Ann Gordon
Utah
E-mail: ann@gordoncomputer.com


Areas of Expertise

Technical Writing Instructional Design Software Simulation  
User Manuals Curriculum Design   Train the Trainer
Knowledge Base docs Web-based Training Websites

Formal Education and Training

M.S. Computer Information Systems, summa cum laude, U of Phx
      Click for program details
B.A. Honors in English, German and Business, cum laude, Weber State U
B.A. (additional minor) in Secondary Education, cum laude, Weber State U
20 hrs. M.Ed. classes in Education and Psychology, Weber State U
Adult Education Training, Motorola Institute, AZ
Technology Education Recruiting, Bell & Howell for DeVry Institutes
HTML, JavaScript, CSS and Paint Shop Pro, Virtual University
Leadership training: Utah Arts Council, Chinle USD and STC Conference

Certificates

Secondary Teaching Certificates: English, German, Business, Computer Science
Community College Endorsements: Computer Science, Business Education
School Site Leadership Certificate, Leadership Academy, AZ Board of Education
Ph.M. Philosophy, College of Metaphysics
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Certificate, Salt Lake City, UT

Related Experience

      Instructional Design, Technical Writing, Computer Training  ·  12+ years

Instructional Design -- North Point Computer Systems (for a securities company) - 3-month contract (2008)
Create training materials for use in-house training courses (Dreamweaver, Word, SnagIt, PhotoShop, Captivate, Breeze); work with Subject Matter Experts and project managers, post training online.

Technical Writer, Instructional Design -- Buena Vista Graphics (Disney) - 6-month contract (2007)
Write training manuals and create Knowledge Base website for employee reference (Dreamweaver, Word, SnagIt); work with artists and developers who create interactive video games, capture screenshots and document specialized software processes (Maya, Snipe, Perforce).

Technical Writer, Instructional Design -- Transit Authority - 8-month contract (2006-2007)
Write two detailed manuals for fleet bus and light rail communication systems; document mobile system that integrates radio and mobile data computers (Word), create screenshots, flowcharts, schematics and diagrams (PSP, Visio); interview supervisors, engineers and technicians; write quiz.

Technical Writer, Instructional Design, Trainer -- Blue Cross/Blue Shield - 17-month contract (2004-2005)
Write training materials for students and instructors (Word) using Functional Design Docs and test scenarios, train users in classroom (Siebel, PowerPoint); create interactive flowcharts (Flash, Visio); work on QA style guide team; work onsite and telecommute using Citrix and SecureID.

Technical Writer, WBT, Instructional Design -- Northrop Grumman Mission Systems - 7-month contract (2003-2004)
Develop multimedia Web-based training for Air Force; write storyboards, create interactive simulations and quizzes (RoboDemo, Flash, ViewletBuilder) and edit voice files (SoundForge); write objectives and test questions (Word, Dreamweaver); lead peer reviews and train team members.

WBT, Instructional Design, Technical Editor -- Intel - 16 months (two contracts) (2001 - 2003)
Create interactive online training courses (Dreamweaver, Flash) for eRoom, SC Dashboard and eSupplier applications; develop storyboards, write objectives and edit text (Word); create software simulations for both internal and external users (ViewletBuilder, OnDemand, CourseTracker) and create soft-skills courses (i.e. business continuity, risk mgmt, software lifecycle).

Technical Writer, Technical Editor -- IBM/Tivoli - 13-month contract (2000 to 2001)
Write and edit Tivoli storage management user manuals for UNIX and Windows (SGML) and generate HTML, PS and PDF docs from single-source files (AdeptEditor); document and test Archive Client programming commands; work with application developers and manage document review process (LotusNotes); write test and proofing procedures; keep ISO 9000 records.

Curriculum Design, Adjunct Computer Teacher -- CEU Community College - 2 years (1998 to 2000)
Develop courses and teach computer skills: graphics, HTML, business communications and word processing (Word, NotePad, Paint, PowerPoint), desktop publishing (PageMaker) and spreadsheets (Excel); write curriculum guides, take-home assignments, learning objectives and quizzes; administer college exams.

