First, I consider myself to be a learning coach. Whether I am coaching college students in my math courses or academics who are embarking on new adventures in learning, I try to give learners the tools, ideas, and confidence to learn on their own. I believe that self-directed learning and engagement are now the most important issues in education. When content begins to teach itself (and it will), instructors will need to be ready to shift into the role of learning coaches. Technology will “instruct” … we will need to “engage” learners in applications, discussions, and explorations of the learning ecosystem of our subject area and leverage digital tools to enhance learning. My philosophy of teaching and learning can be summed up in one quote:

“Learning is the brain having fun.”   - Raph Koster

My second avocation is as a learning futurist. I’ve probably been one my whole life. I have always been a voracious learner and when I encounter a problem, I think about it until I have found a viable solution. I guess you could say that I’m a futurist who is oriented towards actionable visions. I may not always be able to build or implement the solution myself, but I seek to find viable (and hopeful) solutions and visions for current issues. If you have a few minutes, please read “The World is My School: Welcome to the Age of Personalized Learning” and you’ll see my vision for the future of learning.