About
Learning design with purpose.
I am an instructional designer focused on technical training, simulation-based learning, and the practical integration of
generative artificial intelligence into various workflows. I have a Master's Degree in Modeling and Simulation with a
focus on education and training, an undergrad in Psychology, and about a decade of experience creating learning solutions for the security and defense industries.
My background combines instructional systems design with experience developing training for complex systems. Over the course of
my career, I have worked with engineers, subject matter experts, technical writers, and multi-disciplinary development teams to design curriculum,
simulations, and interactive courseware supporting highly technical environments.
Though my professional career has always focused on adult learning, I have a passion for education in all forms and am constantly
brainstorming ways to motivate my two young ones to engage with learning in fun and meaningful ways. My interests include:
- Games and gamification
- Music and art
- Sports and outdoor activities
Curriculum Design
Learning objectives, lesson design, and structured courses that align to measurable outcomes.
Technical Training
Hands-on learning for security and defense, and technical skills for the workplace.
AI-Enabled Content
Content workflows, prompt frameworks, and objective-based assessments that enable learner proficiency.
Projects
View My Work
Professional Certifications
Designed, developed, and deployed dozens of courses for Cisco U. Certifications (CCNACBR, CNIOS). These courses include a mix of instructor-led training, e-learning modules, and hands-on labs, all aimed at helping prep future professionals for technical certification.
Simulation-based Training
Supported the development of a high-tech, gameified, immersive training for Littoral Combat Ship Engineers. Check out the video below for a demo of the training, which was designed to prepare sailors for real-world maintenance and repair of complex ship systems.
Course Design
Currently developing various deliverables for the ADDIE lifecycle, including analysis and design documents, along with other materials pertaining to a course for apprentice instructional designers who want to learn how to utilize artificial intelligence in their workflows.
Testimonials
What colleagues are saying...
"Jon is the kind of intelligent, creative, curious worker you want to accelerate your team's ability to drive real outcomes.
Not fictitious "use AI" outcomes or optimistic "it could happen" outcomes, but real outcomes.
Outcomes like improvement in NPS scores,
high satisfaction with learner content, better retention of what users learn, and an accelerated ability to deploy highly personalized learning strategies.
If you are seeking someone proficient in the art of learning and the science of AI, you've found him."
— Annie Hardy,
Global AI Architect at Cisco
"Jon consistently delivered quality instructional design work on all projects, developing both associate and professional level content.
He created engaging ELT and ILT modules, handling everything from conceptual content and graphics to detailed video storyboarding.
One thing that set Jon apart was his proactive and innovative approach. He became a team leader on AI, extensively leveraging our enterprise LLM to accelerate content creation and improve quality.
Beyond his technical skills, Jon showed up every day with a positive attitude, strong ownership, and excellent time management. His collaborative spirit and can-do mindset made him a valued member of our team."
— Doug Notini,
Security CE Manager at Learn with Cisco
"Jon has a unique ability that blends learning science with emerging AI tools to create content that is not only effective,
but forward thinking.
He is always exploring smarter, more efficient ways to elevate learning experiences,
and just as importantly, he brings others along with him on that journey...
I would highly recommend him to any team
looking for someone who combines technical expertise with a strong sense of community and innovation."
— Nicole Hurtado,
Learning Experiences Program Manager at Cisco
Contact
Let’s connect.
Email: jcoad820@gmail.com
Profile: LinkedIn