Curriculum Vitae
Curriculum vita | Portfolio | Blog
Richard Sebastian, Ph.D.
Richmond, Virginia
(804) 840-5357
richard.sebastian@gmail.com
Skype: richard_a_sebastian
Twitter: @rasebastian
Areas of Interest
- Effective integration of technology into teaching and learning
- Design and development of distance learning and e-learning curricula
- Educational application of digital, mobile, and pervasive games
- Building collaborative learning environments using social media
Education
Ph.D., Instructional Technology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 2008
B.A., English, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 1991
Projects
National Institute for Literacy (now LINCS) Professional Development Discussant
Invited to serve as a guest moderator during a three-week discussion of social media tool use in adult and continuing education during the summer of 2010. Led a small group discussion on Ning and YouTube during the second week in which participants explored both tools before creating their own media projects with guidance from the group.
PluggedIn VA project (2008-2010)
Principal Investigator and Project Manager for PlugGED In, an innovative GED-technology curriculum developed with funding from Governor Kaineʼs Productivity Investment Fund (PIF), the Virginia Department of Education, and the Chancellorʼs e-Learning Enhancement & Development (CEED) grant. Served with then Secretary of Technology Aneesh Chopra as a member of the initial planning team and, once funded, oversaw all aspects of the curriculum development, implementation, and evaluation of this innovative project to ensure its success.
PluggedIn VA Instructor Manual
I worked with the lead curriculum developer to develop this intensive and comprehensive 6-month curriculum framework that focuses on 21st Century skills and college preparation for adult high school dropouts.
- Wrote original design document
- Assembled partners and project team
- Implemented a needs assessment for pilot location
- Brought together a panel of experts to review curriculum
- Wrote the PIF grant and co-wrote CEED grant application
- Helped develop and deliver teacher training
PlugGED In: A Career Pathway to Tech Sector Employment & Education
Slideshow of presentation on the PluggedIn VA model and evaluation results delivered to the 2009 Effective Transitions conference in Providence, RI
National Adult English Language Learning Professional Development Network (2010)
Served as a technology consultant during the development of World Educationʼs grant proposal to the Office of Vocational and Adult Education to create a national professional development network for ELL instructors.
Policy2Performance (2010)
Advising the Virginia Department of Education as part of the federal Policy2Performance project. Virginia is one of eight states selected by the Office of Vocational and Adult Education to research and develop policies that would increase the success rate of non-traditional adult education students in postsecondary education and training.
The GED Podcast (2009)
Developed a series of professionally recorded podcasts on the GED tests to be shared with interested adult education students and teachers through iTunesU and the VALRC and eLearnVA web sites.
- Wrote podcast scripts
- Identified and recruited voice talent
- Recorded audio content
- Helped edit and assemble the final podcast episodes.
Sample: GED Podcast: What is the GED? (.mp3)
Summit on Adult Education in the New Digital World (2009)
Lead the development and organization of an educational summit that brought leading educational policy-makers, researchers, and practitioners from across the country to Virginia Commonwealth University to discuss the future of technology integration in the field of Adult Basic Education. Offered a parallel virtual summit using video streaming, Twitter, and an online discussion forum. Archives of the discussions and information about the summit can be found at http://newdigitalworld.ning.com.
The following is the white paper I submitted for the summit discussion and proceedings:
Virginia Adult Education Certification program (2009)
Designed and developed a 2.5-hour instructor training, Teaching and Learning with Technology, for the Virginia Adult Education Certification program, funded by the Virginia Department of Education. This certification program is a new requirement for all Adult and Continuing Education instructors.
M.Ed. in Adult Learning, Teaching & Learning with Technology strand (2009)
Led the development and instruction of two new courses, Theory & Practice of eLearning Integration into Adult Learning Environments and Design Challenges in Using Educational Technology for Adult Learning, a three-course Teaching with Technology strand for the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Educationʼs graduate program in Adult Learning.
Distance Education Reporting in the NRS Web-based Data System Policy Guidelines (2009)
Led the development and production of the policy guidelines for reporting distance education hours to the National Reporting Systemʼs (NRS) Web-based data system. The policy included establishing guidelines for reporting distance studentsʼ contact and proxy learning hours, vetting and approving appropriate web-based learning programs, and establishing processes for the appropriate creation and oversight of local distance education programs throughout the state.
My GED Success Story Video contest (2009)
Proposed and launched a contest that challenged recent GED graduates in Virginia to produce short videos that conveyed their experiences preparing for and earning their GED credential. Wrote, filmed, and edited a promotional video for the contest and promoted the contest through numerous print and web-based channels. Posted the submitted videos to the Commonwealth of Virginiaʼs YouTube channel.
