Our Mission
The mission of the Center for Creative Instruction & Technology (CCIT) is to assist and inspire educational creativity and excellence.
The CCIT staff pledges to enable, educate, and support our academic partners as they combine their subject matter expertise with our understanding of instructional design and state of the art educational technology applications.
Together, we will strive to design experiences that increase student performance and satisfaction, and demonstrate innovation in both traditional and online learning environments.
Our Services
Instructional Design
Whether creating a new course or curriculum from scratch or redesigning an existing one, we can assist in every step of the process, from syllabus design to content pacing to lesson planning.
LMS Support
CCIT is the faculty’s first stop for training and support related to our learning management system. We assist in both troubleshooting and course design best practices.
Distance Ed Support
CCIT helps ensure that appropriate technologies and design principles are employed to keep distance education courses just as rigorous and effective as traditional courses.
Professional Development
Through workshops, departmental training, online orientations, and our IDT Certificate Program, CCIT is committed to providing Delaware Tech with cutting edge professional development related to all things teaching and learning.
Instructional Consultations
CCIT works one-on-one with instructors to help them make their courses the best they can be. We are happy to be your spring board for innovative instructional strategies or educational technology, and we are even willing to observe you teaching and provide confidential feedback.
Our Team
(302) 259-6850
Sara Carter
Director of Instructional Design & Technology
As Director of CCIT, Sara provides vision, leadership, and direction for innovation and excellence in education technology initiatives. Sara leads a college-wide team responsible for offering training, courses, and workshops on pedagogical design and technology issues, exploring and gauging interest in emerging technologies, and forming partnerships with academic units to incorporate instructional design principles into their curriculum.
Sara has been in education throughout her academic and professional career. She holds a BS in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Applied Educational Technology. For 3 years she worked in the K–12 setting focusing on differentiated and inclusive instruction. She then shifted to higher education in 2008, working in disability services before joining CCIT as an Instructional Designer. Throughout her entire career, she has been passionate about the unique way in which we all learn and is committed to providing an educational experience that meets the needs of all learners. Sara works with both administrators and faculty to design and deliver the highest quality educational experience, no matter what the modality, providing access for all. She believes that educators have the amazing opportunity to change lives and inspire students to do things they never imagined.
Wilmington Campus
April Higgins
Instructional Designer
April Higgins is a creative and innovative curriculum designer with a passion for creating engaging lessons for students. Prior to joining Delaware Tech’s CCIT division, April was a k-12 teacher for over 14 years. In the classroom, she focused on designing creative learning experiences for her students. She published curriculum units and materials with the Delaware Department of Education that continue to be used in classrooms throughout the state. Through the Delaware Teachers Institute and Yale National Initiative, April worked with teachers and professors from across the country to publish curricular resources that showcase new and innovative techniques for diverse learners. April routinely developed and presented professional development sessions for her school, district, and the Social Studies Coalition of Delaware.
April earned a bachelor of science in middle-level education from Wilmington University and a master of arts in economics and entrepreneurship for educators from the University of Delaware. April is looking forward to bringing her expertise to Delaware Tech and promoting student success.
What Do Our Instructional Designers Do?
CCIT’s Instructional Designers (IDs) are responsible for designing, developing, evaluating, and teaching instructional design and technology courses; managing and completing projects; evaluating and recommending appropriate technologies; advising and supporting faculty in a manner consistent with instructional technology best practices; coordinating professional development programs; coordinating and conducting instructional technology workshops; providing first class customer service; and facilitating experiences that prepare instructors to teach in any environment (including online).
IDs will collaborate with Delaware Tech faculty to produce state of the art technology learning applications and environments. Duties include, but are not limited to, designing, developing, evaluating, and teaching courses in Delaware Tech’s Instructional Design and Technology Certificate program; advising and supporting faculty to create technology-based learning projects that are consistent with best practices in instructional principles and theories; educational technology project management; evaluating requests for technology-based learning projects and recommending technologies that match instructional objectives; coordinating the development and delivery of instructional technology faculty professional development programs; designing, developing, coordinating, and conducting instructional technology workshops that promote technology integration that enhances instruction; teach courses that prepare faculty members to teach online; and instructing faculty members on best practices for technology-enabled course design.
