eGen
eGen Technologies is an e-learning venture specializing in ‘instructional design, performance, technologies, e-Learning, courseware, and simulation design’. (eGen, 2011). The differentiator for this venture appears to be a strong focus on employee user experience using an interactive learning design process which the founders have designed.
There are two leaders in this venture, Nick Zap, CEO, and Jillianne Code, COO. Both are working through their doctoral programs in Educational Psychology at Simon Fraser University. They also both previously worked at Montage Studios Inc., a digital media firm which demonstrates a history of experience in the field as well as a risk taking personality required to go beyond working for another firm to pursue their degrees in conjunction with initiating their own start-up venture.
Jillianne Code
The leader that I focussed on to profile is Jillianne Code.
Jillianne Code is an educator and an innovator with a strong history of R&D that intersects educational psychology and technology. Evidence of her innovate mind can be found in publishings in Electronic Gaming, Social Computing, and virtual communities as well as many other related areas with her most recent crown being the Outstanding Paper Award (2011) at the Association for the Advancement of Computing Education.
There is no information on the corporate website about a board of advisors or investors; however, the amount of writing and presenting that Jullianne is doing in the industry is evidence of a strong network and support system. Jillianne clearly shows shows that she has the commitment to networking necessary for a successful entrepreneur.
References:
http://www.egentech.com/main_about.html
http://www.jillcode.com/about/
http://www.montagestudios.com/
Posted in: Week 04: Entrepreneur Bootcamp
Angela Novoa 3:44 pm on September 28, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi Julie, thanks for sharing. I think this initiative is very interesting. One of the areas that I want to gain more expertise is instructional design through online platforms. About your reflections on the leader’s and the company’s profile I think it is relevant to have information about board advisors or investors as it could brings us some clues on how launching our own ventures.
Angela.
Julie S 4:52 pm on September 28, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Absolutely. I was surprised that they didn’t have anyone identified on their site but maybe they aren’t looking for investors. I wonder if companies are more inclined to have a board of advisors if they are looking for investors. Mind you I think it’s wise to have a board no matter if you are looking for investors or not. It’s possible that they are still in the process of identifying candidates to establish a board as well.
Everton Walker 5:25 pm on September 28, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
This is a venture that immediately grabs my attention. However, I would like to know some of the platforms they have on their listing. And do I go about this if I am interested in having a platform in my institution. Also, where have these platforms being tested and proven. Despite the concerns, I think this venture is worth sticking close to as an educator.
Julie S 9:22 pm on September 28, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
The platform is a valid concern Everton. When I was reviewing the venture it appeared that they were more focussed on selling the course design services so I wasn’t thinking as much about the platform. I’m surprised they don’t list what type of platforms that they build the software for and if whether the courses are designed in a flexible way to integrate into more than one LMS platform. I made the assumption that they would design and build tailored for the corporate environment but that is a big assumption. They really should have some platform information in the product section.