Fran Ruiz

With a background in engineering, Fran embraced the instructional design program at SCPS, bringing his analytical mindset and project management skills into a new and rapidly evolving field. As an SCPS ambassador, he hopes to guide others who are navigating the world of continuing education. 

Coming from a technical field, Fran initially found the transition challenging, especially as English is not his first language. However, the support from SCPS instructors has been instrumental in his success. 

“Every instructor has supported my learning journey. I'm an international student, so even though English is my second language, I feel like it hasn't been a barrier for me to develop as an instructional designer.” 

This level of mentorship has inspired Fran to pay it forward by helping others who might feel overwhelmed by the demands of their courses or the intricacies of studying in a second language. 

Fran’s focus within instructional design is heavily influenced by his background in engineering. He recognizes the importance of task orientation and project management, especially in the creation of online learning environments.  

“There are so many details that instructor designers should consider since we must be working with a team. It’s not a one-person decision - it's the client who will be making the final decision. Keeping focus on every task and making sure that every task in the process will be performing what you need it to do. Developing project management skills is vital.” 

As he looks toward the future, Fran remains deeply committed to honing his skills in instructional design and online learning. He views his work as both a passion and a calling, hoping that by sharing his journey and the lessons he’s learned, he can inspire others to succeed.