Technical Communications Instructors
Julie Clarke
Julie Clarke has an extensive background in computers and computer software, having spent a large part of her working career programming, developing, and maintaining computer software and hardware of all types. Currently responsible for Continuing Education co-ordination for VIU's Powell River Campus, she has also taken on responsibility for online courses for several of the college's campuses. With a Masters in Business from the University of Toronto, she is in touch with both the day-to-day functioning of a wide variety of computer software as well as the large picture of how software can be an invaluable tool. Julie is keen to share her knowledge of computers and software!
Jessica Colasanto
Jessica co-owns and runs a web site development company based in Powell River, British Columbia. She has more than 10 years experience teaching a wide range of computer software, specializing in web production and digital imaging applications. Jessica is originally from the Sunshine Coast and moved back here in 1999 after living in New York for many years.
Kathy McTaggart
Kathy McTaggart holds a Master's in Technical Communication from the University of Washington in Seattle, and has taught Technical Communication both in Canada and the USA to a wide range of students. She is a member of the Society for Technical Communication and has researched and presented professional presentations on such topics as 'Integrating Technical Communication into the High-School Curriculum.' With a wide range of writing and software skills, Kathy brings her passions for teaching and technical writing together in teaching both levels of Technical Writing & Editing for Vancouver Island University.
Joanne Nielsen
Joanne has a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) from SFU, as well as a Diploma in Public Sector Management and a Certificate in Computer Based Information Systems from the University of Victoria. She holds a Provincial Instructors Diploma and is has recently completed her Masters in Distance Education with a focus on facilitating online education. Joanne has worked sixteen years with the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia in a variety of departments including Finance Systems and Corporate Planning & Analysis. Currently she is a senior Business Analyst. Her work has included coordinating training from initial planning and needs analysis, through material creation, right up to organizing the physical classroom, and training students in a classroom setting. She has spent many years writing training manuals and job aids with experience documenting the steps to learn a skill and follow the steps to complete a process. Joanne is a member of the Society for Technical Communication, the Canadian Association for Distance Education, and the Alberta Distance Education & Training Association.
Carol Ramsay
Carol Ramsay is a dynamic instructor with a diverse background in a number of areas. She has a degree from BCIT in Human Resource Management, and also a degree in Social Welfare. In her years of developing her desktop publishing skills, she has learned all the tricks and techniques of designing documents the hard way, and is now happy to pass along the knowledge she's acquired.
Tom Whitlam
Tom comes to us with an extensive background in both Project Management and Technical Communication. He is past president of the STC Singapore chapter, a past senior member of the STC India chapter, and a current senior member of the Canada West Coast chapter. He has worked as a Project Manager and Technical Communications Team Leader for a number of high-profile organizations all over the world, including Hexaware Technologies and Dell Inc. Tom is fluent in a number of languages, but his key occupational interests lie with Technical Communications and applying his talents in this area to project management and service delivery
John Vigna
John Vigna is an award-winning writer who provides copywriting and editing services to a variety of clients through his company, John Vigna Ink. A 2002 Vancouver Entrepreneur of the Year in the Business-to-Business category, John has delivered a number of workshops and taught technical writing and business skills courses.