Shelly Hokanson
Hi!
My name is Shelly Hokanson, and I’m a thirty-something new media specialist living and working in the south Chicago suburbs. By day, I’m a Professor of Information Technology at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights, IL, teaching web design, programming, and network security to students of all ages and walks of life. By day-off, I'm an aspiring photographer, specializing in creative, experimental, and fine art photography. By night, I’m a mega-rock-star superhero.
Just kidding (about the superhero part, anyway).
In all seriousness, I’m sure you clicked through to find out more about me. You can get the nitty gritty via my web site at http://www.purplepenguins.com (resumes, artist statement, all that jazz). Read on for the nutshell version.
I’ve been developing web sites for over 10 years and tinkering with cameras and computers much longer. I started a company called Purple Penguins Studio in 2002 and built PurplePenguins.com (since most people couldn’t remember how to spell my last name). Besides, penguins are cute.
Over the years, I've done web programming, web design, technology consulting, and corporate training under the Purple Penguins umbrella. These days, I'm focusing on photography, but still take on web design projects on occassion. I run Purple Penguins Studio part time while maintaining my full time job as an IT Professor.
I’ve been a Professor of Information Technology at the college level for over 8 years. I’ve taught courses in computer repair, networking, security, computer forensics, XHTML & CSS coding, web design with Photoshop and Flash, and web programming (JavaScript, PHP, ASP, etc). I’m active on various college committees and served the college for several years as Chair of the Instructional Technology Committee and Facilitator of Instructional Technology. I currently coordinate the web design, networking, and programming areas within the IT department. My primary interests within the college lie in distance education issues and teaching and learning with technology.
When I’m not at work, you can find me out taking pictures of birds and landscapes and people and shapes and textures and anything else that catches my eye. I've been studying photography informally my whole life, taking after my father who too was bit by the shutterbug. I've been studying it formally since early 2007. My photos have been published in two online publications, and I had 4 pieces accepted into the 2008 Whiskers & Tails exhibit at Union Street Gallery in Chicago Heights, an invitational, juried group exhibit. You can visit my informal photo gallery at Flickr (I'm phlyersphan), or view my professional gallery at http://photos.purplepenguins.com.
I’m an avid reader, writer, blogger, and poker player. I love animals, and have 3 cats (Maverick, Goose, and Merlin).
Artist Credentials:
Exhibitions
2008 “Whiskers & Tails” Invitational Group Exhibit, Union Street Gallery, Chicago Heights, IL
Publications
2008 LifeTakesVisa.com Rock and Roll Fantasy Tour by RollingStone.com - Viretta Park, Seattle, WA
2007 Schmap.com Seattle Guide Fourth Edition - Viretta Park, Seattle, WA
Educational background:
Bachelor of Business Administration, Major: Computer Information Systems, Robert Morris College Chicago, 1997. Master of Education, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2005. Master Online Teacher graduate certificate, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2002.
Professional associations & credentials:
Member, International Webmasters Association (since January 2001). Member, World Organization of Webmasters (since 2005). Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSE). Certified Internet Webmaster Master Web Site Designer (CIW). CIW Certified Trainer. WOW certified Web Developer Associate (CWDVA). WOW certified Professional Webmaster. WOW certified Professional Web Site Designer. CompTIA Certified Computer Repair Professional (A+). CompTIA Certified Network Professional (Network+).
Latest Articles
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Take Great Pictures of Your Pet
Photographing pets can be challenging. Capture memorable portraits of your favorite furry, feathered and fun friends with these tips.
Sep 4, 2008
- Shelly Hokanson
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Choosing Web Design Color Palettes
Choosing the right color scheme for a web site or blog can be a daunting task. With a little color theory and the right tools, designing color palettes is easy and fun.
Aug 17, 2008
- Shelly Hokanson
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Use Develop Presets in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom
Lightroom develop presets allow you to quickly try out a variety of creative photo effects. Or, record your own presets to save time on repetitive tasks.
Aug 16, 2008
- Shelly Hokanson
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Twitter Tools: TweetDeck
Twitter is a fantastic communication tool, but it is easy to be overwhelmed with messages. Organize tweets with TweetDeck and never miss another message.
Aug 13, 2008
- Shelly Hokanson
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Flock: The Browser for the Modern Web
If you love photos, videos, and social networking on the web, Flock is the browser for you.
Jul 16, 2008
- Shelly Hokanson
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How To Use Exposure Compensation and Filters
You've read about using polarizers and infrared filters to achieve creative results. Whether you shoot film or digital, learn how to manage exposure for great photos.
Jul 15, 2008
- Shelly Hokanson
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