Faculty

Our faculty, instructors, and contributors have decades of experience in instructional design, consulting, program development, and software engineering.

 

Dr. Michael AllenDr. Michael Allen

For 45 years, Dr. Michael Allen has been a pioneer in defining unique methods of instructional design and development to provide Meaningful and Memorable learning experiences through “true” cognitive interactivity. He is the founder and CEO of Allen Interactions.

He is a prolific writer with nine published books on designing effective e-learning solutions, including his latest second edition: Michael Allen’s Guide to e-Learning.

Ethan Edwards Ethan Edwards

As Chief Instructional Strategist for Allen Interactions, Ethan Edwards draws from more than 30 years of industry experience as an e-learning instructional designer and developer. He spent many years teaching certification classes for ATD, and he is a frequent blogger for Allen Interactions’ e-Learning Leadership Blog

Dr. Nan ThorntonDr. Nan Thornton

Dr. Nan Thornton has been working in the fields of instructional design and e-learning for 30 years. Her professional experience runs the gamut from instructional designer and project manager to consultant and trainer. Nan is passionate about instructional design and cognitive science, and supports the Serious e-Learning Manifesto and the Debunker's Club

Clark Quinn, Ph.DClark Quinn, Ph.D.

Clark Quinn, Ph.D., is a recognized leader in learning technology strategy, helping organizations take advantage of information systems to meet learning, knowledge, and performance needs. He combines a deep background in cognitive science, a rich understanding of computer and network capabilities reinforced through practical application, considerable management experience, and a track record of strategic vision and successful innovations. 

Clark AldrichClark Aldrich

Clark Aldrich is one of the world’s top educational simulation and interface designers, called a 'guru' by Fortune Magazine and a 'maverick' by CNN. He and his work in educational media have been featured in hundreds of sources, including CBS, ABC, The New York Times, USA Today, AP, Wall Street Journal, NPR, CNET, Business 2.0, BusinessWeek, and U.S. News and World Report.

Aldrich is the creator of Short Sims, a revolutionary pedagogy designed to fill a critical gap in educational media by delivering greater speed, active content, and better metrics. Aldrich develops custom Short Sims through www.shortsims.com.

Dr. David MerrillDavid Merrill

David Merrill is professor emeritus at Utah State University.  He has been engaged in the study of effective, efficient and engaging instruction for more than 50 years since he received his PhD, University of Illinois, 1964. 

He is internationally recognized as a major contributor to the field of instructional technology, has published many books and articles in the field and has lectured internationally. He was honored to receive the AECT Distinguished Service Award 2001 for advancing the field of Instructional Technology;  a life time achievement award from the Utah State University College of Education 2010; an Honored Alumni for the College of Education at BYU 2011; ETR&D Distinguished Development Award, AECT 2013; and the D&D Outstanding Book award 2014.

Brandon CarsonBrandon Carson

A strategic and accomplished talent development leader with extensive experience in creating global workforce development strategies, Brandon Carson currently leads learning at Delta Air Lines in support of their global airport and cargo operations.  Brandon has been honored with several industry awards, including the ATD BEST Award, the Learning Guild People's Choice Award, and three Brandon Hall Awards for Best Custom Learning Design. Brandon is the author of Learning In The Age of Immediacy: Five Factors For How We Connect, Communicate, and Get Work Done and the forthcoming book Impact! Corporate Learning’s Playbook for the Digital Age both from ATD Press. He has also served on the board of the North American Simulation and Gaming Association (NASAGA) and the ATD TK conference committee.

Christopher Allen

Christopher Allen

As the Chief Strategy Officer at Allen Interactions, Christopher Allen uses his experience to create the best business practices when it comes to e-learning systems. His primary role focuses on helping organizations to prioritize and prescribe the best treatments to achieve business outcomes. He has over a decade of experience in digital content creation and distribution.  

Allen speaks frequently as an industry leader on topics such as digital education, authoring technology, instructional design, and agile development drawing. He has held positions in sales management and as a magazine publisher. He received his Master’s Degree in Organizational Management from The George Washington University out of Washington, D.C.

Allen is an active triathlete, a SAM expert, and Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP).
As a SAM Expert and PMI-ACP, he is living and breathing the fundamental principles of Agile Development both in the creation of enterprise software and learning applications at Allen Interactions.