Jessica Gake is the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Online Learning at Northwest Christian School. With a background in music education and instructional design, she integrates technology and pedagogy to create engaging online learning experiences.
She began her career as a choir teacher and adjunct professor before earning a Master’s in Educational Technology. She has worked with Glendale Community College, Northern Kentucky University, and Grand Canyon University. Since 2020, she has led NCS’s online curriculum development. Passionate about student engagement and curriculum innovation, Gake is shaping the future of digital learning.
From Music to EdTech: A Passion for Innovation
With a background in music education, I’ve always been drawn to music and technology. As a young girl, my dad called often called me “gadget girl” because I loved exploring new tech. While teaching choir, I also worked as an adjunct professor at Glendale Community College, where I discovered online learning. That experience sparked my passion for educational technology, leading me to integrate tech into my classroom and pursue a master’s in EdTech.
“Great teaching isn’t about where it happens—it’s about how well it’s designed. For educators used to in-person classrooms, shifting to online learning can feel overwhelming”
A course in instructional design was a turning point—I had been redesigning lessons for better engagement without realizing the field had a name. This realization led me to Northern Kentucky University, where I helped faculty transition to Canvas and improve online learning. After returning to Arizona, I joined Grand Canyon University before returning to Northwest Christian School (NCS), where my role in EdTech expanded.
At NCS, I was tasked with launching an online program, a project that gained momentum in 2020 after years of planning. Over the past five years, I have led its development from the ground up. As Director of Curriculum and Instruction for NCS Online, I oversee every aspect of the program, which now serves over 200 students from kindergarten through tenth grade.
Our small team has developed approximately 14,000 in-house lessons, aligning them with Arizona State Standards while integrating biblical principles. Working closely with on-campus teachers, we create engaging coursework that combines textbooks, interactive lessons, videos, reading assignments, worksheets, writing exercises, and project-based learning. Every lesson is intentionally designed to uphold academic rigor while supporting online learners.
Though my path wasn’t meticulously planned, each step naturally aligned, blending my love for education and technology into a fulfilling and impactful career.
Designing Effective and Manageable Online Learning for K-12
Developing high-quality online education for K-12 students presents unique challenges, particularly balancing engagement with cognitive load. Unlike college students who take fewer courses per semester, ninth graders juggle seven online classes, making workload management critical.
Project-based learning and interactive components enhance engagement but also increase cognitive demands. Since online learning relies heavily on written instructions, even simple tasks require students to process more information. We’ve streamlined content to address this, focusing on essential standards while minimizing unnecessary details. This sometimes means limiting choices or project-based activities to ensure students can manage their workload effectively.
Another key challenge is fostering independence in online learners. Without a teacher physically present for immediate redirection, students—whether struggling readers, perfectionists, or highly creative thinkers—face different hurdles. We’ve strengthened orientation programs, expanded office hours, and enhanced student support services to support them. The goal is to maintain engagement without overwhelming students, striking a balance that promotes learning and well-being.
Creating Learning That Works—In Any Classroom
Excellent teaching isn’t about where it happens but how well it’s designed. For educators used to in-person classrooms, shifting to online learning can feel overwhelming. But the key is simple: start with the end in mind. Define learning objectives, determine how progress will be assessed, and then choose the most effective delivery methods.
Unlike live instruction, online learning requires careful planning since adjustments can’t be made on the fly. A well-structured curriculum serves as a roadmap, keeping students on track. While tools like learning management systems facilitate quizzes and resources, they don’t create extraordinary learning experiences—strong objectives and strategies do. With a clear plan, online learning becomes both possible and powerful.
Leading Education into the Future
AI is reshaping education in promising and challenging ways, and ignoring it isn’t an option. Instead of fearing its impact, educators must lead the conversation, address challenges head-on, and experiment with new approaches.
At the local level, fostering a culture of innovation among my team, students, and parents has been essential. I encourage my team to share discoveries—new tools, research, or strategies— because no one can keep up with every educational shift alone. Collaboration strengthens us.
Beyond my institution, I engage in accreditation work and conferences, exchanging insights with fellow educators. These experiences push me to grow, ensuring my approach to change is proactive and intentional. Driving progress in education means staying open, sharing knowledge, and continuously learning together.
Strengthening Education through Technology
While the COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges, it also accelerated much-needed improvements in educational infrastructure. Schools, organizations, and governments had to act quickly, turning long-standing possibilities into urgent necessities. This push led to better access to technology, though challenges remain—particularly in ensuring equitable distribution.
In the U.S., grants and funding have made initiatives like one-to-one student device programs more feasible. Affordable options like Chromebooks and tools like Google Workspace’s offline mode enable learning even in areas with limited internet access. However, providing devices alone isn’t enough—digital literacy is essential. Teaching students how to navigate technology, use devices effectively, and develop critical computer skills equips them for success in a digital world.
Beyond infrastructure, integrating digital citizenship, typing skills, and critical tech literacy into curricula fosters long-term growth. Partnering with global education organizations can further extend these efforts. For instance, our school collaborates with institutions in Mexico and Rwanda, using donations to enhance infrastructure and literacy. By combining technology access with strategic partnerships, we can create lasting improvements in education worldwide.
AI’s Role in Personalized Learning
Artificial intelligence is transforming education, offering both opportunities and challenges. While concerns about AI misuse exist, its potential to personalize learning is undeniable. One promising application is mastery-based learning models, which adapt to individual student needs.
Historically, some of the most effective personalized learning strategies have been underutilized due to their labor-intensive nature. Teachers and curriculum developers face significant time constraints, making implementing tailored learning paths at scale difficult. AI, however, can identify student progress, pinpoint learning gaps, and provide adaptive tutoring, allowing students to advance at their own pace.
Despite these advantages, integrating AI into education requires ethical considerations, mainly when working with minors. Responsible AI use must prioritize student safety and maintain human oversight. While AI can streamline individualized learning, teacher-student interactions remain crucial. Striking a balance between automation and meaningful engagement will ensure AI’s positive impact on education.
The intersection of education and technology continues to evolve, offering new possibilities to enhance learning. By embracing change, designing compelling learning experiences, and leveraging AI responsibly, we can create a future where education is accessible, engaging, and impactful.
