Welcome!
My name is Dr. Kip Leland and I am an online learning consultant. In my former life, I was an online learning specialist for the Los Angeles Unfied School District and the founder of the Los Angeles Virtual Academy (LAVA) within the LAUSD. I have recently retired from the District and am continuing to offer my expertise in the online learning world. I am the chair of "el SIG" which is an eLearning Special Interest Group affiliated with the CUE (Computer Using Educators) organization and partnering with NACOL (North American Council of Online Learning) as a California chapter.
I have a doctorate degree in Educational Technology with an emphasis in virtual education. Inspired by the works of Marc Prensky and Etienne Wenger, I created a virtual time machine that is used to complement middle and high school social studies. It is still in existence today and used in school districts throughout California. I have also written many professional development courses including Online Content Development, Online Teaching, and even a course for anyone interested in starting an online program. I have had a life-long fascination with how children learn and have dedicated my professional career to insuring that all students have an equal opportunity for success.
On a personal note: I was born and raised in sunny Southern California, Santa Monica to be exact. I am definitely a California girl! I love the beach and spend every spare moment I can here with my family. Now that I am retired I have the time to pursue other projects like my first love, photography, which had been put on hold for many years. The picture you see above is of my service dog Beauregard who is my constant companion. In the future I hope to become involved in the assistance dog world, perhaps even a certified trainer so I can help those who, like me, are faced with an invisible disability.
