Instructional Design Portfolio

J. Rubacha

Instructional designer for corporate & tech-sector L&D.

I design technically grounded, multimedia learning — from interactive Storyline modules to LMS-native content and full design case studies. Former K–12 engineering & computer-science teacher, now building learning experiences for technical teams.

Selected work

Work

A cross-section of formats — interactive modules, LMS-native content, design case studies, and facilitator curricula. Each piece opens into its own in-depth page.

Control Systems — Robotics Programming Unit

A scaffolded assignment series that teaches beginners to program a robot controller in Java — from wiring the hardware to using sensor input and conditionals to drive outputs.

  • Curriculum Development
  • Instructional Sequencing
  • Scaffolding
  • Worked Examples
  • Formative Assessment

Learn HTML — Canvas Assignment Series

A self-paced "learn to hand-code HTML" series authored as inline-styled Canvas pages. Shown here in its native Canvas look inside a sandboxed preview.

  • Curriculum Development
  • Content Authoring
  • Scaffolding
  • Worked Examples
Visual design

Design

Graphic and information-design pieces — infographics, handouts, and print layouts.

Precision Guessworks — "At a Glance" Team Handout

A two-page infographic handout introducing FRC Team 1646 at a glance — team makeup, program pipeline, season goals, and community outreach — designed for sponsors, partners, and event giveaways.

  • Infographic Design
  • Information Design
  • Layout & Typography
  • Data Visualization
About

From the classroom to instructional design

K–12 educator with seven years of experience in curriculum development, instructional materials design, and classroom technology integration. Master's in Learning Design Technology from Purdue University. Deep daily experience with Canvas LMS and a track record of building learning materials that work without direct facilitation — including self-paced instructional units, facilitator guides, and performance support resources for both students and educators.

Skills & Tools

Content Production
  • Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Canva
  • Articulate Storyline
LMS & Platforms
  • Canvas LMS (daily administration)
Microsoft Office
  • Word
  • PowerPoint
  • Excel (advanced)
Frameworks
  • ADDIE
  • SAM
  • Agile
  • Bloom's Taxonomy
  • Backward Design
  • Gagné's Nine Events
  • Adult Learning Theory
  • Universal Design for Learning
  • Cognitive Load Theory
  • Kirkpatrick's Evaluation Model
Technical
  • Java
  • C/C++
  • Python
  • HTML/CSS
  • Git

Experience

Engineering Technology Teacher

Aug 2019 – Present
  • Design and develop curriculum across engineering, manufacturing, and computer science for approximately 100 students per year, including all instructional materials, assessments, and learner support resources.
  • Build self-paced instructional units structured for students to complete independently without direct instruction, reducing cognitive load through sequenced examples and scaffolded practice.
  • Administer Canvas LMS daily — designing course structures, organizing content for intuitive navigation, integrating multimedia resources, configuring grading workflows, and analyzing learner performance data.
  • Create and maintain quick reference guides, step-by-step tutorials, and onboarding materials for new course implementations.
  • Write facilitator guides enabling other educators and substitute instructors to deliver lessons with minimal preparation.
  • Produce instructional videos and screen recordings for asynchronous and blended delivery.
  • Design and iterate on formative and summative assessments aligned to specific learning objectives, revising based on learner performance data.
  • Establish and maintain consistent formatting, templates, and visual standards across all course materials.
  • Developed and facilitated virtual Arduino and C++ professional development workshops for middle school teachers through Purdue University's K–12 Outreach program.

Robotics Camp Instructor

Summers 2019–2021
  • Designed hands-on STEM curriculum for elementary students (grades 1–6) incorporating robotic arms and software.
  • Created implementation-ready lesson materials usable by co-instructors with varying levels of technical background.

FIRST Robotics Competition — Team Mentor

Aug 2012 – Present
  • Train students in engineering design processes, CAD software, and iterative prototyping, translating complex technical workflows into accessible instructional sequences.
  • Co-developed a 34-page brand style guide covering visual identity, typography, logo standards, and content creation processes.
  • Created audience profiles analyzing demographics, motivations, and barriers for four stakeholder groups (students, parents, sponsors, educators).
  • Designed presentations, event flyers, brochures, and sponsor materials within documented brand standards.
  • Contributed to multiple imagery awards including recognition at the FIRST World Championship.

Education

  • M.S.Ed. in Learning Design Technology Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN · 2022
  • B.S. in Technology Education Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN · 2019