Instructional Design Leader | Educational Technologist | Curriculum Innovator
Healthcare education · Game-based learning · Entrepreneurship · Ed-tech innovation
Instructional designer. Game developer. Educator. Entrepreneur.
For over 15 years, I've been building learning experiences that push boundaries from interactive health literacy games to entrepreneur incubator programs to game design courses at UNT. I don't just design learning, I build the tools to deliver it.
I bring together instructional design frameworks (ADDIE, UDL, backward design) with technical development skills (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Canvas LMS) to create accessible, engaging learning experiences across healthcare, higher education, and entrepreneurship.
Currently driving learning design and development at UNT Health Science Center as part of the Division of Academic Innovation. Co-founded two ed-tech companies, secured Knight Foundation and AT&T Aspire Accelerator support, and continue expanding my technical toolkit through self-directed study. Always learning, always building.
Bridging the gap between pedagogical excellence and technical implementation
10+ years creating game-based learning experiences that engage learners and drive outcomes across healthcare, education, and social impact.
+ 4 more learning games including #MeToo, MacGyvering Advocacy, and Rigged or Rigorous?
Peer-reviewed research and scholarship on game-based learning and health literacy.
Champlin, S., & James, J.
JMIR Serious Games, 5(4), e22 (2017).
Pilot study (N=72) of a newsgame designed to improve health insurance literacy among young adults. Participants showed significant gains in self-reported understanding and correct term definitions after gameplay.
Read Paper →Using Video Games to Educate Gen Z in the Classroom
Nisbett, S. G., Paul, N., & James, J.
In Communication Instruction in the Generation Z Classroom, ch. 8, pp. 103–114. Bloomsbury Academic.
Makes the case for digital learning games as a core classroom tool for Gen Z, drawing on play-based learning theory and lessons from pandemic-era online instruction.
Read Chapter →Creating accessible, outcome-driven learning experiences across healthcare, higher education, and entrepreneurship
Designing and building online courses for HSC microcredentials and academic education programs. Collaborating with clinical faculty to implement backward design and integrate adult learning principles.
Designed and managed comprehensive incubator curriculum for women entrepreneurs. Created mentorship framework and networking opportunities to support business growth.
Spearheaded creation of innovative certificate program at UNT Mayborn School of Journalism. Developed curriculum, objectives, and assessment methods integrating cross-disciplinary approaches.
Leading curriculum design for entrepreneur education programs focused on early-stage founders, including underserved and non-traditional learners. Creating self-paced online experiences.
15+ years building learning experiences across healthcare, higher education, and entrepreneurship
UNT Health Science Center
Designing online courses for medical education programs, implementing QM and CE standards.
Present
2024 - 2025
EQALL Business Solutions
Leading curriculum design for entrepreneur education programs focused on early-stage founders.
Stoke Coworking
Managed AccelerateHER incubator, designed Denton Pitch Competition curriculum, created entrepreneur programs.
2022 - 2025
2015 - 2022
UNT Mayborn School of Journalism
Created Media Entrepreneurship Certificate, taught web design, applied design, and game design courses.
Center for Games & Impact
Designed Story Builder tool, won Knight Foundation grant, developed educational game initiatives.
2012 - 2015
Additional Experience: Faculty Associate at ASU New College, Public Information Officer at Arizona-Mexico Commission, Broadcast Specialist in U.S. Army (European Command)
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