Prof. Darryl Thomas
Professor of Dance & Artistic Director, Rainbow Dance Theatre
Western Oregon University
Session
From Creativity to Career Pathways: Integrating Arts, Technology, and Workforce Skills
Session Abstract
As the future workforce increasingly demands creativity, innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving, Prof. Darryl Thomas — an Emmy Award-winning educator and performer — showcases how the integration of dance, coding, and technology can inspire learners and create pathways to fulfilling careers in the creative industries. Drawing from his work in STEAM education and collaborations with Kenyan educators, he demonstrates how arts-based approaches support the implementation of Competency-Based Education (CBE). Participants gain insights into how creative expression, digital technologies, and interdisciplinary learning can strengthen computational thinking, innovation, teamwork, and entrepreneurship.
Speaker Profile
Darryl Thomas is a Professor of Dance at Western Oregon University and Artistic Director of Rainbow Dance Theatre, with over 28 years of experience integrating the arts, technology, and education. A pioneer in STEAM education, he has developed innovative approaches that combine dance, computer science, engineering design, coding, and youth engagement to foster creativity, problem-solving, and workforce-ready skills. He is the creator of Code Can Dance, a STEM and arts learning platform supported by a U.S. Department of Education research grant, which uses wearable technology, coding, and digital avatars to engage learners in computer science through movement. His work provides a powerful model for integrating creativity, technology, and innovation to prepare young people for the future workforce.