Podcasts about instructional designers

In this episode of Why Distance Learning, your hosts continue their conversation with Jered Borup — professor at George Mason University and one of the most-cited researchers in K-12 online learning — about what AI in education is actually doing to relationships, what social presence requires when "build a video lecture" can be done by a chatbot, and why teacher burnout is the real bottleneck the field doesn't want to talk about. Borup connects his earliest 2012 work on asynchronous video to his 2025 Open Praxis research on combining AI-generated text with human-created video, and argues that AI used to offload feedback erodes the very thing online learners need: the felt sense that the teacher is real and knows them.Together, the hosts and Jered explore the conflation of social media, video games, and ed tech in the parental imagination after the pandemic; how to use AI without replacing the relational core of teaching; why one-on-one asynchronous video may build social presence more reliably than synchronous Zoom classes; the DLAC Phase 2 research agenda Borup co-authored with Michael Barbour and Kristen DeBruler; the mental-health gap between teachers and other professionals with comparable education; and Borup's one-line answer to the show's title question — that personalization and Universal Design for Learning are easier to do online than off.This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation. Listen to Part 1 for the foundational ACE framework, the on-site mentor model, and the parent question.Key Topics"Emergency remote learning" vs. real online learning — what parents are still confusingSocial presence — old research, new tools (asynchronous video, AI-plus-human-video)The risk of offloading teacher feedback to AIAsynchronous one-on-one video as a relationship lever (vs. one-to-many Zoom)DLAC Research Agenda Phase 2 — what's keeping researchers up at nightTeacher mental health and the AI strain on top of pandemic strainAuthentic assessment and "we're too in love with the five-paragraph essay"Empathy as the core design move"Why distance learning?" — empowerment, personalization, UDLLinks & ResourcesJered Borup's site: https://sites.google.com/site/jeredborup/ACE Framework on EdTech Books: https://edtechbooks.org/encyclopedia/academic_communities_of_engagement_ace_frameworkA Framework for Establishing Social Presence Through the Combination of AI-generated Text with Human-created Video (Open Praxis, 2025): https://openpraxis.org/articles/10.55982/openpraxis.17.1.769Harnessing the Power of Generative AI to Support ALL Learners (Borup, Evmenova & Shin, 2024): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380570253_Harnessing_the_Power_of_Generative_AI_to_Support_ALL_LearnersDLAC Research Agenda Phase Two (Borup, Barbour & DeBruler, Sept 2025): https://www.deelac.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/DLAC-Research-Agenda-Phase-2-Final-1052025.pdfBreaking Through the Screen: Practical Tips for Engaging Learners in the Online and Blended Classroom (Borup & Joan Kang Shin, National Geographic Learning): https://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Through-Screen-Practical-classroom/dp/0357541855K-12 Blended Teaching open-source book series: https://edtechbooks.org/k12blended_seriesJered's Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=PGs7TacAAAAJ&hl=enPart 1 of this conversation: [LINK — add when published]Guest Bio: Jered BorupJered Borup is a professor in the Division of Learning Technologies at George Mason University and co-coordinator of the Learning Technologies in Schools graduate program. His research, grounded in six years of junior-high history teaching, focuses on K-12 online and blended learning: the support communities that surround a learner, the parental role in online education, and how generative AI can extend personalized support to historically underserved students. He earned his Ph.D. in Instructional Psychology and Technology from Brigham Young University and has been recognized as one of the top 2% most-cited researchers in his field.About the HostsSeth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and host of Why Distance Learning. Through Banyan, he designs live virtual programs that connect K-12 classrooms to global peers and expert facilitators — building the kind of structured, human-centered distance learning the podcast explores. See https://banyangloballearning.com/Allyson Mitchell works with CILC, the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration, to help educators implement high-quality live virtual learning experiences across grade levels. Discover more at CILC.org.

