"I really enjoy the way that computers can bring people together, move information quickly and empower learning. I come from three generations of teachers. My great-grandmother had a huge influence on me, having taught school for 50 years. As soon as I learn something new I want to find someone and tell them about it.

I began configuring hubs and routers in the early 1990's while a network technician for a Phoenix, Arizona telecommunications company and have been implementing, consulting and instructing on internetworking technology ever since.

My background includes both practical experience in the day-to-day operations of corporate IT departments as well as instructional and classroom training experience. This gives me a unique perspective for being able to use the equipment and software in a live environment and turn around to pass along that experience in the form of training that is easy to understand and thorough enough to cover "real-world" issues."

Michael Shannon took his first computer course in college at University of Houston in FORTRAN programming on mainframes. After graduating from college he spent several years as a professional musician, recording engineer, and producer. He made the natural transition from studio patch bays and automated mixing to IT networking when he began configuring hubs and routers in the early 1990's with a Phoenix, Arizona telecommunications company. Michael comes from a long line of teachers and has always enjoyed sharing his knowledge and experience with others.

His past experience includes positions as a senior technical instructor, technician, consultant and mentor throughout the U.S. for companies such as ExecuTrain, Mastering Computers, Platinum Technology, Fujitsu, IBM, State Farm, MindSharp, and Skillsoft (formerly Thomson/NetG/Knowledgenet).