Adriaan.cc
Hi, I’m Adriaan
Developer, Educator, Innovator in Human-Centered Tech
I’m a web developer, educator, and tinkerer with a deep passion for technology and learning. Over the years, I’ve worked in various roles across education and development, always striving to build meaningful learning experiences and solve real-world problems with code. My approach is hands-on, and I find great joy in creating projects that bridge the gap between technology and human experience. I love experimenting with new technologies and finding creative ways to integrate AI into everyday tools, making technology both accessible and impactful.
I genuinely care about depth, practical solutions, and authentic communication. I believe that the best technology is not just clever but also truly useful—something that addresses real needs and brings value to people’s lives. Whether I’m coding a new feature, teaching others, or tinkering with an experimental idea, I approach every task with a sense of curiosity, attention to detail, and a desire to understand things fully. My experience in both educational environments and as a developer has taught me that learning is a lifelong journey, and every problem is an opportunity to grow and innovate.
Beyond technology, I enjoy working with people, sharing my knowledge, and learning from others. I’ve led workshops, coached aspiring developers, and collaborated on projects ranging from AI integrations to creative coding experiments. No matter the context, my aim is always the same: to bring curiosity, care, and a genuine drive for meaningful impact to everything I do.
Education
Endicott College
Master of Education (M.Ed.), International Education with a Specialization in Educational Technology
2013 - 2014
University of South Africa
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), Secondary Education and Teaching with subjects Computer Science & Technology
2005 - 2008
Experience
Founder & Lead Instructor
Q15
Düsseldorf, Germany
Nov 1, 2023 - Present
- Founded Q15 to help developers integrate AI into web applications, developing a unique full-stack AI course.
- Developed a 4-month course covering AI models, web integration, Next.js, SQL, and CI/CD practices, designed to equip developers with modern AI integration skills.
- Created 'octocoach,' an MVP platform to manage coaching and streamline learning interactions.
- Navigated the process to get the company AZAV accredited, ensuring compliance with education standards.
- Managed marketing efforts, including Meta and LinkedIn ads, to promote the course, learning firsthand the challenges of marketing niche tech education.
Senior Software Engineer
talent::digital
Düsseldorf, Germany
Jan 1, 2021 - Feb 28, 2023
- Built and maintained a SaaS product for the education sector, focusing on React and JavaScript for the front end.
- Conducted code reviews to ensure quality and mentor junior developers.
- Planned new features with the CTO, balancing user needs with technical feasibility.
- Managed the CI pipeline and worked closely with DevOps to keep deployments smooth.
- Explored new technologies like Go and Rust to expand my skill set.
Lead Software Engineer & Instructor
SuperCode
Düsseldorf, Germany
Jan 1, 2020 - Dec 31, 2020
- Taught front-end web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React) in both in-person and online formats.
- Trained other instructors in effective teaching techniques.
- Built an in-house web app using Sapper, which combined teaching and development.
Founder & Software Architect
Engagenie, Inc.
US (remote)
Apr 1, 2016 - Dec 31, 2020
- Built a web app that reached 10,000 users in the first year.
- Developed custom software for schools, combining my experience in education and tech.
- Handled customer support, learning the value of user feedback and empathy in design.
Technology Integration Specialist & Educator
International School of Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf, Germany
Aug 1, 2011 - Dec 31, 2019
- Led the rollout of a 1-to-1 laptop program, making tech accessible for teachers and students.
- Created a Computational Thinking Curriculum to help students think like problem-solvers, not just coders.
- Developed a game design course using Blender, Unity, and C#.
- Built in-house web apps to streamline school processes and improve efficiency.
IT Support Specialist
Dexani
Johannesburg, South Africa
May 1, 2008 - Nov 30, 2008
- Provided IT support for two insurance companies, managing backups, Exchange servers, Active Directory, and network issues.
- Learned to juggle different tasks across two sites, providing both tech solutions and customer support.
- Handled everything from user issues to complex infrastructure, building a strong foundation in problem-solving.
Projects
A TypeScript-based platform for managing AZAV coaching businesses. This monorepo contains multiple applications and packages that work together to provide a comprehensive coaching management solution.
A cooperative game to help users learn coding, playable in both a web browser and Oculus Quest. Focuses on making coding fun and interactive, bridging VR and web experiences.
A tool for teachers to assess students' learning processes by creating time-lapse videos of their work. Helps teachers understand how students approach tasks, providing insights beyond the final product.
A platform for students to discover and join extra learning opportunities offered by peers and teachers. Encourages collaborative learning and broadens educational experiences.
A PHP client library for the ManageBac API, built to streamline integration for schools using ManageBac.
A tool for US school districts that visualizes learning outcomes across courses, helping educators make data-driven decisions to improve teaching and student results.
A Google Drive integration tool for Schoology that improves usability beyond the default integration, making file sharing simpler and more effective for teachers and students.