DoctorConstantine Zakkaroff

Dr Constantine Zakkaroff’s teaching focuses on developing students’ confidence and competence in building real information systems, with an emphasis on inclusive, scaffolded learning and industry-relevant professional readiness. Across his courses, he supports learners from beginner to intermediate levels by combining clear conceptual foundations with structured, hands-on practice, enabling students to progress from programming fundamentals through to full lifecycle systems development and web application delivery. A distinctive and unifying theme across his teaching is the centrality of databases as the core of any information system—not simply as a technical component, but as the foundation that makes digital services reliable, meaningful, and actionable. Through this emphasis, students develop an appreciation for how data structures and data integrity underpin real-world organisational decision-making and system performance.

His teaching practice is intentionally scaffolded through weekly labs, industry-style projects at a manageable scale, and assessment structures that support learning through regular low-stakes practice. Each course includes an invited talk from a local industry representative, helping students connect course content to contemporary professional practice and strengthening their understanding of how information systems are designed, built, and maintained in real organisations. He also incorporates innovative assessment features such as online practice tests and exam preparation activities, supporting student confidence and encouraging steady progression through complex material. 

In INFO125 (Introduction to Programming with Databases), he supports new university student in learning core information systems architecture and problem solving while introducing database fundamentals and data-driven application development using C# and Visual Studio. In INFO213 (Object-Oriented Systems Development), he guides students through the complete systems development lifecycle—from analysis and UML modelling through to implementation, testing, and maintenance—using JADE as an object-oriented environment. This context also highlights the relevance of the local software sector: Jade Software is a Canterbury-based software company with an international footprint, exporting innovation through enterprise solutions deployed across diverse industries, and providing a tangible example of how locally developed software can achieve global impact. In INFO263 (Web Design and Development), students design and implement dynamic web systems using contemporary technologies and a substantial project that emphasises usability, database integration, and professional practice.

These courses contribute directly to UC’s Graduate Profile attributes by developing students who are critically competent in their discipline, employable, innovative and enterprising, and—in web development contexts—globally aware. Dr Zakkaroff also promotes responsible and transparent use of digital tools, including clear guidance on academic integrity and appropriate use of generative AI within coursework requirements.