Family travel and trip planning
I enjoy planning trips with science museums, scenic views, local food, sweet treats, walkable areas, public transportation, good hotels, and family-friendly stops. I prefer trips that feel relaxed and interesting, not overheated, overpacked, expensive, or too dependent on driving. My family is planning to visit all 50 states, which you can read about here.
Learning languages
I’m using Duolingo to learn Norwegian so I can connect more deeply with my family’s heritage and someday return to Norway—we first visited on our honeymoon. I’m also brushing up on my French after studying it for five years in high school and college, with the hope of putting it to better use during future travels.
Collectibles and resale
I’m interested in buying, pricing, bundling, and reselling collectibles. I like researching accurate pricing, checking sold listings, creating strong eBay listings, and finding realistic resale strategies. My friends and family utilize my expertise to sell items for them which previously were stored in the attic collecting dust.
Tech culture, games, and media
I enjoy tech trends, video game news, RPG and online gaming, Nintendo history, and a deeper coverage of games and technology. I have a deep interest in several sci-fi fandoms and enjoy attending conventions related to gaming and sci-fi interests.
Problem solving around home, yard, cooking, and gadgets
I like figuring out practical problems involving home repairs, yard equipment, gadgets, plants, poison ivy, car issues, and household fixes. I developed several chatbots to help me with my household responsibilities (cooking, lawn care, cleaning routines) and for efficient vacation planning with a budget.
Developing usage of Artificial Intelligence for different contexts
I’m interested in refining AI systems for the understanding of medical symptoms, test results, work efficiency, and everyday tasks. I’ve been training and refining my own personal medical chatbot, and I was able to use it to diagnose a rare, life-threatening brain condition that I was suffering from for years (pulsatile tinnitus from a dural arteriovenous fistula). I was able to quickly find a brain surgeon to resolve the situation quickly.
Career change and professional identity
I’m exploring a shift from 25 years of public school teaching (now retired) and transitioning those skills into instructional design, training, learning technology, LMS administration, and related corporate roles.
Technology, learning design, education tools, and live streaming
I’m interested in instructional design, LMS systems, educational technology, training modules, live streaming, media production, and building useful tools. I have a lot of experience creating new teams of people working together on a new skillset and take much pride when that team is ready to fly on their own.
My family and my furry friends
My wife and son mean the world to me. Much of my successes center on their successes and accomplishments. I also have a cat and a hamster to care for every day.
Matthew Serwedes