Founder & Program Creator

Pavlo Ilyashenko

Pavlo Ilyashenko is an educator, curriculum developer, and founder of several educational initiatives focused on creative technologies, digital skills education, and project-based learning environments.

For more than three decades his work has focused on expanding access to artistic and technology-based education while preparing students and educators to engage with evolving digital tools and creative technologies.

Through initiatives such as New Image College and Teens Computer School, he has developed programs introducing learners to computer graphics, web technologies, digital communication systems, and emerging areas such as artificial intelligence literacy.

Education & Professional Development

Pavlo Ilyashenko has combined formal academic education with continued professional development in both educational methodology and digital technologies.

Master’s Degree ◍ Graphic Design and Printing Technologies Specialization: Computer Graphics and Visual Communication

Professional Development ◍ Advanced Training Certificate in Art Therapy Methods and Techniques for Working with Children with High-Functioning Autism (Asperger Syndrome) International Center for Innovative Technologies in Education, Ukraine — 1995 Completed Level I and Level II Professional Development Program for Academic and Educational Specialists. ◍ Digital Marketing Strategy Certificate Program University of Toronto, 2015 – 2016. This program focused on digital communication strategy, online platforms, search technologies, and digital marketing systems.

Early Educational Work

Before immigrating to Canada, Pavlo Ilyashenko had already developed significant experience in both visual arts education and curriculum design.

◍ In 1993 he founded the Educational and Cultural Center “Oberig” in Kyiv, Ukraine.

◍ The Educational and Cultural Center Oberig in Kyiv introduced programs in visual arts education and computer graphics during a period when digital creative technologies were still emerging.

◍ The center operated as a multidisciplinary educational initiative combining traditional visual arts training with emerging digital creative technologies.

Two major educational divisions worked within the Center:

School of Computer Graphics

◍ The program introduced students to computer graphics and digital image creation at a time when formal education in these areas was still extremely limited in many educational institutions.
Students learned to combine artistic foundations with computer-based creative tools, exploring new forms of digital visual expression.

Correspondence Art School

Alongside the computer graphics programs, the Center also developed a correspondence-based art education program designed to reach participants in rural communities.

The two-year curriculum included:

◍ drawing and painting techniques
◍ pedagogy and teaching methodology
◍ child psychology
◍ methods of teaching visual arts in schools

The program was open not only to practicing teachers but also to young people and adults who demonstrated artistic talent and a strong interest in visual arts.

Many participants came from rural communities and wished to remain in their hometowns while contributing to the cultural and educational life of their regions.

Because rural schools often faced a shortage of qualified art instructors, some graduates later began teaching visual arts in local schools or participating in community cultural activities.

These early initiatives established an educational philosophy that would later continue in Pavlo Ilyashenko’s work:
expanding access to creative education and modern technologies beyond major urban centers.

Beginning of Educational Programs in Canada

Shortly after immigrating to Canada in 1997, Pavlo Ilyashenko began working as a graphic designer at the publishing company Canadian-Russian Press in Toronto.

While working at the publishing company, he began organizing small groups of students interested in computer graphics and digital design.

Pavel Ilyashenko at his graphic design workstation in a publishing company office, together with students of the Computer Graphics School for children that he founded and taught, which operated within the company’s office.	Pavel Ilyashenko with one of the first groups of adult students enrolled in the New Image Graphic Design Studio, a computer graphics training program he established and taught at the office of the publishing company where he worked as a graphic designer.

One of the earliest advertisements announcing student enrollment for the computer training center “New Image Graphic Design Studio” founded by Pavel Ilyashenko. 1997

These early classes were conducted in the office of the publishing company and soon developed into two educational initiatives:

◍ New Image School of Graphic Design — programs for adults
◍ Computer Art Studio — computer graphics programs for children.

At that time Pavlo Ilyashenko already had more than 15 years of experience teaching visual arts and curriculum development experience from his earlier educational programs in Kyiv.Drawing on this experience, he developed one of the early structured programs introducing children as young as six years old to computer graphics and digital creativity.

The first groups of students studied in the publishing company office where the classes initially took place.At that time few educational institutions in Canada offered structured computer graphics instruction for children, and the program quickly attracted interest from families interested in new technology education opportunities.

Formation of New Image College

As the number of students increased, the early programs soon outgrew the small office space.In 1999 the programs moved to their own location and the institution that later became New Image College began operating in Toronto. Early programs combined: ◍ traditional visual arts education. ◍ computer graphics instruction ◍ digital design training On a picture: One of the first classes held at the college’s new office in the North York area, Toronto. A Web Design lecture is delivered by college instructor Alexey Vaselenko.

During this period, Computer Art Studio, which combined visual arts and computer-based education for children, evolved into two separate schools: Teens Computer School and High Tide Art School. Pavlo Ilyashenko developed the curricula for both schools and continued to provide academic leadership and oversight of their educational programs.

For several years both youth and adult programs were presented together within the same institutional framework and operated under the New Image College name.

Development of Teens Computer School

Photo: Students of Teens Computer School during a class taught by Pavel Ilyashenko. Toronto, 2000. Many participants remained in the program for multiple years and later pursued careers in computer technology and digital media.	Photo: Students of the computer school proudly holding the first payment checks they received for computer design projects. As early as ages 14–15, students participated in logo and advertising design competitions for real clients, gaining practical professional experience and receiving payment for projects selected for implementation.