Virginia Government YouTube channel video content (2008)
Partnered with members of the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA) to create and share video content relating to Adult Basic Education on the Commonwealth of Virginiaʼs YouTube channel.
GED On Demand (2007)
Spearheaded statewide project, in coordination with Aneesh Chopra, then the Secretary of Technology of Virginia, and local cable companies, to provide powerful GED and ESOL broadcast content to digital cable subscribers across the state of Virginia.
eLearnVA (2006)
Lead a team of adult educators to design and develop a statewide distance education program for adults who want to prepare for the GED Tests online. Working with local programs, eLearnVA combines the use of a number of powerful web-based programs with online mentoring and support to help students prepare and pass the GED Tests. The site includes access to educational videos, a user blog, and links to other GED-related resources. Local programs can access learner information using a custom designed database to better support online learners in their area.I currently manage all aspects of program that provides web-based GED and workplace instruction to adult Virginians including:
- developing and managing the budget
- overseeing staff and online mentors
- researching, recommending, and implementing instructional practices to improve eLearnVA’s online educational services
- providing training and leadership to the field of adult basic education.
Professional Experience
Instructional Technology Specialist (2005-present)
Virginia Commonwealth Universityʼs Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center Richmond, VA
- Provide leadership and guidance to the field of adult education field in Virginia in the area of technology integration by developing policy, trainings, and other initiatives
- Direct and manage technology-related projects for the Virginia Literacy Institute, Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center, and the Virginia Department of Education
- Develop, coordinate, and deliver trainings to adult education administrators and teachers
Educational Technology Office Graduate Assistant (2003-2005)
Educational Technology Office, Ruffner Hall, Curry School of Education, Charlottesville, VA
- Trained Curry School of Education faculty and students in various software and hardware applications
- Assisted with migration of Curry Admissions Office to electronic application system
- Identified effective ways for faculty to incorporate instructional technologies into existing curricula
- Built and maintained faculty web sites and database applications
- Researched new technologies to determine their applicability to faculty and staff projects
Instructor (2002-2003)
Henrico County Jail East Educational Services, Barhamsville, VA
- Instructed Pre-GED, literacy and ESOL classes to inmates
- Administered and monitored student assessment of students
- Designed and implemented an improved curriculum in response to students educational needs
- Successfully increased the implementation of technology into ABE and GED curriculum
Instructor (2001-2002)
Henrico County Adult Education Center, Highland Springs, VA
- Taught evening Accelerated GED classes to adults
- Instructed semester-long computer classes in Excel, Word, FrontPage and other software applications
- Coordinated with the Department of Social Services to instruct the Learning, Employment & Training (LEAP), a grant-funded employment and education class for low-income mothers on public assistance
- Responsible for gathering and inputting class and student data for federal NRS funding report
Workplace Instructor (1998-2001)
Philip Morrisʼs Employee Development Center (EDC), Richmond, VA
- Created, updated, and revised training manuals and course curricula
- Developed and taught a series of introductory and intermediate technology courses
- Instructed the Math & Measurement training courses for hourly employees in employee advancement program
- Trained new staff members and students on educational software and supervised a small staff of professional teachers
- Coordinated teacher schedules and quarterly class offerings
- Maintained computer lab, updated lab software, and set-up presentation equipment for workshops and classroom demonstrations
Presentations
Sebastian, R., Leander, K., Henry, L., & Alvey, T. (2010). Symposium: Designing and Evaluating an Integrative GED/Technology Program that Prepares Adults for the 21st Century Workplace. 2010 AERA Annual Meeting: Understanding Complex Ecologies in a Changing World. Denver, CO.
Sebastian, R. (2010). Creating a Career Pathway to Tech Sector Employment and Education. Virginia State Workforce Investment Board Council. Richmond, VA
Allen, L., Fuller, B., Gent, K., & Sebastian, R. (2009). PlugGED In: A Contextualized GED Curriculum to Prepare Learners for the 21St Century Workplace. 2009 HIRE Education Conference. Hot Springs, VA.
*Sebastian, R. (2009). PlugGED In: Creating a Career Pathway to Tech Sector Employment and Education. Effective Transitions Conference. Providence, RI.
Sebastian, R. & Stamper, R. (2009). GED 2.0: Innovative Initiatives in Adult Basic Education. Governorʼs Conference on Education. Richmond, VA.
*Gibson, B. & Sebastian, R. (2009). PlugGED In: A Contextualized GED Curriculum to Prepare Learners for the 21st Century Workplace. Commission on Adult Basic Education (COABE) Conference. Louisville, KY.
