daily, filled helium balloons, scooped ice cream, and filled candy, fruit and nut orders by weight.
One funny thing about me is that I have the ability to do almost anything perfectly once. When owner Johnny Justice was showing me around on my first day, he showed me how to cut the fudge and weigh it on the scale. He said, “It’s normal for it to be off by a few decimals, just get it close- it doesn’t have to be perfect.” “Oh ho,” I thought, “I will make it perfect.” He asked me to cut a quarter pound of fudge and it was a perfect 0.25 on the scale. I wish I had a picture of his reaction, but I did go back to visit him on my graduation day.
Bachelor of Arts | Geography | University of North Carolina
Having completed my Associate degree in 3 semesters, I entered UNC Chapel Hill as a junior in the fall of 2001. I originally planned to study English since I was good at it. When I met my advisor for the first time, I asked what sorts of jobs I could get with an English degree. He said that many study English before going into law school, which I knew wasn’t for me, and he told me a successful alumnus had written for the Star Trek television series. I was not yet a Trekkie, so my naive brain cringed at the thought- sorry, Michael Piller!
I was working in Geology Department as a FASA Work Study recipient and enjoyed the intro class I was taking and briefly considered geology, but wasn’t interested in all the calculus that would require. I saw its connection to geography and decided it was a field that had a lot to offer; I could explore culture, landforms, systems, mapping, GIS and remote sensing and learn a variety of things under one umbrella. I’ve always had strong spatial skills, enjoyed maps and navigation, and thought that teaching ESRI software could be a job I’d potentially enjoy. I settled on Geography and graduated in 2003.
Associate in Arts | College Transfer | Wayne Community College
I began working on my Associate degree before I graduated from high school. I didn’t participate in an early college program- if any existed at that time, I didn’t know about them- I simply enrolled in the summer semester that started before my June graduation date. My early start, combined with Advanced Placement (AP) exam scores and a rigorous course load allowed me to graduate one year after I completed high school. I planned to transfer to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to complete my undergraduate education in English.
While at Wayne Community, I participated in band, wrote for the campus newspaper, contributed poetry and photography to Renaissance, the school’s literary magazine, and I worked with a visually disabled student as a tutor for the Academic Skills Center.