In this episode of Why Distance Learning, your hosts talk with Jered Borup — professor at George Mason University, co-creator of the Academic Communities of Engagement framework, and one of the most-cited researchers in K-12 online learning — about why student engagement isn't a property of the student or a skill the teacher unlocks, and why most online programs are leaving the work undone. Borup's framework distinguishes the course community (teachers, designers, mentors) from the personal community (parents, family, on-site adults) and argues engagement is what those two produce together. The assumption on the table: that "more parental involvement" is what fixes online learning — when in fact, untrained involvement, his research shows, can hurt about as often as it helps.Together, the hosts and Jered explore the ACE framework's two communities, the on-site mentor model from Mountain Heights Academy and Michigan's mentor mandate, what it actually takes to teach a student how to learn online, the equity gap in who gets meaningful support, and where parents fit (and don't). Along the way: the Michigan administrator who tapped someone on the shoulder and said "you're now Sally's mentor," the parent with only a high-school diploma who turned out to be one of the 12 most successful mentors in the study, and the parent who confessed to Jered that she does her kid's online discussion-board posts because they're "busy work."This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation.Key TopicsThe Academic Communities of Engagement (ACE) frameworkCourse community vs. personal communityOn-site mentors as the missing link in K-12 online learningMichigan's mentor mandate — and why fidelity varies by schoolWhy "improved" parental engagement matters more than "more"Designing parent support: a trickle of just-in-time tips, not a classThe equity gap in self-regulation and "how to learn online"Links & ResourcesJered Borup's site: https://sites.google.com/site/jeredborup/ACE Framework on EdTech Books: https://edtechbooks.org/encyclopedia/academic_communities_of_engagement_ace_frameworkAcademic Communities of Engagement (Borup, Graham et al., ETR&D, 2020): https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11423-020-09744-xBehind the Screen: Exploring Parental Roles in K-12 Online Education (Sandberg & Borup, Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 2025): https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15391523.2024.2447729Parental Support Challenges for K-12 Student Online Engagement (Sandberg, Borup et al., Distance Education, 2024): https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01587919.2024.2397481Michigan Virtual — Why Mentors Matter: A Conversation with Jered Borup: https://michiganvirtual.org/blog/why-mentors-matter-a-conversation-with-jered-borup/K–12 Blended Teaching (open-source book series): https://edtechbooks.org/k12blended_seriesBobbi Sandberg episode (Why Distance Learning): [LINK — add when published]Guest Bio: Jered BorupJered Borup is a professor in the Division of Learning Technologies at George Mason University and co-coordinator of the Learning Technologies in Schools graduate program. His research, grounded in six years of junior-high history teaching, focuses on K-12 online and blended learning: the support communities that surround a learner, the parental role in online education, and how generative AI can extend personalized support to historically underserved students. He earned his Ph.D. in Instructional Psychology and Technology from Brigham Young University and has been recognized as one of the top 2% most-cited researchers in his field.About the HostsSeth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and host of Why Distance Learning. Through Banyan, he designs live virtual programs that connect K-12 classrooms to global peers and expert facilitators — building the kind of structured, human-centered distance learning the podcast explores. See https://banyangloballearning.com/Allyson Mitchell works with CILC, the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration, to help educators implement high-quality live virtual learning experiences across grade levels. Discover more at CILC.org.

When content generation becomes fast and frictionless, do learning specialists need to be involved at all?In this episode, Matt sits down with Tim Slade, Speaker, Author and Founder of The eLearning Designer's Academy who discusses the human vs. the automated in instructional design today.Tim acknowledges that as content generation has become easier and faster, audiences are developing digital media fatigue and how as creators we can aim to overcome this.Tim emphasizes that 'the human' exists in ensuring that what we are ‘churning out' is the right thing to solve the problem - should we make this? Why? What changes if we do? He argues that one part of the work still can't be automated, sound judgment.The conversation also gets into how most people tend to use AI for practical reasons, and how the online discourse leads audiences to believe they are somehow ‘behind the curve' in their AI skills. Tim dubs AI a ‘replication tool' and discusses the issues that arise from getting carried away with the capabilities available to us.The Instructional Design Handbook by Tim Slade is available for pre-order through May 29th. Pre-orders include a hardcover signed edition with a dust jacket. 