Professor D.I. von Briesen

D.I. von Briesen

Educational Technologist & Innovation Consultant

Technology in Education | Open Source Advocate | Sustainable Living Pioneer

divonbriesen@gmail.com
(704) 293-3399
Charlotte, NC
Gmail Communications

Academic Biography

D.I. von Briesen is an Information Technology faculty member at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, NC, with over two decades of experience in educational technology. Since joining CPCC as full-time faculty in August 2001, he has specialized in Web Technologies and Introduction to Computers while serving in various leadership roles including Program Chair for Web Technologies, Database Administration, and Software Development.

Through Gmail Communications, D.I. provides consulting services in educational technology, course management systems, and web development. He is renowned for his extensive conference presentations, having delivered workshops at hundreds of venues nationwide on topics ranging from Moodle and web development to innovative teaching methods and emerging technologies like Second Life and sustainable living through his pioneering EcoBox project.

Educational Background

Master of Science (MS)

University of Virginia
1997

Management Information Systems, Charlottesville, VA (3.9 GPA). Thesis project created web-cardiology tutorial prototype linked to Cybercash payment system on OWS/Oracle/NT platform. Beta Gamma Sigma, first in class.

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Georgetown University
1992

International Business-Languages & Linguistics, Washington, DC (3.3 GPA). Strong foundation in international business principles combined with linguistic studies, providing valuable cross-cultural communication skills.

Professional Training

PricewaterhouseCoopers
1997

Management Consulting Services Information Technology Individual Study (MITIS) - Four months of intensive full-time consulting and software development training, approximately equivalent to a Master's degree (~650 hours).

Professional Certifications

Various Organizations
2000-Present

Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW) - E-Commerce Specialist, Web Design Professional. World Organization of Webmasters (WOW) Associate. Cisco Academy certified instructor for Web Design and Java Programming curricula.

Professional Experience

IT Faculty & Gmail Communications

CPCC & Private Consulting

Full-time faculty in Information Technology Division specializing in Web Technologies and Introduction to Computers. Provides consulting services in educational technology, LMS course conversions, and web development training. Regular presenter at national conferences.

2015 - Present

IT and Sustainability Faculty & EcoBox Project Manager

Central Piedmont Community College

Full-time faculty carrying normal teaching load while managing the innovative EcoBox project. Managed WEB110 with five sections each semester, incorporating video lecture capture, web-based tutorials, and social media elements.

2009 - 2015

Futures Institute Chair & Program Chair

Central Piedmont Community College

Chaired Futures Institute bringing together emerging technologies and ideas. Served as Program Chair for Web Technologies & Database Administration, developed programs to meet state-established criteria.

2002 - 2009

Management Consultant

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Eight multi-month client engagements including datawarehouse development, interactive multimedia sales demos, and e-CRM prototypes. Worked in small consulting teams with extensive client interaction in requirements gathering.

1997 - 2000

Areas of Expertise

Web Technologies

  • HTML, CSS, JavaScript
  • PHP & MySQL
  • LAMP Stack Development
  • Database-driven Websites
  • Responsive Web Design
  • Web Standards & Accessibility
  • Server-side Scripting
  • API Development

Educational Technology

  • Moodle LMS Administration
  • Blackboard/Canvas Systems
  • Online Course Development
  • Video Lecture Capture
  • Virtual Worlds (Second Life)
  • Web 2.0 Tools
  • Distance Learning
  • Quality Matters Standards

Leadership & Service

  • Program Chair Experience
  • Faculty Committee Service
  • Curriculum Development
  • NCCIA Leadership Team
  • Innovation Grant Writing
  • Futures Institute Management
  • Faculty Fellows Committee
  • Senate Technology Committee

Professional Consulting

  • Conference Presentations
  • Workshop Leadership
  • LMS Course Conversions
  • Faculty Training
  • Educational Consulting
  • Project Management
  • Business Process Analysis
  • Technology Integration

Notable Achievements

🏆

Teaching Merit Awards

Recipient of multiple Teaching Merit Awards at CPCC for excellence in instruction and student engagement. Recognized for innovative teaching methods and dedication to student success.

🎤

Conference Presentations

Presented at hundreds of conferences nationwide including League of Innovation, NCCIA, and international venues. Regular presenter on Moodle, web technologies, and innovative teaching methods.

🏗️

EcoBox Innovation

Created and managed the groundbreaking EcoBox project - an off-grid dwelling from a shipping container incorporating solar power, rainwater catchment, and sustainable technologies for educational demonstration.

🌐

Moodle Evangelist

Distinguished Service Award for North Carolina Distance Learning. Leading advocate for Moodle LMS adoption across NC community college system, presented internationally including Stockholm, Sweden.

👥

Professional Leadership

Long-serving member of NCCIA Leadership Team (since 2007), Faculty Senate Technology Committee, and various college committees. Active in professional development and faculty mentoring.

🔧

Technology Innovation

Pioneer in virtual worlds education (Second Life campus), early adopter of lecture capture technology, and developer of innovative online course methodologies and assessment techniques.

Educational Philosophy

"Technology in education should serve to enhance learning, not replace good teaching. My focus is on bridging the gap between technology capabilities and practical educational applications, helping students develop both technical skills and critical thinking abilities they need for success in our rapidly evolving digital world."

- D.I. von Briesen