teaching goal
Zerba's goal in teaching is to encourage and inspire students to experiment with ideas — in writing and designing. She wants students to step outside their comfort zone, and challenge themselves with fresh ideas, not the same old, same old. This is the type of teaching environment she strives for — encouraging students that any idea they have is possible if they really think it through. The finished story or design may not turn out the way they intended, but at least they experimented with their ideas. And to her, that's success.
- applied journalism, University of Florida: Teach storytelling and reporting skills using data visualization, audio, stills, video, social media and mobile platforms (Fall 2010).
- web publishing, University of Texas at Austin: Instructed students on building Web sites; taught design architecture using CSS style sheets for both personal and news Web sites. (Spring 2007)
- print design, University of Texas at Austin: Introduced students to design basics and guidelines for newspaper and magazine page layout; guided students on how to tell stories visually using sketching, concept-building and brainstorming activities. (Fall 2006)
- editing, University of Florida: Taught students AP style, reviewed grammar and coached students in copy editing skills, fact checking, writing headlines and designing pages. (Summer 2003)
- graphics of journalism, University of Florida: Taught elements of design, such as type contrast, unity and color; developed creative project ideas that encouraged originality; and taught Quark and Photoshop. (Fall 2001; Fall 2002)
courses taught as a graduate teaching assistant
- fundamentals of multimedia journalism, University of Texas at Austin: Discussed decision-making behind using multiple media platforms as well as the economic and social impact of information technology; taught Web publishing software — html, css, Dreamweaver, Audacity, Soundslides and Final Cut Pro. (Fall 2008)
- visual design, University of Texas at Austin: Guided students on using basic visual design principles; developed creative exercises in which students designed logos, newspaper and magazine layouts. (Fall 2004; Spring 2006)
- editing, University of Texas at Austin: Instructed students on how to spot and fix Associated Press style errors and factual errors; mentored students on grammar, editing, rewriting and headline writing skills. (Spring 2005; Fall 2005)
- reporting, University of Florida: Coached students on basic news gathering and writing skills. (Spring 2002)