DONA THANUSHI N HETTIPATHIRANA

E-Mail: donatanushi@gmail.com
e-Portfolio: https://donathanushi.weebly.com/
Website: https://theedtechhub.wordpress.com/

SUMMARY
A dynamic and competent educator, instructional designer and technical writer 10 years of experience in instruction,
instructional designing, curriculum development, and program coordination in traditional and distance learning
environments teaching to multicultural and diverse learner populations ranging from K-12 to adult professionals in
the USA and abroad.

CORE COMPETENCIES
Classroom Instruction of Adult and K-12 learners in traditional and distance educational settings, Education of
exceptional learners, STEM/STEAM Education, Technology integration in education, Robust communication
(written and verbal) and interpersonal and presentation skills, Technical writing and design and development of
educational and research content and documentation, Assessments, Evaluations, and Testing, Knowledge in
Instructional and Learning Theory, Adult Learning Theory, and Universal Design of Instruction/Learning (UDI/UDL)

TECHNOLOGY SKILLS
WordPress; Weebly; Articulate Storyline; Adobe Captivate, Camtasia; Screencastomatic; PowToon; Prezi;
Accessibility Tools, MS SharePoint, MS Outlook, MS Office 365; MS Visual Basic; Blackboard Learn; Canva; LMS;
Safe Assign; Live Text; PDF; Piktochart; Inspiration Software; G-Suite; Adobe Spark; Adobe Photoshop; Adobe
Connect; Picasa; Symbaloo; Wikispaces; UDL; Fundamentals of Programming: Pseudo Coding and flowcharts, and
familiarity with HTML, XML; Fundamentals of DBMS & SQL and Quality Assurance

EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS

Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction Educational Technology and Online
Instruction, in 2019
Liberty University, Lynchburg VA
GPA in Major of 4.0
Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning – Educational Technology and Online
Instruction, in May 2017,
Liberty University, Lynchburg VA
GPA in Major of 4.0
B.A. in Liberal Arts in April 2004
University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
GPA in Major of 3.26
Certificate in Information Technology (B.IT. -Year 1 - Undergraduate Certificate), in 2002
University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
Examination in Information Technology, in 2002
Australian Computer Society (ACS), Australia
Certificate in Teaching English to Students of Other Languages (TESOL), 2010
ITTT/TEFL International
 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
SUBATITUTE TEACHER– LOUDOUN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS, ASHBURN VA, 2015 – PRESENT
− Direct the learning process, meeting the curriculum objectives and goals as prescribed in lesson
plans
− Select appropriate instructional strategies and resources
− Record attendance according to the school procedures
− Collaborate and communicate with other teachers, parents, students, school personnel in a polite,
refine professional manner
− Guide and facilitate students in daily learning activities
− Adhere to all procedures, policies and guidelines recommended by the school system.

FOUNDER. INDEPENDENT PIANO TEACHER - DONA’S PIANO ACADEMY (HOME-BASED) ASHBURN VA, 2015
- PRESENT - SUBJECTS: CLASSICAL PIANO, THEORY OF MUSIC
− Teach classical piano to school-age and adult learners through one-on-one instruction utilizing
traditional and digital music educational media
− Instructional planning and implementation of innovative and engaging traditional and digital-based
classical piano lessons, research and selection of classical recital pieces for piano,
− Facilitate learners in the development musical skills utilizing traditional one-on-one lessons and
digital educational apps: composition using online music composition software such as score cloud,
music aural skills using online apps such as ABRSM aural trainer lite, music theory using
musictheory.net, metronome
− Facilitate learners with exceptionalities to engage in the development of musical skills through
differentiated instruction; adaptive instruction; accommodation and modification; assistive
technology; technology integration, and multi modal learning

STEM/STEAM EDUCATOR – SCIENCE COSMOS AND KOMODO USA, ASHBURN VA, 2015 - 2018 - SUBJECTS:
ABACUS MATHEMATICS, TYNKER, STEM EDUCATION - ROBOTICS: LEGO WEDO, LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3,
LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT
− Facilitate steam concept learning through hands on learning based in constructivist learning
methods such as discovery project-based learning using Lego, robotics, electronic circuits, visual
coding etc.
− Execute computer and online based stem courses and lessons from Lego education using LMS. Use
game design applications to teach STEAM concepts.
− Instruction in math learning using abacus.
− Facilitate learners with exceptionalities to engage in steam learning through differentiated
instruction; accommodation and modification; assistive technology; technology integration, and
multi modal VAK/VARK learning
− Use learning and instructional strategies and theories appropriate for steam instruction:
constructivism, active learning, collaborative learning, experiential learning; experimental learning,
exploratory learning, problem-based learning, discovery, task-based learning, technology enhanced
learning; and self-directed learning

