Meet AIU Faculty/Staff

Alan Grayson
School of Information Technology – Network Administration
Phone: 1-877-701-3800 ext.15780
Email: Alan.Grayson@aiuonline.edu

Alan Grayson is enjoying a second career that shows all the signs of being as successful as his first. Retiring from the US Air Force in 1992 after more than 24 years as a C-130 instructor pilot and staff officer, he's explored several career avenues. "I've had various hands-on positions in the computer networking field including network technician, administrator, engineer, and director of IT services." Currently a contract trainer for the United States Air Force as well as an instructor at AIU Online, Grayson has also written several books on computer science for Sybex and TotalRecall Press.

His academic credentials include a B.S. in Behavioral Science from the United States Air Force Academy and a M.S. in Systems Management/Project Management from the University of Southern California. Grayson has continued his education through the years, taking numerous courses in all areas of computer science from institutions around the country.

No doubt his lifelong interest in learning has contributed to making Grayson an effective teacher. As an Air Force Major he trained 600 students in C-130 Aircraft systems so successfully, all of them passed a very rigorous examination. Following his retirement from the service, he continued to work with pilots as a freelance instructor for several years and since 1997 has taught computer classes both in the classroom and online. Grayson's ability for imparting knowledge to others was even recognized in print when, working at DigitalThink, he was cited in Microsoft Certified Professional magazine as an online tutor who provided the most complete answers to a survey of technical questions.

Joining AIU Online in 2002, his talent for teaching was quickly recognized and he won several awards for teaching excellence. With his broad range of knowledge of network technology and years of field experience, Grayson offers students pertinent insights during classroom discussions and individual instruction. "Our classes revolve around real-life scenarios," explains Grayson, "that give students a concrete context for hands-on experience using the skills covered in their text books. Using examples from my own experience comes naturally in such a setting. This sense of reality is further enhanced by group projects that allow students to increase their interpersonal and written communication skills while honing their ability to work on a team in a virtual environment. All of these skills are important for success in business today."

Of course, AIU Online students, like those at any other online institution, enjoy a high degree of flexibility regarding when and where they listen to the lectures, work on assignments, etc. But according to Grayson, AIU Online students have the added benefit of a virtual classroom that is uniquely interactive. "Our slide presentations, voice communications, live and archived chat sessions create a classroom environment that is incredibly exciting. My students can even view my desktop. All of this makes it easier for the students to interact with me and each other."

What's even more impressive is that AIU Online is constantly upgrading and improving these tools to help students achieve their goals more effectively. As Grayson points out, "Network Administration isn't easy material to learn. But it's my job to help students be successful in their professions by earning the grades they get. That's the real reward of being a teacher and it's why I'm proud to be part of AIU Online."

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