John Whitmer Email & Phone Number

I've started an Learning Analytics technical assistance organization, building on my experience leading data science teams for education technology and assessment organizations. We provide consulting services to help build robust evidence of impact, especially in early stages of product development, and bring psychometric approaches and education data science to help unravel the complex stories within education technology uses. As a startup founder, my job description is to build products and talk to prospective customers. I also like to read a lot of what other people write and do.

Washington, Dc, Us

• Provide guidance on national and international educational technology projects, such as Microsoft's Project Constellation, IEEE Adaptive Instructional Systems Repository, DXTerra AI in Education • Technical review of projects in natural language processing and artificial intelligence• Thought leadership through writing and presentations to increase awareness and understanding of data science in education

Us

* Serve federal agencies and the education research and development field to implement modern approaches to research using data science and machine learning* Develop data competitions to identify cutting-edge approaches and algorithmic solutions. Promote, publicize, and plan for the incorporation of these approaches* Advise on the modernization of IES programs and services. * Provide thought leadership to the broader education research community about data science using unstructured and big data sources including open-ended student responses, process data, and alternative assessments.

Remote, Us

• Led 10-person team that created data science features, audience insights, and business intelligence that resulted in delightful product features and elevated business decision making.• Deployed machine learning models, optimization algorithms, natural language processing, and conventional statistical analysis (e.g. Convolutional Neural Nets, Gradient Boosted Decision Trees, OLS Regression) using Scala, Python, and R on Databricks, AWS, R Shiny and Tableau for results that were accurate, performant, and interpretable.• Applied data science methods to a diverse portfolio that included SaaS-based learning technologies, automated assessment applications, and large-scale assessment results.• Wrote 3-year strategic roadmap that provided vision, methodology, and project proposals that resulted in executive leadership support and service level agreements with product owners.• Hired, managed and engaged data science team (Ph.D.-level) that was technically sophisticated, socially diverse, and responsive to stakeholder requirements. Used SAFEAgile methods to distribute projects with team across multiple time zones. • Provided thought leadership through peer-reviewed publications and conferences, as member of grant advisory boards, and through internal presentations and workshops to elevate company reputation and visibility of analytical results.

• Built new 5-person data science team and organizational functions for SaaS-based educational technology company that effectively delivered a predictive analytics application, created embedded product features and delivered business insights.• Deployed machine learning models, conventional statistical analysis, and natural language processing (e.g. Random Forest, XG Boost, Neural Networks) using Snowflake, R/R Shiny, Python and Tensorflow to create innovative and insightful results. • Served as Product Manager for predictive analytics application and provided voice of the customer for well-prioritized roadmap and aligned priorities. • Collaborated with company executives, product stakeholders, engineering leadership, and software engineers to identify high-value internal data science projects and deliver on expectations. • Managed and retained data science team distributed across international geographic regions for project cohesion and efficient results. • Provided thought leadership through keynote company presentations, industry professional conferences, internal reports and peer-reviewed academic journals that resulted in elevated company profile in the academic technology and analytics industry.

Long Beach, Ca, Us

• Conducted analytics on SaaS-based educational technology platforms used by California State University campuses using statistical analysis and machine learning methods to provide insights around product adoption and learning impact. • Created predictive models for student achievement that included clickstream data, static student background data and other sources that enabled usage of platforms for student success initiatives.• Developed of technology metrics and reporting framework for 12 campuses that was used to evaluate technology impact and to inform contract negotiations. • Negotiated contracts with technology vendors to achieve economy of scale and use-based payment approaches, resulting in reductions in license fees and increased services received.• Collaborated with campus Directors of Academic Technology, Chief Information Officers, and other campus leaders to design analytics services based in campus needs and practices.• Presented findings and project proposals to system-wide committees, campus leadership, and in conference presentations to disseminate results and increase impact of services.

• Direct implementation of online instructional programs and student services for all 110 California Community Colleges.• Conduct workshops on effective use of electronic portfolios for course and program evaluation with K-20 institutions. Develop pilot program with product licenses for campus participants.• Implement legislative mandate to conduct RFP connecting community-based organizations to CENIC network backbone, resulting in net gain of $2M to annual system operating budget. • Negotiate contracts and MOUs for vendors and collaborating institutions, including Epsilen Environment, eFolio, UC Santa Barbara, Stanford University, and individual Community Colleges.

* Develop education programs using distributed learning technologies to increase the impact of National Science Foundation-supported network of 15 earthquake engineering laboratories.* Write strategic plan to guide creation of new services in collaboration with academic advisory committee and consortium staff. * Manage process of writing annual reports for project sponsor to document accomplishments and impact.* Represent project activities with academic researchers, experimental site staff, NSF Program Officers, and corporate partners.* Administer department budget, supervise staff and contracted service providers.* Create assessment processes and manage creation of research instruments.

Us

* Direct statewide professional development program in online learning and instructional technology topics for California Community College faculty and staff.* Write work plan, year-end report, and strategic documents to guide project activities. Negotiate with sponsor to expand services, resulting in 67% budget increase. * Implement distance learning technologies including Learning Management Systems (WebCT, Moodle, Blackboard), Web Conferencing (Horizon-Wimba), and multimedia applications.* Supervise staff and contract trainers. Recruit trainers, technology consultants, and speakers on technology applications.* Lead conversion of program from face to face workshops to distance learning format with facilitated online courses, webinars, and self-paced training materials. Conversion resulted in increased course registration from 400 to 7,000 annually. * Supervise creation of new course materials and develop processes to coordinate instructional design.* Create course evaluation program and develop assessment metrics to determine success of program in collaboration with professional evaluators.

Doctor Of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership

Master Of Arts (M.A.), Anthropology

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Philosophy / Honors Program