I have known and worked with Gayla in a variety of capacities since 2009. Gayla’s instructional design abilities and knowledge of current trends in game-based learning and emerging technologies makes her a valuable asset in the development of interactive online learning courses and learning objects.  Furthermore, her strong knowledge of various authoring tools and Web 2.0 applications such as Articulate Studio, Storyline, SoftChalk, Camtasia, Adobe Connect, Blogger, and PBWorks, and her willingness to learn new skills added to her value as an employee.

During her tenure as Instructional Designer at Fayetteville Technical Community College, she was involved in the implementation of several grant-funded programs, the most innovative of which was the Integration of i3D into Learning grant funded by the Department of Labor. Gayla acted as the liaison between over 45 community college and K-12 instructors and the graphic and programming professionals. She was a key asset in ensuring that the interactive 3D learning activities included a balance of pedagogical and game-based methodology. She collaborated with the design team to develop several essential documents as well as to ensure ADA compliance regarding color choices and navigation.

She also consulted with FTCC faculty regarding effective use of educational technologies in course design, course development, learning objectives, classroom management, active learning, learning theory, assessment methods, documentation of teaching, accessibility, and other topics related to teaching and learning. She designed and presented several workshops, online courses, and tutorials to support faculty use of Blackboard and other technology tools. The evaluations of her presentations always demonstrated that she was knowledgeable, clear, and organized. Many commented on her enthusiasm and vitality. She was able to break down large concepts and processes into manageable segments.

In addition to working with Gayla at FTCC, I have had the pleasure of continuing our collaboration through the North Carolina Virtual Learning Community and the NC-NET, where she edited several online courses under development as well as acted as subject matter expert for additional courses.  I was able to call on her to add rich media content and redesign several course assignments to include student collaboration and project-based learning. She recently completed a project for the VLC, developing interactive modules for the Certified Online Instructor course. Not only did she develop the Technology unit, but she has also transformed the remaining text-based course material into interactive eLearning units. I am most proud of her recent project utilizing Articulate Storyline to create a game-based basic math MOOC which was featured at the 2014 Blackboard World and in the upcoming First Thursday NCCCS Networking Webinar sponsored by Blackboard.

Perhaps one of Gayla’s greatest attributes is her concern and passion for providing the best support for our students and for our instructors. She worked diligently to provide resources for faculty interested in incorporating emerging technologies into their courses, acting as resource person whenever she was needed, answering questions over the phone, researching and providing resources, and meeting with faculty one-on-one.  She showed great empathy and understanding for our novice technology adopters, and always worked to accommodate the needs of these instructors into her instructional design projects.

In short, Gayla’s talents would be a great asset to any organization. Beyond her technical competence and thoughtful suggestions, she has been consistently eager to help me realize new ideas, investigate others, and solve the inevitable problems that arise with any novel approach. She has my highest recommendation. 

David Smith

Director of Technology Innovation and Applications

Fayetteville Technical Community College

Gayla was a tremendous asset to our development team. She is an outstanding Instructional Design Specialist. In our Advanced Visualization Center, my team of technical, i3D designers were challenged to find ways to integrate interactive 3D technology into the curriculum to increase student enthusiasm for learning and improve outcomes. Gayla was very effective working with faculty to discuss their ideas and collaborate with them to explore and identify where and how this technology could be used (technically), and could be used effectively (improving educational outcomes).

Once she had captured their ideas, Gayla would begin her collaboration with my development team by creating a storyboard and narrative, that would provide enough visual and techical direction for them to create the i3D solution that the faculty had envisioned. She was highly effective at capturing/refining user requirements, translating user requirements to technical specifications, guidelines and direction. To become this effective within our process, Gayla completed an introductory course in i3D modeling, allowing her to understand the features and constraints of the technology that my development team was using. Gayla was a critical success factor our success.

Donald Seidel

Deputy AVC Director & Program Manager, Navigator Development Group, Inc.

Gayla excels at helping fellow educators use new technologies to enhance our students' learning. While some educational technology experts focus on flashy features of new hardware and software, Gayla's approach is to make the benefits of new developments understandable to her fellow teachers, and to assist us in applying new capabilities to improve current instruction. She is always enthusiastic - not about the bells and whistles of new tech, but about the possibilities of reaching students in ways not previously possible. This customer focus makes her a valuable resource to her institution, to her professional peers,and, ultimately, to the most important stakeholders - the students.

Mark Regensburger

Instructor, Fayetteville Technical Community College

Gayla was an exemplary innovator of instructional design. In her role as mentor during my participation in the Kenan Fellowship Program, Gayla provided me with cutting edge examples of how to best integrate instructional technology into the curriculum I was creating. My i3D project, due in large part to Gayla's guidance, was a collaborative effort of teachers across the state that sought to bring i3D technology to the next level in interactivity.” 

Jason Harris

Kenan Fellow 2009-2011

Teacher/ Educational Technologist, Moore County Schools

Gayla Keesee is one of the most gifted educators I know. She is like Steve Jobs, Maya Angelou and Dr. Seuss all rolled up into one beautiful, humble soul. For the record, Gayla and I worked together for many years at Paine College. I’ve seen her in action up close and personal on countless occasions. She is a natural: smart, intuitive, funny, fluid, colorful, high energy, prepared, and engaging.

Having laid a foundation from which to present my case, this is a reference letter for Gayla. She is a perfect fit for your organization from my perspective. She has more than 20 years teaching experience, both K-12 and on a college level, some of which online. She has a doctoral degree in educational technology and master’s’ degree in secondary education.

She developed and facilitated numerous workshops and training programs at Paine College both for students and faculty in which she incorporated a variety of multimedia learning objects and constructivist learning theories. I have been inspired by her unique ability to break down complex information into simplistic terms and to encourage dialogue regarding integrating technology in the classroom. In addition, she still shares resources and information with me through e-mails. Furthermore, I have been blown away dozens of occasions by her ability to motivate and educate people from all walks of life. Her hearty sense of humor and compassion help alleviate many fears associated with technology.

What’s more, I have observed how Gayla handled numerous high pressure situations, both professionally and personally. She uses quick wit and charm to keep moments light and focuses on meeting the needs of others instead of herself. Gayla has an extensive background in education and technology, which are balanced by her energy, and passion for guiding others to excel. A bright light on any campus, Gayla possesses the following attributes, which would be an asset to your organization:

1)    Rock-solid work ethic

2)    Uncompromising integrity

3)    Team-oriented approach

4)    Advanced critical thinking skills, including active listening

5)    Exceptional research, writing, and public speaking skills

6)    Effective leadership skills, including analytical and organizational

7)    Highly creative mind

8)    Willingness to take calculated risks

9)    Innovative problem-solver

10)  Positive spirit and winning personality

 I highly recommend that you bring her onboard your organization. I am confident she will exceed expectations, representing your organization exceptionally well for decades to come. She is a winner to the core, a professional who leads by example.

Edgar Rideout

College Instructor