I design learning experiences that make complex technology understandable.
And I build AI into how that work gets done.
AI Learning Experience Designer | Senior Instructional Designer | Technical Instructor · 15+ years in Technology · 7+ years in curriculum development
Most instructional designers approach technical content from the outside. I come at it from the inside. I spent over 15 years in network engineering, IT infrastructure, and systems management, and taught those same disciplines as a technical instructor before moving into instructional design. That combination shapes everything about how I work: how I design learning experiences, partner with subject-matter experts, and build hands-on labs and activities that reflect real-world practice. For the last seven years at Western Governors University, I've been doing exactly that across 60+ courses in the College of IT, working closely with assessment developers to ensure curriculum and evaluation are tightly aligned, with AI prompt engineering now at the core of my work.
Portfolio
Testimonials
"What makes James especially effective is that he brings a level of subject matter expertise to instructional design that is difficult to teach. His background in IT, systems, security, and infrastructure allows him to engage with highly technical content at a much deeper level than many instructional designers can."
“His ability to design engaging learning experiences while staying at the forefront of emerging technologies and AI integration is top-notch. Whether he is developing curriculum, exploring creative solutions with AI, or helping others understand complex concepts, James consistently brings both insight and practicality to the table.”
"I appreciated his willingness to share knowledge and help others navigate emerging technologies and AI thoughtfully rather than treating them as hype or shortcuts. James combines instructional design expertise, technical fluency, curiosity, and professionalism in a way that makes him a valuable asset to any learning or development team."
"James is a phenomenal instructional designer. His integration of AI and understanding of underlying principles consistently lead to outcomes that surpass the expectations for his role. He would be a valuable asset to any team as a leader or an individual contributor."
"James has shown me that he can deliver results and he is willing to put in the work to get those results. He holds himself to the same accountability that he expects from others. He can meet deadlines even when given shortened timelines and still turn in A quality work."
Credentials
Master of Education in Instructional Design — Western Governors University
Master of Science in Computer Information Systems — Boston University
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration — University of Phoenix
CompTIA Project+ · Project Management Certificate, WGU · Business Intelligence Certificate, WGU · Microsoft Certified Professional
About
My journey into learning design started in technology. I spent more than 15 years working in network engineering, IT infrastructure, and systems management, and I also taught those subjects as a technical instructor before moving into instructional design full-time. That technical background still shapes how I approach my work today. I don’t just understand the content at a high level; I understand how it works in practice, which affects how I collaborate with subject matter experts, organize learning experiences, and decide what learners actually need to know to be successful.
My approach to learning design starts with identifying the gap between where learners are now and where they need to be, then figuring out the clearest and most effective way to close it. Over the past several years, I’ve incorporated AI prompt engineering into that process—not as a replacement for expertise, but as a way to speed up routine production work so I can spend more time on the strategic and creative decisions that still require human judgment. I view AI the same way I view any tool: useful when applied thoughtfully, and only valuable if it improves the quality of the work being produced.
Outside of work, I'm usually reading, building in my wood shop, or standing at the edge of Lake Michigan, reminding myself that not everything needs to be optimized.
Let’s Connect
Whether you're exploring a potential fit, have a project in mind, or just want to talk about the intersection of technology and learning — I'd welcome the conversation.