MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
GAYLE BOWER
HOW I FEEL ABOUT WHAT I DO:
Designers, like myself, entwine content and engagement to bring unique solutions to learning experiences for a diverse audience. I do this by strategic planning, regardless of whether it is marketing-based or learning-based; apply instructional-based theories to enhance engagement, whether static or digital; and implement alignment with any campaign or learning experience goals. My mission is to be the advocate for the learner through the development of high-quality, aligned, and engaging online learning content.
HOW I BECAME AN INSTRUCTOR:
Happenstance is the word I would use to explain how I ended up here. I was looking for a different career path because I experienced job burnout. I began weighing my options on what I liked about my job; words that stood out were "helping people," "project management," "training my team," and "tech skills." After some research online, I found Instructional Design and Technology; in two years, I completed two certificated programs on ID, one from the Unversity of Maryland Global Campus and the other from the Instructional Design Company. At the end of the second program, the owner personally hired me to teach teachers online classes about graphic design. It was a game-changer.
Because I love teaching, I completed my Master’s in Education from the American College of Education.
It all begins with a snap
It all started when my parents bought me my first camera a polaroid supercolor 635 while I was in Kindergarten. It’s how I learned about juxtaposition, perspective, and depth. I have had many cameras since then but I still have that first one. I consider it an antique item that sits on a shelf in my house.
< Flashback to sometime in the 80’s
EMBRACING THE CREATIVITY WITHIN
I REALLY LOVE TO TRAVEL
Beech Mountain, NC | Land of OZ Theme Park
Orlando, FL | Universal Studios
San Francisco, CA
Winchester Mystery House, CA
New York City | SNL Dress Rehearsal”
Alcatraz Island, CA
Disney World, FL
Smokey Mountains, TN
I save products that are designed well, such as this perfume bottle. I got this bottle of "Electric Youth" when I was in the 7th grade. I was a huge Debbie Gibson fan (think the 80's Taylor Swift). When I posted this photo online, I hashtagged Debbie Gibson; not only did she like my photo, but she also started following me. The 13-year-old inside of me jumped for joy!!!
Every year, I do theme holiday cards with my pets. This was one of the few times I joined my crew in the photo; the idea came from the image on the right of actress Drew Barrymore with her kids. Plus, I do like Game of Thrones. My pets in this picture are Beasley and Bean.
THINGS THAT FUEL MY CREATIVITY
“ Design is ART that people use.” - Ellen Lupton
Class Introduction Video for Bryan University