10% off when you use TECHSMITH as the coupon code.Learning points from the episode include:00:00 – 01:03 Intro01:03 – 03:13 Latest book release: The Instructional Design Handbook by Tim Slade03:13 – 05:55 Becoming an intentional Instructional Designer05:55 – 07:56 What Instructional Designers need to know for success07:56 – 10:55 Improving the human piece10:55 – 13:20 Connecting theory to practical application13:20 – 14:30 What can ID professionals take away from the book14:30 – 18:25 Why AI doesn't fit into everything we do and content fatigue18:45 – 20:57 AI as a replication tool and the problems in getting carried away20:57 – 24:22 Practical uses of AI24:22 – 25:48 AI skills are having a clear vision that you can explain25:48 – 27:51 Book release details and where to find Tim27:51 – 29:15 Tim's final take29:15 – 30:21 OutroImportant links and mentions:Connect with Tim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sladetim/Join The eLearning Designer's Academy: https://community.elearningacademy.io/welcomeCheck out Tim's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2CE3YBPX53oeKVsiTbhX2w?sub_confirmation=1

Today's episode features guest host Michael Upshall (guest editor, Charleston Briefings) who talks with Stacey Greenwell, Librarian, Author and Instructional Designer.  Stacey has authored and co-authored several books on library practice, including Management Information for Professionals and Academic Librarianship, and she currently edits the open-access journal Practical Academic Librarianship. She coordinates educational services at the University of Kentucky libraries where she brings together all the instruction librarians at the University and those within their library system who have an interest in instruction to talk and learn from each other, develop courses together and discuss AI literacy tools.    In this conversation, Stacey talks with Michael about her early love of libraries. Her first job was working in a public library during high school where she filed catalog cards and got early exposure to IT being part of an automation project. She also talks about why, after she had earned her MLIS, she made the decision to move away from public libraries to an academic library at the University of Kentucky, where she began teaching as a liaison librarian almost 25 years ago, teaching her colleagues how to use office productivity tools and various website building tools, and creating online tutorials. Stacey decided to go back to school and earned a PhD in instructional systems design. She provides hands-on learning tools, materials and guidance for students and faculty, helping them critically evaluate information to gain the skills they need to be successful.   The video of this interview can be found here: https://youtu.be/nU02W1jm3O4 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mupshall/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceygreenwell/ Keyword #LibraryScience #LibraryLeadership #LibraryInnovation #PracticalLibrarianship #Library Resources #InformationLiteracy #LibraryInstruction #LibraryCollaboration #CriticalThinking #InformationProfessionals #AcademicLibraries #LearningResources #EdTechTools #career #scholcomm #ScholarlyCommunication #libraries #librarianship #LibraryNeeds #LibraryLove #ScholarlyPublishing #AcademicPublishing #publishing #LibrariesAndPublishers #podcasts

Most teams are sitting on a stack of Zoom recordings (webinars, customer trainings, all-hands sessions) that nobody ever turns into anything.Doing anything with them seems too... messy, and a lot of people don't realize that there's an asset there in the first place.In this episode, Matt sits down with Carson Vestergaard, Instructional Designer at TechSmith, who breaks down why the easiest training video you'll ever ship is often one that already exists in your meeting recordings folder, and how Camtasia's new Zoom integration is making that possible.Carson's team on TechSmith's customer education side runs this workflow every week. They pull a Zoom recording into Camtasia, and the integration automatically splits the speaker from the screen.From there, Audiate's text-based editing changes how the cleanup feels. What used to be an afternoon of manual work becomes a read-through.Beyond the Zoom integration, the conversation gets into Sync Audio (Camtasia's new feature that auto-aligns multi-mic recordings without the manual clap-and-spike trick), AI noise removal that handles the leaf blower outside the window without breaking voice clarity, and the screenshot-overlay trick Carson leans on to keep tutorials current long after the original UI has moved on.Carson also shares a few insider tricks for keeping the viewer's eye where you want it, from cursor zooms to on-screen highlights.Learning points from the episode include:00:00 – 00:57 Intro00:57 – 02:34 Carson's career path:02:34 – 03:54 The most underrated editing skill03:54 – 06:47 Inside Camtasia's new Zoom integration06:47 – 10:12 Cleaning up a webinar with Audiate's text-based editing10:12 – 14:18 Layouts, the cursor caveat, and why this is Zoom-only14:18 – 17:38 Sync Audio and AI noise removal in loud rooms17:38 – 20:43 Multi-take editing and why videos are easier to update than you think20:43 – 22:30 Carson's favorite tools22:30 – 23:02 OutroImportant links and mentions:Connect with TechSmith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/techsmith/Learn more about Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/Explore Snagit: https://www.techsmith.com/snagit/Learn more about Audiate: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/audiate/