As youth technology programs expanded and the number of courses increased, the youth education initiatives gradually developed their own identity as Teens Computer School. For many years both youth and adult programs were presented on the same website.Later, as the number of programs grew and the audiences for youth and adult education became more distinct, a separate website for Teens Computer School was created in order to simplify navigation and clearly distinguish the two educational tracks.Teens Computer School programs introduced students to:

◍ computer literacy
◍ digital graphics and design
◍ web technologies
◍ creative digital projects
◍ introductory programming concepts

Over time these programs also incorporated computational thinking and artificial intelligence literacy, reflecting the increasing importance of AI technologies in modern digital environments.

Educational Philosophy

Across all of his initiatives, Pavlo Ilyashenko has emphasized several core educational principles:

◍ combining artistic creativity with digital technologies
◍ introducing students to emerging tools and creative technologies
◍ providing structured project-based learning environments
◍ preparing educators who can expand access to digital education
◍ creating learning opportunities accessible to diverse communities

These principles shaped the development of a coordinated system of educational programs focused on digital literacy, creative technologies, and technology-driven learning environments.

Continuing Educational Development

Through programs associated with New Image College, Pavlo Ilyashenko continues to develop educational initiatives focused on digital technologies, artificial intelligence literacy, and project-based learning.

These initiatives include:

◍ youth technology education programs
◍ digital communication and digital marketing training
◍ professional certificate programs in digital technologies
◍ applied digital learning environments
◍ educator training initiatives

Together these initiatives form a Digital Skills Education Ecosystem designed to support progressive learning pathways from early digital literacy to advanced digital competencies.

Looking Forward

As digital technologies continue to evolve, Pavlo Ilyashenko continues working on new educational initiatives focused on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and advanced digital systems.

Through curriculum development, educator preparation programs, and innovative learning environments, these initiatives aim to expand access to digital skills education and support the development of technology-driven learning communities.

Founder Timeline (1993–Present)

1993●──────────────

Educational and Cultural Center “Oberig” — Kyiv, Ukraine Pavlo Ilyashenko founded the Educational and Cultural Center Oberig, combining visual arts education with early digital creative technologies.Two major educational divisions were established: ◍ School of Computer Graphics introducing digital creative tools ◍ Correspondence Art School providing distance-based arts education for rural communities These programs introduced an early model of combining creative arts education, digital technologies, and educator preparation.

 

1997 ●──────────────

First Computer Graphics Classes in Canada After immigrating to Canada, Pavlo Ilyashenko began teaching computer graphics and digital design to small groups of students in Toronto.Two early educational initiatives were created: ◍ New Image School of Graphic Design — programs for adult learners ◍ Computer Art Studio — computer graphics programs for children These early programs laid the foundation for both New Image College and Teens Computer School.

 

1999●──────────────

Formation of New Image College of Design and Technology As enrollment increased, the programs moved to a dedicated location and the institution that would later become New Image College began operating in Toronto.Programs combined: ◍ visual arts education ◍ computer graphics training ◍ digital design instruction During this period the children’s program Computer Art Studio gradually evolved into Teens Computer School.

 

2005 ●──────────────

Development of Teens Computer School Teens Computer School became the primary platform for youth technology education. Programs introduced students to: ◍ digital graphics and design ◍ web technologies ◍ introductory programming ◍ creative digital projects Youth education initiatives continued expanding as digital technologies became increasingly important.

 

2007 ●──────────────

Computer School on Wheels — Community Digital Education Initiative The Computer School on Wheels initiative was launched as a community-based technology education program designed to expand access to digital skills training. The program introduced a mobile classroom model, bringing structured digital education directly to communities through workshops hosted in: ◍ libraries ◍ schools ◍ community centers Portable computer labs and instructor-led workshops allowed students and educators to explore creative technologies and develop practical digital skills. The initiative became an important part of educational outreach connected to programs associated with New Image College and Teens Computer School.

 

2008–2014

Career-Oriented Program Development Introduction to Career Preparation for Teens As programs evolved, a new stage was introduced to support students transitioning from digital learning to professional направления. This led to the development of: Career Preparation for Teens Certificate Course Series Programs focused on: ◍ early exposure to creative and digital careers ◍ portfolio-based learning ◍ real-world project development ◍ preparation for further education and training This stage strengthened the pathway by connecting digital skills with career direction. Bridge to Higher Education Transition to College™ ◍ development of independence ◍ readiness for structured academic environments ◍ ability to complete complex projects

 

2015 -Present  ●──────────────

2015–Present — College Integration & Expansion At New Image College of Design and Technology ◍ professional certificate programs ◍ structured academic training ◍ applied project-based learning Digital Marketing and Online Communication Programs Educational programs expanded into areas such as: ◍ digital marketing ◍ search technologies ◍ digital communication systems ◍ online platforms These programs reflected the growing importance of digital communication technologies.

 

2015 ●──────────────

Digital Marketing School for Teens The creation of Digital Marketing School for Teens (www.newimageschool.ca) expanded youth programs into digital communication and online strategy education. Students explored: ◍ digital communication systems ◍ online content creation ◍ search technologies ◍ digital entrepreneurship fundamentals

 

2016 –Present ●──────────────

Digital Skills Education Ecosystem Educational initiatives associated with New Image College evolved into a coordinated Digital Skills Education Ecosystem integrating: ◍ youth technology education ◍ digital communication training ◍ professional digital programs ◍ applied digital learning environments ◍ educator training initiatives Programs increasingly incorporate artificial intelligence literacy, computational thinking, and emerging digital technologies. Continuing Educational Mission Across more than three decades, Pavlo Ilyashenko’s work has focused on: ◍ expanding access to digital skills education ◍ combining creative disciplines with emerging technologies ◍ preparing educators capable of teaching digital technologies ◍ developing project-based learning environments for students These initiatives continue evolving as new technologies reshape education and digital learning environments.