Fred Aebli

 FredJ. Aebli

Fred J. Aebli

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Biography

Pennsylvania State University World Campus - Science

Teaching technology to the next generation of up 'n' coming geeks while embracing my inner Star Wars '77' Kid
Higher Education
Fred
Aebli
Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania
I have taught in higher education for almost two decades where I apply a lifetime of experience as a software & database developer, website designer, project manager, and entrepreneur. Learning new technology never gets old as I continue to sharpen my skills and inspire the next generation of technologists whether in the classroom, home, camp, tutoring, or over a coffee.

My day is guided by my discipline honed while a Major in the United States Marines and inspired by the stories of Star Wars, Disney, Lord of the Rings, and anything else that awakens our imagination and become creative. Yes, I do believe technology is an extension of our creativity and not just some boring day in a cubicle (unless that is what you want it to be).

I also extend myself by inspiring others to learn how to code via my website www.GetMeCoding.com where I provide lessons, tips, and advice to kids and parents who are beginning this journey and looking to create options as they grow interest in their future careers.

If you are ever in need of someone to speak to your school, church, or organization, please be sure to reach out to me as I would love the opportunity to engage your community. I firmly believe, if I can help others realize how to become better versions of themselves, then we are setting up ourselves for greatness.


Experience

  • Penn State University

    Instructor & Program Co-Coordinator(Internships)

    Instructor in Information Sciences and Technology (IST) created in 1999. Course topics include web programming, web design, emerging technology and management, database management systems and development, project management, general information technology, and software programming.

    Additionally, teach online database and information technology courses for Penn State's World Campus.

    Coordinator for the IST Internship Program offered through the Penn State Worthington Scranton Campus.

    Camp Instructor for 8-12yr olds and 13-15yr olds where students develop projects using various coding tools.

    Available as a guest speaker for K-12, PTA's and various organizations needing information on cyber safety, social media trends, internet technologies, or advice on succeeding as a student in higher ed.

  • FJA Solutions, Inc.

    Lead Consultant/Developer

    Provider of internet based solutions to include website and web application design/development.

  • GetMeCoding.com

    Owner

    DREAM. COLLOBORATE. SOLVE. Inspiring and teaching kids to learn how to create programming code. Beginner and intermediate coding community. Coding tips, camps, labs, and studio. A place to have fun, connect, and code.

  • United States Marine Corps

    Major

    6602 Major (PLC source) served active duty and reserves.

  • IT Corps, Inc.

    Consultant

    Consultant and developer on various IT related projects for a service disabled veteran owned small business located in Northeast PA.

Education

  • Webster University

    Computer Resource Management

    Information Technology

  • Penn State University

    Bachelor of Science

    Computer Science/Math Option

  • Atherton Award for Excellence in Teaching


    The award, named after Penn State’s seventh president, honors excellence in teaching at the undergraduate level. “When students are witness to your passion, they want to learn,” Aebli said. “Engagement is an awakening of interest. I have spent considerable time in looking at making the classroom an interactive experience.” Aebli uses gamification techniques to “stoke the fire” of the learning process and further engage his students. He uses a cellphone app, learning management system features and other technologies to reach his students. “As students are immersed in challenging learning assessments, we should be prepared to see students have doubts in their abilities, field of study and themselves. I enjoy being a mentor and coach. I make myself available to students as they uncover questions, doubts and concerns. Through office hours and video chats, I’m able to ‘talk and walk’ with my students. It’s during these times outside of the classroom that I truly learn about our students, so I can better serve and teach them.” “His resilient dedication to a purposeful, enjoyable and enlightening experience for his students in and out of the classroom was inspiring,” the student said. “His enthusiasm as a mentor radiated throughout the University, especially in the technology and cybersecurity sphere within Penn State.” A colleague said Aebli possesses the knowledge, skill and passion to provide an exceptional experience for his students. “His commitment to student learning is evident in the value he places on creating a relaxed and engaged classroom environment and on fostering both a professional and personal relationship with his students,” the colleague said.

  • Penn State University

    Instructor & Program Co-Coordinator(Internships)


    Instructor in Information Sciences and Technology (IST) created in 1999. Course topics include web programming, web design, emerging technology and management, database management systems and development, project management, general information technology, and software programming. Additionally, teach online database and information technology courses for Penn State's World Campus. Coordinator for the IST Internship Program offered through the Penn State Worthington Scranton Campus. Camp Instructor for 8-12yr olds and 13-15yr olds where students develop projects using various coding tools. Available as a guest speaker for K-12, PTA's and various organizations needing information on cyber safety, social media trends, internet technologies, or advice on succeeding as a student in higher ed.