Mary Paris
Instructional Designer
Mary has been with Delaware Tech since 2006. Mary began as an instructor in the English department, and she has also served as a Learning Communities coordinator, an Instructional Coordinator, and a Department Chair. In addition to her time in instruction, Mary has also been a program advisor and an academic counselor. During her time with the college, she has developed and led several advising-related professional development sessions as well as department-specific training for adjunct faculty. Mary has also supported new faculty and colleagues with the use of educational technology and learning management systems. In addition, she has been part of multiple course redesigns aimed at increasing student success and improving the student experience. Mary has a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics. She is excited to apply her instructional and student affairs experience to a new role supporting colleagues as they leverage educational technology and creative classroom practices to increase student engagement.
What Do Our Instructional Designers Do?
CCIT’s Instructional Designers (IDs) are responsible for designing, developing, evaluating, and teaching instructional design and technology courses; managing and completing projects; evaluating and recommending appropriate technologies; advising and supporting faculty in a manner consistent with instructional technology best practices; coordinating professional development programs; coordinating and conducting instructional technology workshops; providing first class customer service; and facilitating experiences that prepare instructors to teach in any environment (including online).
IDs will collaborate with Delaware Tech faculty to produce state of the art technology learning applications and environments. Duties include, but are not limited to, designing, developing, evaluating, and teaching courses in Delaware Tech’s Instructional Design and Technology Certificate program; advising and supporting faculty to create technology-based learning projects that are consistent with best practices in instructional principles and theories; educational technology project management; evaluating requests for technology-based learning projects and recommending technologies that match instructional objectives; coordinating the development and delivery of instructional technology faculty professional development programs; designing, developing, coordinating, and conducting instructional technology workshops that promote technology integration that enhances instruction; teach courses that prepare faculty members to teach online; and instructing faculty members on best practices for technology-enabled course design.
Stanton Campus
Laura Thompson
Instructional Designer
Laura brings over 24 years of experience to her role as Instructional Designer. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education, Master of Arts in Educational Psychology: Human Cognition and Intelligent Technologies, and a PhD in Psychology with an emphasis on the integration of technology and instruction. Her interests include the role of the instructor in designing and delivering distance education. Her professional goals entail supporting faculty and staff through professional development regarding instructional decision-making and technology tool use as it enhances the learning experience. Laura is also an adjunct instructor in the Social Sciences department.
What Do Our Instructional Designers Do?
CCIT’s Instructional Designers (IDs) are responsible for designing, developing, evaluating, and teaching instructional design and technology courses; managing and completing projects; evaluating and recommending appropriate technologies; advising and supporting faculty in a manner consistent with instructional technology best practices; coordinating professional development programs; coordinating and conducting instructional technology workshops; providing first class customer service; and facilitating experiences that prepare instructors to teach in any environment (including online).
IDs will collaborate with Delaware Tech faculty to produce state of the art technology learning applications and environments. Duties include, but are not limited to, designing, developing, evaluating, and teaching courses in Delaware Tech’s Instructional Design and Technology Certificate program; advising and supporting faculty to create technology-based learning projects that are consistent with best practices in instructional principles and theories; educational technology project management; evaluating requests for technology-based learning projects and recommending technologies that match instructional objectives; coordinating the development and delivery of instructional technology faculty professional development programs; designing, developing, coordinating, and conducting instructional technology workshops that promote technology integration that enhances instruction; teach courses that prepare faculty members to teach online; and instructing faculty members on best practices for technology-enabled course design.
Jenna C. Sinnamon
Instructional Designer
Jenna is a recent addition to CCIT as an Instructional Designer after spending 10 years in the K-12 setting as a math teacher. She is also a former adjunct instructor from the Owens campus after working in the math and education departments. Jenna has a passion for developing meaningful learning experiences for all. She finds great value in creating a sense of community within her courses, regardless of their delivery method. Jenna earned a Bachelor of Science in Education (K-6) as well as a Master of Education in Applied Technology in Education from Wilmington University. She earned her most recent Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University. Jenna is excited to partner with the faculty at Delaware Tech to increase student engagement and success.
What Do Our Instructional Designers Do?
CCIT’s Instructional Designers (IDs) are responsible for designing, developing, evaluating, and teaching instructional design and technology courses; managing and completing projects; evaluating and recommending appropriate technologies; advising and supporting faculty in a manner consistent with instructional technology best practices; coordinating professional development programs; coordinating and conducting instructional technology workshops; providing first class customer service; and facilitating experiences that prepare instructors to teach in any environment (including online).
