Michael Jacobs

mike32jacobs@gmail.com

Web Developer ...

Summary...

Highly skilled web developer with experience creating, maintaining and updating interactive websites. Proficient in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Bootstrap, and React. Demonstrated expertise in developing responsive web applications and making them accessible. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional web solutions.

Course Designer ...

Summary...

Skilled course designer with experience designing courses in many subjects using a wide array of curricular frameworks and technological platforms.

And another thing...

I am an experienced teacher...

I have taught many different types of students at the high school and the college level. I can understand and communicate with all different types of people. I can present about and explain complex concepts in a concise and engaging manner. My soft skills allow me to effectively work with team members, clients, and other stakeholders. Teaching has also allowed me to hone my ability to think quickly on my feet, manage projects, and meet deadlines.

Education

Harvard Extension Shool

Graduate Certificate in Computer Programming

This program is designed to prepare students for careers in software engineering, database management, and web development. I have taken CS50 Web Programming for Beginners with PHP, Web Programming with Python and JavaScript, and Developing Single-Page Web Applications.

2021 - 2022

(See Credential)

Dartmouth College

M.A. in Liberal Studies

My studies had an emphasis in Globalization. The title of my thesis was “Intellectual Property Landscapes.”

2011 - 2016

Westminster College

B.A. in Math, English, and Spanish:
  • Winston Churchill Scholar (Full academic scholarship)
  • Triple Major: English, Mathematics, and Spanish
  • Graduated Cum Laude
1994 - 1998

Experience

Web Developer

Economics Course Design Lead

Description pending

November 2023 - Present

Web Developer

Voces Digital

Develop basic javascript games and platform features for the world language curriculum and online textbook company. My role includes bug tracking, testing bug fixes, feature testing, and UI/UX testing. In addition, I provide technical support to teachers, and I help them integrate the Voces content with their LMS. The coding is in vanilla javascript, html, css, and php. The company recently underwent an accessibility audit, and I have been working on implementing those updates throughout the site. My current focus has been updating how our site connects, syncs, and interacts with customer learning management systems including Canvas, Schoology, and Google Classroom. I am working on SSO functionality which requires an understanding of REST APIs, Oauth2 flows, and using Postman software.

June 2022 - November 2023

Teaching Assistant

Harvard Extension School: DGMD E-28 Developing Single-Page Web Applications

In this course, students learn how to build interactive, single-page applications and interfaces for the web. Course goals include improving web programming skills, understanding advanced Javascript techniques including functional programming, and understanding how to deploy apps using React. My role includes running office hours, attending lectures, grading homework assignments, and providing student feedback.

Spring Semester 2023

Canvas LMS Administrator

Brewster Academy

Created training sessions for faculty members of all different abilities for implementation of the Canvas program. Worked with faculty members to integrate educational apps into their courses. Worked with academic departments to create blueprint courses. Helped faculty troubleshoot issues with the day to day operation of Canvas. Trained faculty in the integration and use of third party applications and platforms. Personal experience using and integrating EdPuzzle, Flipgrid, Nearpod, Pear Deck, Newsela, Macmillan Learning Suite (Launchpad, and Sapling Plus), Safe Exam Browser, DBQ Online, Google Drive Cloud Assignment, Google Assignments LTI, LibApps.

2019 - 2020

Canvas Template Designer

Contract

Designed various Canvas templates for school-wide, and program-wide adoption. Templates were based on the cadence of the course, pedagogical objectives of the program, and other faculty and student needs. I designed the templates to be accessible on phones, tablets, and larger screens. I created a series of customized video tutorials which I embedded within specific elements of the templates. Schools include: Kingswood High School Canvas Pilot 2020-2021 (10 faculty), Brewster Academy 2020-2021 (80 faculty), Royal Thai Scholar Orientation Program (10 faculty), Abu Dhabi Investment Authority Prep Program (5 faculty), Brewster Academy Canvas Pilot 2019-2020 (20 faculty).

2019 - 2020

High School Teacher

I have taught various subjects. Algebra I, Algebra II, Trigonometry, Economics, AP Macroeconomics, Pre-Calculus, Geometry, Advanced Algebra and HTML. During Covid, I taught in a fully online environment and two distinct hybrid scenarios. In one hybrid environment, I would work with 8-14 students in the room, and 1-6 students online. I found ways to effectively teach both groups simultaneously. I used a combination of a laptop, iMac, ELMO document camera, and an iPad on a Swvl. Online students joined the class from Zoom links embedded in my Canvas course. I joined the Zoom meeting on all of my devices, and became skilled at finding ways to deliver content, and encourage collaboration and communication among online and in person students.
2020 - 2022
Kingswood Regional High School
2005 - 2020
Brewster Academy
2001 - 2005
Kennett High School
2000 - 2001
Lowell High School
2000 - 2022

History Department Chair

Brewster Academy

As supervisor of eight department members, I was responsible for the department’s overall performance. I observed and evaluated all department members, trained new faculty, managed the department budget, ran weekly department meetings, and collaborated with all members of the department on professional development. I worked to foster professional growth within the department by encouraging professional sharing relating to content, pedagogy, and educational technology.

2015 - 2020

Software Engineer

Zoom Telephonics

I started out as a technical writer for Zoom Telephonics (Not that Zoom), a Boston-based modem company. I transitioned into the role of software engineer after my first year. I wrote front-end scripts in Visual Basic for software installation CDs. I also had experience with Java and object-oriented design. This was before my teaching career.

1999 - 2001

Skills

Programming Languages & Tools
  • HTML
  • CSS
  • Python
  • Javascript
  • LaTex
  • C
  • SQL
  • REST API
  • Oauth2 Flows
Libraries, Frameworks, Environments
  • React
  • Flask
  • Django
  • Bootstrap
  • Visual Studio
  • Git
  • MySQL
  • Postman
Data Analytics
  • Amplitude
  • Power BI
Spoken Language
  • Spanish- Proficiency Level: Advanced Low

Projects:

MLB Wordle

This app works so much better than my other Wordle versions. It was built using create react app. It demonstrates the use of various components, and custom hooks. It allows the user to change color thems based on Major League Baseball teams. Once again, I used html, css, and javascript.

Guided Tour

This feature explains to users how to use various features of the user interface. I wrote it in vanilla javascript and .css. I did not use any libraries (I did it all from scratch). It works on various UIs. The link is a video explanation because the feature is for user of the Voces platform.

Student Groups

This app uses html, css, javascript, php, and SQL. It allows teachers to create student groups, with drag and drop functionality. The link is a video explanation because the feature is for user of the Voces platform.

Wordle-JS

This app uses html, css, and Javascipt. It uses two distinct APIs, and involves async functions.

Black Jack

This app uses html, css, and javascript. I used classes, functions and objects to design the game logic. The player can make bets and add their winnings to a wallet/

Black Jack- Simulator

This app uses html, css, and php. It simulates the card game, Black. The computer plays for both players. Each hand is tracked until one player has zero cards remaining.

War- Simulator

This app uses html, css, and php. It simulates the card game, War. The computer plays for both players. Each hand is tracked until one player has zero cards remaining.

Tic Tac Toe

Classic game. This app uses html, css, and javascript.

MLB Themed Tic Tac Toe

This app is an upgrade on my early version of tic tac toe. It allows the user to change color thems based on Major League Baseball teams. Once again, I used html, css, and javascript.