15 years in
the classroom.
College-level instruction in digital design, web communications, and media arts. In-person, online, and hybrid — at four institutions across Chicago. I teach what I practice, and I've never stopped practicing.
How I think about learning.
Four principles that guide everything I do — online or in the room.
Industry-Connected Learning
Every project should feel like real work. I draw on my active professional practice to give students briefs they could put directly in their portfolios. The gap between coursework and the industry is a design failure — I try to close it every class.
Student-Centered Design
Different skill levels, different learning styles, different goals. I meet students where they are and find the angle that works for each person. The syllabus is a starting point — the student in front of me is the actual course.
High Standards, High Support
I push students hard because I believe in them. Clear expectations and genuine mentorship together are where real growth happens. Students should leave my classes feeling challenged — and capable. Not one or the other.
Technology as a Tool, Not a Gimmick
Whether it's AI, LMS platforms, or creative software — I teach students to use technology intentionally and critically. The question is never "what can this tool do?" It's always "what do we need, and does this tool do it better?"
From the syllabus to the studio.
Every course connects design principles to real professional practice — so students leave with portfolios, not just grades.
Web Content Delivery
Digital content strategy, publishing workflows, accessibility standards, and how content moves across platforms. Students leave with a working content plan and practical publishing skills.
DePaul UniversityWeb Design
Layout principles, responsive design, visual hierarchy, and professional portfolio development. Every assignment builds toward a finished portfolio piece ready to show employers.
DePaul UniversityPhotoshop & Digital Imaging
Adobe Photoshop for photo manipulation, compositing, graphic design, and digital art production. Taught to in-person classes of 25–40, from beginners to students with prior experience.
DePaul UniversityMotion Graphics
Principles of motion design, timing, and visual storytelling through animation. Bridging the gap between graphic design foundations and moving-image production for digital platforms.
Art Institute Online · DeVryDigital Media & Visual Communication
Fundamentals of digital visual communication from concept to execution. Served as Subject Matter Expert for animation and front-end development curriculum revisions across multiple programs.
Illinois Institute of ArtAI in Education & Instructional Design
A course I'm ready to build and deliver — covering AI tools for educators, prompt engineering for learning design, and ethical AI integration in online and hybrid course environments.
Ready to DevelopA career built in classrooms.
From adjunct to department chair — every role has deepened my understanding of how people learn and how institutions can serve them better.
Adjunct Professor — Digital Design & Web Communications
Designed and delivered college-level courses for classes of 25–40 undergraduate students. Developed all course materials, assignments, rubrics, and assessments independently. Maintained a project-based, student-centered classroom focused on real-world application and portfolio readiness. Mentored students on career development in the creative and digital industries.
Adjunct & Assistant Professor — Digital Media & Motion Graphics
Taught web design, motion graphics, digital media, and visual communication across multiple institutions in online and in-person formats. Developed and updated curriculum; served as Subject Matter Expert for animation and front-end development courses. Adapted instructional strategies for both synchronous and asynchronous delivery.
Digital Art & Communications Department Chair
Led curriculum design and innovation for Digital Art, Animation, Graphic Design, and Interactive Media programs. Built faculty development workshops on instructional design best practices. Established the college's first online learning infrastructure. Managed WASC accreditation efforts, partnering with SMEs and industry leaders to keep curricula workforce-relevant.
Director of Education
Led curriculum, faculty training, and academic operations across five degree programs. Drove the full transition to digital and hybrid learning, improving student retention and satisfaction scores. Delivered faculty workshops on instructional design best practices and e-learning integration.
What I work with.
15+ years of staying current with how technology shapes design, communication, and education.
LMS Platforms
- Canvas
- Moodle
- Blackboard
Course Authoring
- Articulate Rise 360
- Camtasia
- Vyond
- SCORM
Design & Production
- Adobe Photoshop
- Illustrator
- After Effects
- Premiere
Web & Code
- HTML / CSS
- Python
- Excel Automation
AI Tools
- ChatGPT
- Claude
- Prompt Engineering
- AI-Assisted Design
Delivery Modalities
- In-Person
- Fully Online
- Hybrid / Blended
- Async & Sync
In their own words.
Michael is a great teacher. Students love him for being fair and honest, yet he pushes them hard to reach new goals and helps them to succeed in a difficult business. His balance of fair and tough is a model for all teachers.
Jake Worley-Hood Musician, Educator & Community ActivistMichael was a true inspiration for me. He is amazingly skilled in new media. What I found most enjoyable is that he recognized each student's skill level and used various angles and tools to get all of them to bring forth their best outcome.
Ken Christensen Full Stack Engineer & Former StudentLooking for a professor who still makes work?
Actively seeking adjunct and full-time faculty positions in digital design, web communications, or media arts — online or in the Chicago area. Let's talk.