I create skills-based training for coding and software development. I am currently the co-founder of Making Software Makers, an online platform that teaches kids and young adults to code. I concentrate on Responsive Learning Experience Design course development techniques for all modalities but with an emphasis on self-paced asynchronous online learning. I am passionate about using my instructional design and software development expertise to create exceptional learning experiences.
In 2013 I developed one of the first Java coding bootcamps in the world as a member of the original Software Guild team. I spent many years refining and evolving the 12-week, in-person, immersive training modality for people new to coding. That program prepared people with little or no coding experience for entry-level software development positions in 12-weeks.
After the Software Guild, I co-founded DriveIT, a company that developed short in-person skills-based workshops for incumbent technology professionals. DriveIT was subsequently acquired by Trilogy Education Services/2U where I served as VP, Program Strategy.
Prior to diving into the education and training space, I was a software architect with experience in a variety of industries including test and measurement, library, insurance, retail, medical, and real estate.
Spurred by the mad rush to remote/online learning caused by the coronavirus stay-at-home order in Ohio, Mike Vanderpool and I started discussing techniques and approaches for making flexible and adaptable curricula. During these discussions, we settled on the term Responsive Learning Experience Design to describe this collection of techniques and approaches. These discussions turned into a podcast called In The Trenches, which is for all of us who are “in the trenches” every day developing and delivering training content. The podcast turned into this blog and Mike’s personal site.
The conversation continues…