"SCS learners know that the journey does not end once you get a degree. They aren’t just learning for their job, they are choosing to learn because it makes them better.”
Juan Mavo Navarro’s goal is to improve the learner experience, and teach others how to do the same. Juan, who teaches our Foundations of Instructional Design course, has a background in computer science, coding, and developing programs. A native of Venezuela, he fell in love with developing educational materials and computer-based training early in his career. Determined to share this love with others, he taught for over 12 years at the undergraduate, Masters, and Ph.D. level. “My work goes beyond just designing programs” he says. “I incorporate needs assessments and strategic planning to make online learning a more intuitive and interactive experience.”
Upon coming to Canada in 2012, Juan chose SCS to enhance his skills, earning certificates in eLearning and Project Management. In 2016, he began working at SCS as a Learning Technology Specialist, designing and developing our interactive courses. A year later, Juan began teaching our Learning Design program. “What I love about teaching at SCS is that my learners are practitioners who come from diverse backgrounds. It’s an interconnected virtual learning experience, where everyone is learning not just from me, but from one another” says Juan. “I end up learning from them too!”
Juan says a big part of his teaching focuses on helping learners find effective ways to implement best practices in their work. “I provide guidance on how to overcome organizational barriers” he says. “I share tips on how to sell an idea, deal with pushback, and communicate effectively with stakeholders.” After a course ends, Juan often receives emails from learners seeking further advice, or reporting their success. “SCS learners know that the journey does not end once you get a degree. They aren’t just learning for their job, they are choosing to learn because it makes them better.”
According to Juan, online learning is critical in our busy, digital world because it provides flexibility and allows people to learn on-demand. “In the future, we need to focus on learner-centric design” he says. “We need to find new and exciting content that truly resonates with learners.”
Despite his busy work and teaching schedule, Juan believes in balance and putting your priorities first. “My top priority is my family” he says. “I keep a schedule and set boundaries. No matter how much I have going on in my life, I do not sacrifice the things that mean the most to me. My daughter’s Christmas concert or dinner with my wife; these are real appointments that I refuse to cancel or reschedule. For me, that’s real balance.”