CBT, German Localization, Project Lead -- Alpnet, Inc. - 12 months (1996 to 1997)
Develop multimedia computer-based training courses for NETg: create software simulations (IconAuthor, Paint Shop Pro), edit voice files (SoundForge), use German and English Windows OS, localize SAP, LotusNotes, NetWare, Windows, and MSOffice courses; test functionality and track bugs; coordinate work with QA; file status reports and track milestones (MSProject, Word).

Technical Reports & Presentations, Research -- MS/CIS grad student - 2 years (1997 to 1999)
Research and write technology papers and presentations every week for two years (Word, PowerPoint, Project, Access); edit team deliverables; use online library, ICQ and Convene; analyze software projects, create network and ERD diagrams; defend project research.

Curriculum Design, Lab Director, Writer, Trainer -- CUSD Schools - 2+ years (1994 to 1996)
Install and maintain computer lab (including 34 workstations and networking); order and install Macintosh software and hardware; develop curriculum for all grades K through 8 and teach all students in the school; write technology proposals, grants, RFPs and admin reports for the school and district; train teachers in technology use; implement outreach program; faculty team leader.

      Computer Consultant, Graphics, Trainer, Webmaster  ·  13 years

Apple Computer Sales Consultant -- Connecting Point -- (1991 to 1992)
Consultant - Technical Training, Webmaster, Graphics -- Gordon Computer - (concurrent)

Deliver and install computer systems, software applications and networks in K-12 schools in northern Arizona; analyze district technology needs and write technology proposals.

Design and deliver hardware and software training (Windows & Macintosh) on graphics (Corel), desktop publishing and networking; create camera-ready graphics (Freehand, PageMaker) for how-to books, newsletters and advertisements; build interactive websites (Dreamweaver, Flash, Captivate); maintain home network.

      Freelance Writer, Editor, Self-Publisher, Public Speaker  ·  27 years (concurrent)

Edit books, booklets and dissertations, ghost writing for new writers (Word, PageMaker, InDesign); write / edit technical articles, newsletters and promotional material, edit correspondence courses; self-publish books and booklets, conduct book signings, create and deliver self-publishing lecture (PowerPoint), organize events, speak at STC and ISPI meetings and Open Mic readings, create and edit vocal files for courses and websites (SoundForge).

      K-12 Teaching, Curriculum & Instructional Design  ·  6 years

Teach Reading, English and Math in alternative junior high and high schools in Utah and California (7-12), which included writing curriculum goals and creating my lessons; teach Reading and Math to Native American students in Southern Utah (7-12), which included creating my own lessons; teach Computer Science and Vocabulary to all grades in school on Navajo reservation (K-8), which included managing computer lab, developing curriculum for all computer courses and creating lessons; and teach Computer Science and Business Skills to high school students (10-12).

Awards

Top National Field Representative Award (5th of 210) -- DeVry Technical Institutes
Winner -- WSU Poetry Contest (two poems)
College Awards -- Extemporaneous Speech, Ad Campaign & Keyboarding (statewide competition)
Finalist -- Most Outstanding Female Student of the Year, WSU
Most Outstanding Honors Program Graduate
Phi Kappa Phi Officer and Graduate
Awarded Government and Corporate Grants for Computer Lab upgrades

Affiliations & Positions

Society for Technical Communication (STC)
    -   Chapter president, competitions judge and regional rep
    -   Independent Contractor ‘Special Interest Group’, assistant manager
    -   Instructional Design & Learning ‘Special Interest Group’, survey manager
Virtual University online school, student and contributor
Moab Poets & Writers, board member and webmaster
League of Utah Writers, member
National Association of Women Writers, member
International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI), member
Bright Hub Science and Technology article consortium, writer
Online Division - College of Metaphysics, webmaster and teacher
WSU and UoPhx Alumni associations, member

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