Sebastian, R. (2008). Web-based Tools for Adult Education Professional Development and Communication. Virginia Adult & Continuing Education (VAACE) conference. Williamsburg, Virginia.
Sebastian, R. & Stamper, R. (2008). Web-based Tools for Adult Education Professional Development and Communication. Virginia Institute for Lifelong Learning (VAILL). Radford University. Radford, VA.
*Crum, T. & Sebastian, R. (2008). Take advantage of educational programming available on-demand through cable and the Internet. Commission on Adult Basic Education (COABE). St. Louis, MO.
*Sebastian, R. (2007). eLEARN Virginia: A new e-learning program for adult Virginians in need of GED and Workplace Education. Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Ed-Media 2007 World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia, & Telecommunications. Vancouver, British Columbia.
*Sebastian, Richard (2006). Development of Social Problem-solving Networks in the Interactive Web-based Game The Beast. Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Proceedings, E-Learn 2006 World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare, & Higher Education. Honolulu, HI.
*Sebastian, Richard (2005). Development of Social Problem-solving Networks in the Interactive Web-based Game The Beast (Proposed Research). Fifth Educational Multimedia Congress, Universidad de Barcelona. Barcelona, Spain.
Publications
Sebastian, R. (2009). PlugGED In. Progress: A Publication of the Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center. Winter/Spring 2009. Vol. 21, No. 2.
Sebastian, R. (2009). Teaching & Learning with Technology in Adult Basic Education: Technology Integration. Virginia Adult Education Certification Program. Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center. Richmond, VA.
Sebastian, R. (2009). Teaching & Learning with Technology in ESOL Education: Technology Integration. Virginia Adult Education Certification Program. Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center. Richmond, VA.
Sebastian, R. (2008). Using Personal Weblogs to Teach Writing in the GED Classroom. (Doctoral dissertation, University of Virginia, 2008). Dissertation Abstracts International, 69, 2884.
*Sebastian, R. (2007). eLEARN Virginia: A new e-learning program for adult Virginians in need of GED and Workplace Education. Proceedings. Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Ed-Media 2007 World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia, & Telecommunications. Vancouver, British Columbia.
*Sebastian, R. & Kinzie, M. (2006). Development of Social Problem-solving Networks in the Interactive Web-based Game The Beast. Proceedings. Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). E-Learn 2006 World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare, & Higher Education. Honolulu, HI.
Sebastian, R., video for The Airplane by One Ring Zero (2005). Addendum DVD. B&W, 16mm film & digital video. 2 min.
Hammond, T. & Sebastian, R. (2005). Digital Image and Video Editing Software. Teaching with digital images: Acquire, analyze, create, communicate. Editors: Bull, G.L., & Bell, L. Published by the International Society for Technology in Education.
Workshops
Sebastian, R. (2009). Learning is Social. So is the Web: Exploring Social Media Tools for the ABE Classroom. 2009 Virginia Association for Adult & Continuing Education (VAACE)
conference. Roanoke, VA.
Sebastian, R. (2009). Teaching & Learning with Technology in Adult Basic Education:Technology Integration. Virginia Adult Education Certification Program Train-the-Trainer. Richmond, VA.
Sebastian, R. (2009). Teaching & Learning with Technology in ESOL Education: Technology Integration Virginia Adult Education Certification Program ESOL Train-the-Trainer. Fairfax, VA.
Sebastian, R. (2009). Web-based visual literacy tools for the classroom: exploring image editing & video broadcasting tools. West Virginia Department of Education TSIP training.Morgantown, WV.
Sebastian, Richard (2007). An Overview of Distance Learning in Adult Education. Regional Commission of Adult Basic Education. Williamsburg, VA.
Sebastian, Richard & Guard, J. (2007). Blogs, Wikis, & Podcasts. 2007 Literacy Fair, Southside Virginia Community College. Keysville, VA.
Sebastian, R. (2004). Digital Storytelling in the Classroom. International Leadership for Educational Technology (ILET) Visiting Scholor Program. Grupo de Investigacion Enseanza y Aprendizaje Multimedia (GREAM), Universidad de Barcelona. Barecelona, Spain.
Fanning, E., Sebastian, R., & Warren, K. (2003). Digital Storytelling Workshop. Center for Multicultural & Human Services (CMHS). Falls Church, VA.
Grants
eLearnVA: Funds awarded by the Virginia Department of Education, Office of Adult Education & Literacy to manage and run eLearnVA, a statewide online GED distance education program
- 2010-2011: $209,000
- 2009-2010: $205,000
- 2008-2009: $185,000
- 2007-2008: $125,000
The Governorʼs Productivity Investment Fund (PIF)
- Awarded $127,000 to develop and evaluate the PluggedIn VA curriculum.
