Leonard Thurman

Instructional Design

Am currently accepting a limited number of new clients. Email for information.

I did not realize, at the time, that creating, managing and overseeing the evolution of a web site for the Office of Research and Development of the Indian Health Sevice, a bureau of HHS, was very closely related to online instructional design. It dawned on me when the site was recognized by the Dept. of Commerce as one of the top 10 "usable" websites, that interactivity was the key to web success.

Moving into instructional design for higher education was a natural step. That led to leadership roles with several colleges and universities, and ultimately private consulting, that resulted in the creation of over 100 online courses on various learning management systems, including courses using open education resources (OER) exclusively.

teaching

Currently an adjuct faculty member in Theatre and Digital Arts at Pima Community College, Tucson, Arizona.

My formal education is in the theatre and literature - Master's degree and advanced studies in digital arts. My early career included teaching/directing at the college level and working/living in Europe where I directed a theatre and managed entertainment programs for American servicemen.

Upon returning to the states, I left the "entertainment industry" and in a weird and wonderful twist of events, discovered computer systems and began developing Internet technology and multimedia for the Federal government. I studied film and video production at the International Workshops in Film and Video (now Maine Media College) in Rockport, Maine and The American Film Institute in Los Angeles. I am certified on Avid editing systems and multiple Sony specific systems.

As the Internet developed as a powerful engine for multi-media delivery, I studied gaming and virtual reality at Boise State University and digital cultures at the University of Edinburgh. During the last few years, I've focused on screenwriting -- one screenplay optioned so far.

screenwriting

So far I'm 0-3 selling feature length screenplays. But, all three have made the quarter-finals in The Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting Competition. That has gotten my scripts read by some serious players in Hollywood. I can honestly say, "I've been turned down by the best!" My late agent, Stuart Robinson, landed an option for one of my screenplays, but alas, it was not produced.

Here's a link to my screenplays directory.

Along with writing feature length screenplays, I've directed and produced several short films and a few of my short scripts have been produced. That's been fun.

Contact

Elements

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