In early 2025, I created and taught three classes for Theirworld's 2025 Journalism Project, part of a 5-month long programme, where teaching journalistic storytelling to a group of 10 diverse young people who were advocating for change in the field of education in their own community/country. The curriculum encompassed three interactive training sessions focusing on smartphone photography, video production, and editing techniques, all tailored to support their mission of capturing powerful educational stories from communities worldwide. Each session incorporated engaging visual presentations, collaborative discussions, and hands-on practical assignments that prepared participants to create compelling content for advocacy and campaigning. This training framework served as the technical foundation for their six-month storytelling journey, ultimately contributing to a global exhibition showcasing real-life educational experiences during the 2025 United Nations General Assembly in New York.
From 2023-2025, I taught 3157: Advanced Practices in Multimedia Storytelling. I developed and delivered this comprehensive 12-week course on Advanced Practices in Multimedia Storytelling for the University of Toronto's School of Continuing Studies, teaching students the technical, creative, and analytical skills needed for multiplatform content creation. The course employed a scaffold approach, guiding participants through all aspects of multimedia storytelling from strategy and writing to audio production, photography, video editing, data visualization, and emerging technologies like AR/VR and AI tools. Each weekly session combines theoretical foundations with hands-on practice, covering specialized topics such as mobile device recording techniques, DSLR camera operation, Adobe software proficiency, content management systems, and ethical considerations in digital storytelling. The curriculum culminated in students creating a final digital media project using new media technologies, with assessment through progressive portfolio assignments, group projects, and active participation in synchronous online learning activities.
2023
In 2023, I conducted an In & Out audit on this course for University of Toronto's School of Continuing Studies. I conducted a comprehensive audit of an existing adult learning course, identified areas for improvement to enhance learning outcomes and participant engagement. I developed a strategic plan for the redevelopment of the adult learning course, aligning the curriculum with industry best practices and incorporating learner-centered approaches.
I updated the course outline, core content and curated resources and created course-level learning outcomes, module-level learning outcomes and a module design plan. I created new modules with accompanying assessments, readings and group project.
2022
As a Teaching Assistant in Toronto Metropolitan's journalism school in 2022, I helped students with their reporting for Ontherecordnews.ca, a daily student news website. I helped students develop and write story pitches with a solid angle, background research, sources, contact information and treatment. I provided feedback on story pitches, help students narrow down their story angles, find background information and sources, and explained why stories are newsworthy and relevant to their audience. I provided sources for student stories, including diverse voices to ensure more accurate and complete stories that more fully reflected and informed readers. I provided story ideas for students with strong angles, background research and list of sources for quick-turn around.
Additionally, I helped students learn how to use WordPress and Adobe InDesign, and oversaw the production of several pre-packaged explainer videos created by students leading up to the 2022 municipal election.
2014
As a Teaching Assistant in Carleton’s journalism school in 2014-2015, I monitored, edited, graded and assessed student work over three semesters. Centretown News was the fourth-year newspaper workshop designed to prepare students for work in a newsroom, giving them experience in publishing a newspaper. As a TA, I taught students how to use and work with InDesign, and guided them through the pagination and production of a bi-weekly newspaper. I facilitated weekly story meetings and responded to students’ questions and concerns, and aimed at all times to maintain a positive, inclusive and diverse learning environment.
2025
I designed and developed a six-week course, “Crafting Compelling Query Letters & Synopses,” for Alexandra Writers’ Centre Society (scheduled July–August 2025; not delivered due to low enrolment).
This program guided writers through every stage of the submission process, from understanding the publishing landscape and researching agents or publishers, to mastering the art of query letters and synopses. Each week combined industry insights, practical assignments, and peer feedback, empowering participants to refine their pitches, articulate their unique selling propositions, and position their work for success in today’s competitive market. The course emphasized professionalism, market awareness, and the development of essential writing tools, equipping emerging and established authors alike with the confidence and skills to navigate the path to publication
2021
As the Researcher and Program Coordinator for the Canadian Association of Journalists' Misinfo101, I edited the curriculum for this national workshop series for post-secondary students across Canada. I was responsible for the web page content, for newsletter and social media content. I created graphics for all of the above. In collaboration with the curriculum developers, I created a section of the curriculum on misinformation in Canada. I researched and fact-checked the curriculum, added references, and sourced visuals.
I researched and recruited instructors for training workshops from provinces and territories, and coordinated venue logistics with post-secondary institutions (COVID-19 permitting). I created an instructor package which included an introduction, course description, learning outcomes, notes, links and other pertinent information for workshop instructors. Based off the curriculum, I created a PowerPoint presentation for the local instructors, which was given by instructors in 13 cities across Canada.
Based off the curriculum and presentation and a good deal of research, I wrote, formatted, and edited the national Misinfo101 guide.
Finally, I created communications materials related to the project, including newsletter and social media copy and launch documents including newsletter text, a poster, press release and social copy.
Research: innovation in media business models, analysis of issues facing journalism today, including but not limited to business models, financial realities in Canadian journalism, inclusion and culture, impact of disinformation and misinformation.
Teaching Subjects: journalism and innovation, journalism business model transformation, revenue streams, foundations and fundamentals of journalism, feature writing, copy editing, the gig economy.
Certificate in Teaching Assistants Skills, Carleton, 2015
Adult Learning Fundamentals, George Brown College, May 2023
- Successfully completed George Brown College's “Adult Learning Fundamentals” course, gaining core principles and practices in adult education.
- Demonstrated commitment to professional growth through successful completion of intensive online program.
- Applied acquired knowledge to design engaging adult learning experiences.
- Fostered learner engagement and centered approach based on course insights.
- Actively participated in discussions and collaborative activities, deepening understanding of adult learning theories.
Patterson, Jessica. Case Studies in Transition Multiplatform Publishing in Three Western Canadian Magazines. Ottawa: Thesis (M.J.) - Carleton University, 2016., 2015. Print.
Patterson, Jessica. “Reinvigorating the Curriculum in Journalism: How Innovative Practices Can Help Us All.” Educational Development Centre, Carleton University, 8 Oct. 2015, | Link | PDF
Journalist | Editor | Project Manager | Researcher