EXPERIENCE IN DIVERSE ENVIRONMENTS

ASSISTANT LECTURER, UNIVERSITY OF VOCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY – UNIVOTEC (FORMERLY KNOWN AS
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION), SRI-LANKA, 2005-2007
This is a higher education institution specialized in university level courses - bachelor’s degrees and higher
diplomas - to adult professionals in the sectors of technology, technical education and vocational training of
Sri-Lanka.
Subjects: diploma level course work on technical writing, academic writing, business English, and English for
specific purposes – engineering, computing, research etc.
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 − conducting lectures in English language teaching (ELT) to adult professionals in traditional and
distance learning settings: critical writing, technical writing, academic writing, business English;
English as a second language (ESL), English literature.
− involved in research and development of literature reviews, research proposals and reports;
knowledge in research methodologies
− designed and implemented engaging instructional plans and classroom management plans,
instructional content and documentation for lectures, presentations, training sessions,
seminars, conferences, meeting the curriculum requirements and learning objectives in a goal
and detail-oriented manner
− designed and administered standardized and criteria-based assessments, evaluations and
testing (theory and practical), grading, reporting, feedback and record keeping;
− coordinated training programs, lectures, seminars, conferences, engaged in selection of field/
subject appropriate instructional and training personnel, resources and supplies – web, multi-
media, and printed media
− collaborated on design and development of educational content and documentation:
instructional specifications, curriculum, course and training manuals, instructional design,
technology integration plans, and evaluation, progress and annual reports
− collaborated with all stake holders of the educational process - peers, administrators, expert
professionals and students – in the educational planning and implementation and assessment,
evaluation and feedback.
− attended professional development workshops focused on contemporary educational research
and development and study of new and emerging tools and technology in education.
− facilitated adult learners with exceptionalities to engage in the development of English
language skills through differentiated instruction, accommodation and modification, assistive
technology, technology integration, and multi modal learning.
− gained proficiency in using appropriate learning and instructional strategies and theories: adult
leaning theory, constructivism, project-based learning, lab-based teaching, and e-learning,
technology enhanced language learning through lab-based teaching using the multi-media
language learning system – Belladi.
TEACHER, GATEWAY COLLEGE, KANDY & COLOMBO, SRI LANKA, 2001-2005
This is a leading international educational institution in Sri Lanka accredited by Edexcel, UK; Cambridge
international examinations and NCC education, UK; providing high caliber educational services following the
English language curricular from foundation through advanced level to students coming from diverse cultural
backgrounds.
Subjects: English language arts, History, Geography, Western Music, and Speech & Drama
− classroom instruction and management of k-6 students in a traditional classroom setting
− designed and implemented engaging and innovative lesson and instructional plans and
classroom management plans, instructional content and documentation meeting the
curriculum requirements and learning objectives in a goal and detail-oriented manner
− designed and administered standardized and criteria-based assessments, evaluations and
testing (theory and practical), grading, reporting, feedback and record keeping;
− served as the grade coordinator for grade-3, engaged in selection of field/ subject appropriate
instructional material, resources and supplies – web, multi-media and printed media
− collaborated on design and development of educational content and documentation:
curriculum, instructional planning and design, technology integration plans, and evaluation,
progress and annual reports
− collaborated with all stake holders of the educational process - peers, administrators, expert
professionals and parents – in the educational planning and implementation and assessment,
evaluation and feedback.
− attended annual professional development workshops focused on contemporary educational
research and development and study of new and emerging tools and technology in education.

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 − facilitate K-6 learners with exceptionalities to engage in the development social and academic
skills through differentiated instruction; accommodation and modification; and multi modal
learning.
− gained proficiency in using appropriate pedagogy: multi-modal VAK/VARK learning, project-
based learning, task-based learning, collaborative learning, B-E-M Principle, PAR teaching
model, reading: skimming, scanning and active and detailed reading, SQ3R, PQRST method and
KWL charts.
INSTRUCTOR (PART-TIME), DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH, ROYAL INSTITUTE, COLOMBO, SRI LANKA, 2004-
2005
This is a premier international school in Sri-Lanka that offers primary, secondary and extension courses
program catering to a wide range of English language needs of adult and school age learners.
Subjects: English literature, language arts, creative writing, general English, professional English, English as a
Second Language
• engaged in classroom instruction and management of K-12 students and adult learners in a
traditional classroom setting
• designed and implemented engaging and innovative lesson and instructional plans and classroom
management plans, instructional content and documentation meeting the curriculum requirements
and learning objectives in a goal and detail-oriented manner
• designed and administered standardized and criteria-based assessments, evaluations and testing
(theory and practical), grading, reporting, feedback and record keeping

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

GRADED EXAMINATIONS IN PIANO GRADE VII – ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
(ABRSM), UK 2001

ORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIPS
2015 - PRESENT MEMBERSHIP AECT – ASSOCIATION FOR EDUCATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS AND
TECHNOLOGY
2017 – PRESENT MEMBERSHIP MERLOT II – MULTIMEDIA EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE FOR LEARNING
AND ONLINE TEACHING
2017 – PRESENT MEMBERSHIP VSTE – VIRGINIA SOCIETY FOR TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION
2016 - PRESENT MEMBERSHIP RCM – ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC

VOLUNTEER WORK
2016 - Present ▪ Parent Volunteer At St. Theresa School Ashburn VA
2014 -2015 ▪ Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) Representative For Catoctin Elementary,
Leesburg VA
▪ ESOL Tutor – Loudoun County Public Library, Ashburn Library, Ashburn VA
2013 ▪ Volunteered As Teacher’s Aide For Kindergarten Class – The Arc Of Loudoun At The
Paxton Campus – Open Door Learning Center, Leesburg VA
2010 ▪ Volunteered As An ESL Tutor - Loudoun Literacy Council, Leesburg VA

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