Chancellorʼs e-Learning Enhancement Development (CEED) Grant
- Southwest Virginia Community College awarded a $50,000 CEED grant to fund Southwest Virginia Community Collegeʼs implementation of the PluggedIn VA curriculum.
Courses taught
Theory and Practice of eLearning Integration into Adult Learning Environments
Department of Teaching and Learning
School of Education
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
This class is the introductory course of a three-course Teaching with Technology strand in Virginia Commonwealth University School of Educationʼs graduate program in Adult Learning. This hybrid course gives students the opportunity to apply current educational theory, as well as new theories such as Connectivism, to the design and delivery of eLearning for adult learners in a variety of educational contexts. Students gain experience being online learners and facilitators, and develop a strong philosophy of practice to bring to their design, delivery, assessment, and evaluation of their own eLearning products.
Digital Media Development
http://www.richardsebastian.com/707/
Curry School of Education
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA
This class provided undergraduate and graduate students with a hands-on introduction to current methods of producing various forms of digital multimedia, including digital photo editing, digital video production, podcasting, and web design. Each class included introductory lectures, hands-on assignments, class discussion, and supervised lab time.
Interactive Technologies: Educational Game Design
http://www.richardsebastian.com/703/
Curry School of Education
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA
Building on instructional design, video production, and computer-based development skills, this course explored various aspects of educational game design, including the fundamentals of game design and game evaluation. During the course, students had the opportunity to apply these concepts in the design of their own educational game.
Software Applications
http://www.richardsebastian.com/546/syllabus.php
Curry School of Education
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA
This graduate-level course introduced students to various software and hardware applications and their effective use in an educational context, fostered discussion on best uses of technology in education, and allowed students to produce an electronic portfolio demonstrating their technical competencies to current or future employers.
Teaching with Technology: Special Education
Curry School of Education
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA
This course provided an introduction to effective, standards-based methods of integrating technology into the classroom, focusing on the Special Education content area. Students learned how to evaluate and use basic hardware and software applications, identify best practices, and effectively integrate these tools into lesson plans. Students developed an electronic portfolio of their class work.
Awards and Recognition
• GameJam Game Design Contest winner (2009) Innovations in eLearning conference, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA. Part of a four-person design team. The game prototype was a political game called Permanent Campaign. One of the three judges was game designer Will Wright, creator of Sim City, The Sims, and Spore.
• Visiting Scholar (2004). International Leadership for Educational Technology (ILET), Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
• Finalist, Kookaburra (2004), Adrenaline Film Project, Virginia Film Festival, Charlottesville, VA.
• *Film selection The Airplane (2004), Vinegar Hill Film Festival, Charlottesville, VA.
Community Service
Richmond Daily Beast
http://rvadailybeast.com
A web portal that provides comprehensive news, information, resources, and original content about dogs, cats, and general animal welfare in the Richmond metro area.
Friends of Northside Dog Park
http://northsidedogpark.com/
Leading a group of community members in establishing a dog park in the Northside Richmond. Serve as co-chair of the Friends of Northside Dog Park (FNDP) steering committee. Coordinate meetings with the FNDP members and representatives of the Richmond City Recreation & Parks Department. Created Ning site and fundraising and public awareness campaigns.
Virginia S.T.A.R. advisory board
Serve as a member of the VA S.T.A.R. advisory board. VA S.T.A.R. is an innovative program that provides opportunities for students to gain skills refurbishing retired government-owned computers. Once refurbished, these machines are donated to needy educational programs in the Commonwealth.
Bandits Adoption & Rescue of K-9s (B.A.R.K.)
http://www.barkva.org/
Serve as a volunteer for this large, local dog adoption shelter located in Hanover, VA.
HandsOn Greater Richmond
http://www.handsongr.org/
A local volunteer organization that connects individuals, families, teams, and corporate groups to meaningful volunteer opportunities in the Greater Richmond region. I have worked on short-term projects for ElderHomes, Friends School, The Conrad Center, and St. Josephʼs villa.
Memberships
- Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT)
- American Educational Research Association (AERA)
- Commission on Adult Basic Education (COABE)
- Social Media Club-RVA
- Virginia Association for Adult and Continuing Education (VAACE)
Technology Skills
- Learning/content management system experience, including Blackboard 9
- Web design (including HTML hand coding and CSS)
- Basic PHP/MySQL programming
- Familiarity with graphic design and image editing software
- Digital video production and editing
- Digital audio production and editing
- Video streaming compression and delivery
