Empowering Education: Suzanne's Journey to Transforming Learning with Digital Design

From traditional teaching to mastering digital learning design, Suzanne has transformed the way she engages her students. As a passionate advocate for technology in education, her journey with the Digital Learning Institute’s Professional Diploma has not only boosted her skills but also revolutionized how she creates engaging content and blended learning programs. Discover how Suzanne is shaping the future of learning!

I’m Suzanne, a further education teacher at Pearse College of Further Education and a TELMS (Technology Enhanced Learning Mentoring Support) Mentor for the City of Dublin ETB. With over 20 years of experience teaching communications, research skills, ESL, and more, I’ve always been passionate about integrating technology into the classroom—especially since the pandemic. My role as a TELMS Mentor allows me to guide educators in adopting new tech tools to enhance their teaching, making learning more interactive and engaging. 

When I heard about the Digital Learning Institute’s Professional Diploma in Digital Learning Design, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to take my design skills to the next level. As someone who handles marketing for Pearse College, I wanted to ensure that the resources I was creating, both for students and for the college, were visually appealing and impactful. The course provided exactly what I needed—practical knowledge on designing digital content, from PowerPoints to social media posts, and how to apply design principles effectively in education.

The course had an immediate effect on my work. From day one, I could see the difference in my PowerPoints, making them more engaging for students, who began commenting on the improved designs. The course also introduced me to concepts like microlearning and gamification, which I’m now incorporating into my teaching. Additionally, it helped boost our social media presence at Pearse College, as I began creating videos and better-designed posts, leading to an increase in engagement.

One of the biggest takeaways from the course was the importance of planning and design. I now approach every project—whether it’s for teaching or marketing—with a clear plan, using storyboarding and wireframing techniques to ensure everything is designed with the learner in mind. I’m currently working on developing a fully blended communications program that will give students more flexibility to learn at their own pace, which I believe will be hugely beneficial for adult learners and working students.

The DLI course didn’t just make me a better teacher—it gave me the tools and confidence to elevate all aspects of my work. I’m excited to continue applying what I’ve learned to create even more engaging, accessible learning experiences for my students. If you’re thinking about improving your digital learning skills, I highly recommend the program—it’s practical, flexible, and truly transformative.