It is very interesting to see where the Bachelor of Education program at the University of Regina might take you!
For Dr. Paula MacDowell (nee Griesser), it has been a remarkable journey. Following her graduation in 1995, she worked with the Saskatchewan Instructional Development and Research Unit (SIDRU) to develop and deliver a multimedia presentation for student recruitment. With a reputation for being creative and tech-savvy, she was also contracted to desktop publish research documents and design four brochures on the Faculty of Education programs.
In retrospect, Paula is thankful to SIDRU for her first professional experiences as a designer. She recalls, “Although I have been designing and making hand-crafted goods in one form or another ever since I can remember, I never grew up considering design as a career option. SIDRU enabled me to be explore new possibilities that mattered to me within a field I am passionate about.”
Paula continued to work as a multimedia designer and developer for nearly a decade in the Saskatchewan film and digital media industry. She reflects, “The learning curve was high, but my life was creatively challenging, meaningful, and unforgettably fun.”
Paula credits her learning experiences at the University of Regina with preparing her academically to successfully complete two graduate degrees from the University of British Columbia: a Master of Educational Technology (MET) and Ph.D. specializing in Media and Technology Studies Education. Her research was funded by the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) and is part of the How We Learn (Media and Technology Across the Lifespan) Lab.
Her scholarly work is characterized by a deep commitment to research with (not on) disadvantaged and under-represented groups, ranging from empowering females who are marginalized in the technology sphere to forming cross-cultural research partnerships with village communities, for the purposes of education, healing, reciprocity, and pro-social change.
Paula fondly remembers her time spent at the U of R: epic year-end parties at the home of Dr. Vi Maeers and Dr. Garth Pickard singing, ‘Tell me Quando Quando Quando’ at OCRE. “The Faculty of Education did much more than prepare me for a teaching career. It inspired me, empowered me, and gave me confidence in my unique abilities. I really benefited from having a supportive cohort group and student-centered learning environment. My instructors genuinely cared about my learning, my future, and my well-being. They had high expectations and challenged me to be the best teacher I could be. Some of them have become colleagues and good friends. We have maintained contact, even twenty years after I graduated.”
Now an instructor of design, media, and technology education at UBC, Paula’s learner-centered and ‘designerly’ ways of teaching evolved from her U of R coursework and internships. Her advice to future students who enroll in the Faculty of Education programs: “Make the most of your time by building strong relationships with your peers and professors. These connections will be invaluable resources for your future work and study opportunities. Do what you love and find out what makes you special and unique. Contribute your abilities and talents towards making a difference and building a better world. Have fun and truly enjoy your journey!”
You can learn more about Paula’s current research, design work, and family adventures by visiting her blog: www.designerlyways.com.
