Jim Luke isn’t a developer, but he is a WordPress addict. He’s been teaching economics at Lansing Community College for the last 13 years, including a lot of online teaching. His enthusiasm for innovation in college teaching and WordPress has led him to found a non-profit organization, Malartu Inc, to help all college faculty create their own WordPress sites and gain their online voice.

Before getting into teaching, he spent 25 years in corporate strategic planning consulting with a specialty in emerging technologies.

Jim will be presenting How WP Can Save Academic Freedom and Cure the Crises in Higher Education.

Interview

Why do you use WordPress?

I teach at a college. I use WP as public blog on economics news, as a teaching portfolio, and as a platform for teaching my online courses. I’ve also gotten involved in helping other faculty in higher ed use WP to improve teaching and productivity.

When and how did you start using WordPress?

Dec. 2008.

What tips or resources would you recommend to a new WordPress user?

Trust wordpress.org and the Codex. Use it.

What advice would you give someone who’s building a business around WordPress design or development?

Get involved with Meetups and WordCamps. There’s lots to be learned that will accelerate things. Reuse first, don’t try to always code and reinvent the wheel. Odds are there’s somebody that’s already solved your problem … and done it better.

How do you stay informed about WordPress (news, tips, etc.)?

Follow blogs: WordPress Tavern, The WHiP by WPMU, WordPress development blog.

Also find key developers to follow on Twitter such as Nacin.

What’s a cool WordPress-based site you’ve seen recently?

A bunch of different P2-theme based sites.

What do you like most about WordCamps?

How approachable everybody is and how enthusiastic they are. Everybody is willing to help.

Where can we find you online?

Twitter: @econproph
jimluke.com – teaching portfolio
econproph.com – economics blog
econproph.net – my online econ courses
malartu.org – the non-profit I’ve started to promote WP sites among higher ed faculty.