Bryan Marshall, PhD

Professor of Information Systems

Teaching

Courses, Philosophy, and Educational Experience

Teaching Philosophy

Empowering Minds, Shaping Futures: The Tech-Driven Adventure Awaits

As a Professor of Information Systems at Georgia College & State University, my teaching philosophy has been fundamentally transformed by my six-year journey as a cross country coach. This dual role has evolved me from a traditional instructor into a facilitator and motivator, creating a unique approach that blends rigorous academic standards with athletic training principles.

The Coach-Educator Philosophy

Just as I guide runners to push beyond their perceived limits, I now serve as a catalyst for student growth rather than simply a deliverer of content. My classroom has become a training ground where students develop both technical mastery and the resilience needed for professional success. This coaching-informed approach recognizes that true learning, like athletic performance, requires persistence, feedback, and continuous improvement.

Mastery Learning: Excellence Through Iteration

Central to my teaching is a mastery learning model that mirrors athletic training. Students can resubmit assignments as many times as necessary to achieve excellence. I grade rigorously and expect perfection, but provide unlimited opportunities to reach that standard. This approach creates what I call 'pressure with support'—the same environment that produces championship athletes.

Key Feature: Detailed feedback on 100% of student work, creating continuous dialogue that makes achievement inevitable rather than accidental.

Real-World Application Meets Academic Rigor

My expertise spans e-commerce, programming, system development, and database management, enriched by active involvement in multiple online ventures. I bring this practical experience into courses like my capstone Business and Technology Project, where students tackle real-world challenges using business intelligence, SAP, and AI through comprehensive projects.

Research on generative AI in education, FinTech curriculum development, and technology acceptance directly informs teaching methods, ensuring students gain both theoretical understanding and marketable skills.

Building Tomorrow's Leaders

The marathon mindset from coaching has taught me that sustainable achievement comes from consistent effort over time. Students learn that excellence isn't a destination but a standard of daily practice.

  • Persistence
  • Attention to detail
  • Comfort with failure as learning
  • Drive for continuous improvement

Course Areas & Software Tools

Programming & Development
Python Flask Git/GitHub Heroku PyCharm
Database Management
SQL Server MySQL SQLite3 Docker SQL Server Management Studio
E-Commerce & Web Development
WordPress Google Analytics Google Search Console Yoast SEO Dreamhost
Enterprise Systems & Business Intelligence
SAP S/4HANA Business Intelligence tools AI integration platforms
Information Systems & Security
Security audit tools Network monitoring software Virtual machines Compliance frameworks
Networking & Infrastructure
Cisco equipment TestOut Pro Packet Tracer
Unlimited Resubmissions

Unlimited opportunities to achieve excellence

Detailed Feedback

Detailed feedback on 100% of student work

Pressure with Support

Pressure with support

Areas of Expertise

E-commerce Programming System development Database management Business intelligence SAP Generative AI in education FinTech curriculum development Technology acceptance

The Journey Ahead

The tech-driven adventure truly awaits—and I am here to help every student not only reach the finish line but excel beyond their expectations.