Ryan Watkins
About Ryan Watkins
Ryan Watkins is an Associate Professor at George Washington University with over two decades of experience in academia. He has authored influential works in performance improvement and e-learning, including the award-winning Handbook for Improving Performance in the Workplace and the widely used E-learning Companion.
Work at The George Washington University
Ryan Watkins has served as an Associate Professor at George Washington University since 2001. Over his 23 years at the institution, he has contributed to the academic community through teaching and research in the field of performance improvement and instructional design. His role involves engaging with students and collaborating with colleagues to enhance educational practices.
Education and Expertise
Watkins studied at Florida State University from 1990 to 1997, where he earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Design. His academic background provides a strong foundation for his expertise in instructional design, performance improvement, and e-learning. This educational experience informs his research and teaching methodologies.
Achievements in Performance Improvement
Watkins has made significant contributions to the field of performance improvement. He is ranked as the 4th most cited author of journal articles in this area. His publication, The Handbook for Improving Performance in the Workplace, received the 2011 ISPI Award of Excellence. Additionally, he authored the E-learning Companion: A learner’s guide to online success, which is recognized as the world's top-selling text on e-learning.
Global Contributions and Projects
Watkins has collaborated on various international projects, particularly with the World Bank. His work focuses on needs assessment, instructional design, and performance improvement for international assistance programs. He published A Guide to Assessing Needs with the World Bank in 2012, which is available online for free, further demonstrating his commitment to global education and development.
Involvement in Online Education Initiatives
In addition to his academic roles, Watkins co-created the online science fair site www.wesharescience.com, promoting science education and engagement. He has also been a co-host at Parsing Science since 2017, where he contributes to discussions on scientific research and education.