IDs will collaborate with Delaware Tech faculty to produce state of the art technology learning applications and environments. Duties include, but are not limited to, designing, developing, evaluating, and teaching courses in Delaware Tech’s Instructional Design and Technology Certificate program; advising and supporting faculty to create technology-based learning projects that are consistent with best practices in instructional principles and theories; educational technology project management; evaluating requests for technology-based learning projects and recommending technologies that match instructional objectives; coordinating the development and delivery of instructional technology faculty professional development programs; designing, developing, coordinating, and conducting instructional technology workshops that promote technology integration that enhances instruction; teach courses that prepare faculty members to teach online; and instructing faculty members on best practices for technology-enabled course design.
Amanda Hooper Alcaraz
Educational Technologist
Amanda Hooper Alcaraz comes to CCIT with a background in social work. She started her career in the nonprofit sector, working with survivors of violence and their families for fourteen years. Amanda transitioned to working at the State of Delaware as an Educator/Trainer and created skill-based learning experiences for adults in the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Justice, and Family Court. She was the administrator for her department’s learning management system and developed training programs for new workers. After moving into work at the State, she learned she had a passion for instructional design and adult learning and she began to develop online learning experiences for her department. Amanda enjoys working with people and is fascinated with technology. She gets a kick out of helping people reach that “Aha!” moment and loves to bring play into learning. A lifelong Delawarean, Amanda is proud to have an Associate’s Degree from the University of Delaware. She looks forward to working with the DTCC community!
Dover Campus
Pauline Pauley-Sturgeon
Educational Technologist
Pauline provides a wide variety of technology training to faculty and staff. The majority of her time is spent providing technical support for LMS end users as well as providing various training workshops for faculty. She genuinely enjoys helping faculty, staff and students succeed in their roles at the College through technology as well as cultivating an overall positive experience for all. Pauline has a background in Elementary Education and has been serving the Delaware Tech family since 2000. She takes pride in providing the best customer support to the college and community.
What Do Our Ed Techs Do?
CCIT’s Ed Techs provide front-line technology-related professional development, training, and support to college faculty and staff. They are the first stop for everyday troubleshooting and support for the Learning Management System.
Our Ed Techs work independently or collaboratively to develop training, projects, and instructional media related to instruction in the classroom. They actively promote and support effective use of educational technology to enhance teaching, learning and student success.
Adrian Peterson
Instructional Designer
Adrian joined the CCIT team in 2019. He spent more than 8 years at Washington College in various roles and taught middle school science before that. He earned his B.S. in Biology in 2007 and his M.Ed. in Applied Technology in Education in 2016. He loves working with faculty to help design courses that engage students and deepen learning. Adrian has spent the last 5 years with a particular focus on learning space design and has written papers and given presentations on the topic both nationally and internationally. He believes the learning environment, be it physical or digital, plays an important role in the success of teaching and learning. He is excited to join the DTCC community and is looking forward to working with all the amazing people that make this place great.
What Do Our Instructional Designers Do?
CCIT’s Instructional Designers (IDs) are responsible for designing, developing, evaluating, and teaching instructional design and technology courses; managing and completing projects; evaluating and recommending appropriate technologies; advising and supporting faculty in a manner consistent with instructional technology best practices; coordinating professional development programs; coordinating and conducting instructional technology workshops; providing first class customer service; and facilitating experiences that prepare instructors to teach in any environment (including online).
IDs will collaborate with Delaware Tech faculty to produce state of the art technology learning applications and environments. Duties include, but are not limited to, designing, developing, evaluating, and teaching courses in Delaware Tech’s Instructional Design and Technology Certificate program; advising and supporting faculty to create technology-based learning projects that are consistent with best practices in instructional principles and theories; educational technology project management; evaluating requests for technology-based learning projects and recommending technologies that match instructional objectives; coordinating the development and delivery of instructional technology faculty professional development programs; designing, developing, coordinating, and conducting instructional technology workshops that promote technology integration that enhances instruction; teach courses that prepare faculty members to teach online; and instructing faculty members on best practices for technology-enabled course design.
Jason Silverstein
Instructional Designer
Jason joined CCIT in 2019 after 7 years with the college in instruction. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and master’s degree in Educational Technology. Jason has been teaching mathematics and computer science for the last 15 years. Jason’s love for solving interesting problems inspired him to transition from an Instructor to an Instructional Designer, where he actively redesigns courses and incorporates new and innovative technologies into them. Jason’s passion is to leverage technology to enhance the student experience regardless of course modality.
