[Member Profile] Meet Dwayne Thornhill from Douglas College

 
Tell us a bit about where you work and what you do.
I work as an Educational Technology Specialist at Douglas College.  I mostly produce educational media, but also help with Event Support, media training for faculty, room tech support, etc.

• How long have you been involved in teaching & learning/educational technology?

I started at Douglas College in 2014, originally as a Simulation Technician, but moved to CEIT/ATS in 2015.

• Before you started working at Douglas College, what was the most unusual/interesting job you had?

My background is Television Broadcasting, so since 1988 I’ve been involved in many great interesting projects.  Prior to joining Douglas College, I freelanced for 13 years which gave me the opportunity to travel the world while filming so I’ve filmed in the deserts, frozen north, jungles…you name it.  Got to help tell some great stories and meet some amazing people.
I’ve also been a background actor in a number of movies and TV shows.  I’m mostly the out of focus guy in the background, but now and then you do actually see me as in Twilight New Moon.  🙂
My 10 years as a volunteer firefighter is also a source of pride for me.

• What’s one thing you really love about the work you do?

I really enjoy networking with other staff and faculty.  It’s particularly enjoyable when I get to help faculty produce educational media in a way they may not have tried before.  Pretty special when you can give a teacher an “Aha” moment.  Bringing the power of video to education is a wonderful thing and really needs to used more.

• How long have you been an ETUG member?

I only recently joined ETUG this fall as a member.

• What do you like most about the ETUG community and its activities?

I’m still learning about ETUG.  I think I’m most looking forward to networking with other education professionals to learn more from them as well as offering them some support and knowledge sharing.

• What specific edtech interest would you like to explore/pursue through ETUG?

I’m open to anything.  Most recently I have been closely involved with the implementation of our Lightboard technology here at Douglas and this was something I had never heard of and now I’m the lead support for faculty use at Douglas College.  The ability to keep learning new things and putting them to use is very appealing.

• Tell us three things people need to know about working with you.

1-I won’t settle for substandard results (Virgo perfectionist).
2-Just because I may be quiet at times does not mean that my mind isn’t working overtime.  I often need to step away from something the help formulate what I feel is the best approach.
3-I’m fluent in sarcasm (not always a good thing 🙂 )

• Any special hobbies?

I have finally taken up photography once again after roughly 30 years.  I love seeing other peoples’ work as well.  Feel free to check my Twitter and Instagram feeds at Thornhill Images.  I’ve also been known to hit the drums once in a while.

• Best vacation you’ve ever taken?

I’m going to have to go with Disneyland and LA with my wife and son.  This was a few years back but it really gave me/us some great memories.