  • Scranton Central High

    Academic

    Science

Publications

  • Distance Synchronous Information Systems Course Delivery

    2013 Proceedings of the Information Systems Educators Conference

    Teaching computer information systems via distance education is a challenge for both student and faculty. Much research work has been performed on methods of teaching via distance education. Today we are faced with a variety of options for course delivery. Asynchronous delivery via online or lesson instruction still remains most common. But alternative synchronous delivery methods such as Adobe Connect, Skype, and Eluminate Live are increasingly used as alternatives in a variety of situations and for a variety of purposes and classes. Our study reviews the use of synchronous distance course delivery and reports on specific experiences and results from two computer information systems courses over the past year. Post-class surveys from the students of these courses reveal interesting and useful insights into the acceptance and challenges of synchronous distance delivery methods including emphasis on technical stability and interaction.

  • Distance Synchronous Information Systems Course Delivery

    2013 Proceedings of the Information Systems Educators Conference

    Teaching computer information systems via distance education is a challenge for both student and faculty. Much research work has been performed on methods of teaching via distance education. Today we are faced with a variety of options for course delivery. Asynchronous delivery via online or lesson instruction still remains most common. But alternative synchronous delivery methods such as Adobe Connect, Skype, and Eluminate Live are increasingly used as alternatives in a variety of situations and for a variety of purposes and classes. Our study reviews the use of synchronous distance course delivery and reports on specific experiences and results from two computer information systems courses over the past year. Post-class surveys from the students of these courses reveal interesting and useful insights into the acceptance and challenges of synchronous distance delivery methods including emphasis on technical stability and interaction.

  • Gamification Techniques: Turning an International Terror Plot Into a Classroom Game

    21st Annual Online Learning Consortium International Conference 2015

    During the presentation I discussed the effective application of a gamification technique in my course that produced a level of engagement and excitement that was greater than normal and far better than I anticipated. The presentation defines and identifies intrinsic and extrinsic motivators and had the session attendees experience an example of this first hand through a simple hands on exercise. I explained how to use team based assessments as a scoring mechanism and extrinsic motivator, introduced the technique of 'leveling up' like many gaming environments they are accustomed, and introduce 'role-play' as part of a course project. All this was done within the context of a global terror plot.

  • Distance Synchronous Information Systems Course Delivery

    2013 Proceedings of the Information Systems Educators Conference

    Teaching computer information systems via distance education is a challenge for both student and faculty. Much research work has been performed on methods of teaching via distance education. Today we are faced with a variety of options for course delivery. Asynchronous delivery via online or lesson instruction still remains most common. But alternative synchronous delivery methods such as Adobe Connect, Skype, and Eluminate Live are increasingly used as alternatives in a variety of situations and for a variety of purposes and classes. Our study reviews the use of synchronous distance course delivery and reports on specific experiences and results from two computer information systems courses over the past year. Post-class surveys from the students of these courses reveal interesting and useful insights into the acceptance and challenges of synchronous distance delivery methods including emphasis on technical stability and interaction.

  • Gamification Techniques: Turning an International Terror Plot Into a Classroom Game

    21st Annual Online Learning Consortium International Conference 2015

    During the presentation I discussed the effective application of a gamification technique in my course that produced a level of engagement and excitement that was greater than normal and far better than I anticipated. The presentation defines and identifies intrinsic and extrinsic motivators and had the session attendees experience an example of this first hand through a simple hands on exercise. I explained how to use team based assessments as a scoring mechanism and extrinsic motivator, introduced the technique of 'leveling up' like many gaming environments they are accustomed, and introduce 'role-play' as part of a course project. All this was done within the context of a global terror plot.

  • The Hybrid Blender: Lessons Learned in Converting A Resident Instruction Course to a Blended Experience

    19th Annual Sloan Consortium International Conference on Online Learning

    This presentation for the 19th Annual Sloan Consortium International Conference on Online Learning was delivered in an interactive way that tells a story as to how I addressed initial preparations, problems encountered, successes, failures, a post class student survey, lessons learned and recommendations on how to evolve a "€˜live" resident course into a blended offering (eg. hybrid).