What Do Our Instructional Designers Do?
CCIT’s Instructional Designers (IDs) are responsible for designing, developing, evaluating, and teaching instructional design and technology courses; managing and completing projects; evaluating and recommending appropriate technologies; advising and supporting faculty in a manner consistent with instructional technology best practices; coordinating professional development programs; coordinating and conducting instructional technology workshops; providing first class customer service; and facilitating experiences that prepare instructors to teach in any environment (including online).
IDs will collaborate with Delaware Tech faculty to produce state of the art technology learning applications and environments. Duties include, but are not limited to, designing, developing, evaluating, and teaching courses in Delaware Tech’s Instructional Design and Technology Certificate program; advising and supporting faculty to create technology-based learning projects that are consistent with best practices in instructional principles and theories; educational technology project management; evaluating requests for technology-based learning projects and recommending technologies that match instructional objectives; coordinating the development and delivery of instructional technology faculty professional development programs; designing, developing, coordinating, and conducting instructional technology workshops that promote technology integration that enhances instruction; teach courses that prepare faculty members to teach online; and instructing faculty members on best practices for technology-enabled course design.
practices for technology-enabled course design.
Jennifer McFarlane
Learning Management System Administrator
Jennifer joins CCIT as a Learning Management System Administrator for the D2L platform. As a member of the Del Tech community for nearly a decade, her roles as alumni and employee allow for a unique perspective into student success. She began her journey at Stanton campus, earning an associates degree in Secondary Education: Physics May 2015. After graduating, she remained at Del Tech as a tutor for the Math and Physics center. In August of 2018, Jennifer transitioned into the IIT department as a technician with CMS. While working in Tech Support, she continuously sought ways for technology to be more engaging and user-friendly. By November 2022, she became a specialist at the Terry campus. In January 2022, Jennifer graduated from Western Governors University with a BA in IT Management. As a non-traditional learner herself, she is passionate about utilizing technology to break down barriers and provide multiple avenues for student success.
What Do Learning Management System Administrator Do?
A Learning Management Administrator is responsible for overseeing and managing the implementation, maintenance, and optimization of our learning management system (LMS) at the College. Their role involves tasks such as creating and organizing courses, uploading content, managing user accounts, monitoring user engagement and progress, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the LMS. They collaborate with instructional designers, educational technologists, instructors, and IT teams to ensure effective training and educational experiences for our college community. Additionally, Learning Management Administrators may analyze data and metrics to improve the learning process and contribute to the strategic development of learning programs.
Georgetown Campus
Alison Voss
Instructional Designer
Alison Voss joined CCIT as an Instructional Designer in 2024 , making a move from her previous role in Delaware Tech’s Education Department. Ali began her teaching career over ten years ago, where she specialized in providing high-quality reading instruction for her second and fifth-grade students in Delaware public schools. Her academic journey includes a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science and a Master of Education in Elementary Education, earned at Wilmington University. She recently added a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University to her educational accomplishments. Ali is excited for the opportunity to refine her passion for education through innovative instructional design, contributing to the continuous enhancement of educational practices at Delaware Tech.
What Do Our Instructional Designers Do?
CCIT’s Instructional Designers (IDs) are responsible for designing, developing, evaluating, and teaching instructional design and technology courses; managing and completing projects; evaluating and recommending appropriate technologies; advising and supporting faculty in a manner consistent with instructional technology best practices; coordinating professional development programs; coordinating and conducting instructional technology workshops; providing first class customer service; and facilitating experiences that prepare instructors to teach in any environment (including online).
IDs will collaborate with Delaware Tech faculty to produce state of the art technology learning applications and environments. Duties include, but are not limited to, designing, developing, evaluating, and teaching courses in Delaware Tech’s Instructional Design and Technology Certificate program; advising and supporting faculty to create technology-based learning projects that are consistent with best practices in instructional principles and theories; educational technology project management; evaluating requests for technology-based learning projects and recommending technologies that match instructional objectives; coordinating the development and delivery of instructional technology faculty professional development programs; designing, developing, coordinating, and conducting instructional technology workshops that promote technology integration that enhances instruction; teach courses that prepare faculty members to teach online; and instructing faculty members on best practices for technology-enabled course design.
Get In Touch!
Leadership
Wilmington
Stanton
Dover
Jennifer McFarlane
Learning Management System Administrator
ETB Room 722
302 857-1748