Faculty Profile

Name:

Diana Johnson Ph.D.



Title:

Assoc. Professor



Department:

Computer Information Systems



What is your field of expertise, and what makes you interested in this field?

My area of interest is computer programming and system analysis - I love them. I have been doing research on extreme programming and agile methodologies. I am also doing research on online education and instructional design, which I find fascinating.

What distinguishes St. Scholastica/your program from other good colleges and universities?

CSS is a small college which allows us to be agile and keep our curriculum up-to-date. We are constantly developing new courses and teach Java as our core computer language. We are offering new courses in wireless programming, security, 3-D graphics and game design.

What do you like best about St. Scholastica?

I choose to teach at CSS because I am able to get to know all of my students and they are able to get to know me. I am able to be a resource, a role model, a mentor, and a guide.

What's your most interesting teaching or research experience at St. Scholastica?

My teaching methods are always evolving and I strive to make my courses student centered. I teach many of my courses online which has led me to use many new techniques. The online environment allows me to combine my love of technology with my love of instructional design. I believe the online environment allows us to bring education to those who may not have the opportunity otherwise. It is invigorating and fun.

Anything else you'd like to share?

My passion is for technology; practicing it, researching it, teaching it and learning all I can about it. It is my hope that I can instill some of that passion and excitement in my students. The most important qualities I can pass on to my students are my love for technology and my devotion to learning. I view teaching as the heart of my academic career and it remains the most stimulating and fulfilling part of my professional life. I can think of no more joyous activity, none that brings more satisfaction, than the opportunity for me to teach.