Mission Statement
To teach coding and computer science to children, K-12, and introduce them to new ways to problem solve and explore curiosity and creativity.
What We Do
We are creating a generation of problem solvers and innovators through coding and computer science principles.
Designing and coding video games is something we believe any child with a computer and desire to learn is capable of doing. In summary, our mission is to teach coding and computer science to children, K-12, and introduce them to new ways to problem solve and explore curiosity and creativity. We do this because we feel strongly that this learning style will help them grow into better problem solvers who don’t give up when given a challenge, but instead embrace it as an opportunity.
The Approach
Embrace mistakes: Evidence suggests during initial learning students retain more information if they’re given the freedom to make mistakes. Encourage them to learn and grow in confidence through mistakes as they seek an answer.
Enjoy learning: Learning and problem solving can be fun through creative activities like coding and game design.
Explore computer science: Computer science is a powerful medium in which students can express themselves to solve challenges in unique ways to enhance their creativity and problem solving.
We Love Our Community
In 2017-2020 we spent more than 100 volunteer hours each year teaching or assisting with coding in several East Central Indiana school corporations and other not-for-profit organizations.
Connect with Us
Meet your instructors
Ryan Hunter
Co-Founder / Instructor / Operations
TechWise AcademyRyan has spent more than a decade creating software. He graduated from the University of Kentucky with a B.S. in Computer Science in 2005, an MBA from Ball State University in 2012, and is currently pursuing a Master’s of Arts in Educational Psychology at Ball State.
He has written software for the Department of Defense, Ball State University, University of Kentucky, Lexmark, and numerous other organizations across multiple industries. In 2007, he founded a custom software development company in Lexington, KY (Apax Software) that grew to 20 employees. That company still creates custom software and made the Inc 5000 list for 2019.
In 2014 he found a passion working with two groups in Kentucky that offered coding courses in schools. Teaching coding concepts to children and watching their imaginations work to solve problems is his passion.
He currently resides in Muncie with his wife and four children.
Brandon Coppernoll
Co-Founder / Instructor / Marketing
TechWise AcademyBrandon graduated from Ball State University with a B.S. in Computer Science in 2005. He has written code and developed websites for more than a decade. He has worked with many organizations across several industries, including Ball State University, and works as a digital marketing manager and marketing technologist.
Through coding and launching more than 200 websites throughout his career, he offers insights from programming experience in many languages such as HTML5, CSS3, PHP, C#, and more.
He serves on the board of directors for Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie and currently resides in Muncie with his wife, three children, two cats, and a dog.
Mikayla Rainho
Elementary Education Lead Instructor
TechWise AcademyMikayla is originally from Indianapolis but moved to Muncie after she graduated from Ball State University in 2017. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in elementary education.
In the 2018-2019 school year, she became Royerton Elementary’s first technology teacher. Additionally, she co-wrote curriculum based on the four computational thinking principles for elementary teachers to use with their own students.
Some of her favorite coding programs include Scratch, Scratch Jr., LEGO, and Sphero. She loves watching students use these platforms to show their creativity, develop problem solving and communication skills, overcome challenges, work collaboratively, engage in hands-on learning, and build confidence!
Kannin Boulware
Lead Instructor
TechWise AcademyKannin graduated from Ivy Tech in 2022 with his associates degree in elementary education. He is currently attending Ball State University to get his bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a concentration in technology.
During quarantine, he taught himself some of the basics and now is pushing himself to continue learning more about different languages.
His favorite type of program to use for teaching coding is Minecraft Education Edition. He enjoys letting the student be as creative as they wish due to how limitless Minecraft can be.
Through partnership with the Innovation Connector, the Coding Connector combines a state-of-the-art facility with fiber based internet access, computer resources, an active marketing and business center, and the absolute best coding instructors and facilities in our community.
Looking for More Info?
Contact us if you have questions or feedback. We’d love to hear from you!