In this episode of Why Distance Learning, your hosts talk with Dr. Helaine Marshall — retired professor of education at Long Island University Hudson and creator of SOFLA, the Synchronous Online Flipped Learning Approach — about the pedagogy most online courses never get around to designing, and what it costs when they don't. Drawing on five years of development work, Community of Inquiry theory, and her own linguistics teaching, Helaine walks through an eight-step cycle that treats synchronous virtual instruction as its own medium rather than a degraded version of in-person teaching. The reframe at the center of the conversation: online learning isn't a tool problem, it's a design problem — and empowerment isn't something teachers do to students, it's what happens when the conditions are built for it.Together, the hosts and Helaine explore why most virtual classrooms default to lecture-over-Zoom, the eight-step SOFLA cycle that weaves asynchronous pre-work with structured synchronous sessions, the two steps that actually determine whether it succeeds (the SHAC share-out protocol and "preview and discovery"), the control issues that make teachers resist the model, and how SOFLA adapts across content areas — from linguistics to Boyle's Law — and age groups. They also work through Helaine's four E's framework — equity, enrichment, engagement, empowerment — and a single linguistic observation that reframes how to think about agency in virtual classrooms: empowerment is not a transitive verb.Key TopicsThe eight-step SOFLA cycle: pre-work, sign-in, whole group application, breakouts, share-out, preview and discovery, assignment instructions, reflectionWhy pedagogy outlasts tech tools — and why most online teaching skips pedagogy entirelyThe SHAC protocol for accountable, substantive peer feedback"Preview and discovery" as the motivational hinge between lessonsThe four E's: equity, enrichment, engagement, empowermentP-P-R-R (patience, persistence, reflection, renewal) for teachers new to the modelAdapting SOFLA across content areas, age groups, and even in-person classrooms4. Links & ResourcesSOFLA® (book, forthcoming May 2026) — Helaine W. Marshall and Ilka Kostka, University of Michigan Press, Brief Instructional Guide Series: https://press.umich.edu/Books/S/SOFLA-RHelaine's SOFLA hub — overview, training team, and resources: https://malpeducation.com/sofla/Helaine's bio and full publication list — https://malpeducation.com/our-experts/helaine-w-marshall/"Fostering Teaching Presence through the Synchronous Online Flipped Learning Approach" — Marshall & Kostka, TESL-EJ, Vol. 24 (open access): https://tesl-ej.org/wordpress/issues/volume24/ej94/ej94int/Breaking New Ground for SLIFE: The Mutually Adaptive Learning Paradigm, 2nd ed. (2023) — Helaine's other signature framework (MALP), University of Michigan PressMeeting the Needs of SLIFE: A Guide for Educators, 2nd ed. — Marshall, DeCapua, and Tang, University of Michigan PressPerusall — the social annotation platform Helaine uses for pre-work: https://www.perusall.com/Flipped Learning Network — founded by Jon Bergmann and Aaron Sams, referenced as the origin of flipped learning: https://flippedlearning.org/Community of Inquiry framework — Garrison, Anderson & Archer, the theoretical grounding for teaching presence: https://coi.athabascau.ca/CILC — Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration: https://cilc.orgBanyan Global Learning — https://banyangloballearning.com/global-learning-live/Guest Bio: Dr. Helaine W. MarshallDr. Helaine W. Marshall is the creator of two instructional frameworks — SOFLA (Synchronous Online Flipped Learning Approach) and MALP (Mutually Adaptive Learning Paradigm) — and currently serves as president of MALP, LLC, where she trains educators on both models. Her work centers on culturally responsive-sustaining education and online flipped learning, particularly for teachers working with language learners and students whose prior schooling has been disrupted. She is retired Professor of Education and Director of Language Education Programs at Long Island University – Hudson, has published three books with University of Michigan Press, and received the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award from New York State TESOL.About the Hosts: Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and host of Why Distance Learning. Through Banyan, he designs live virtual programs that connect K-12 classrooms to global peers and expert facilitators — building the kind of structured, human-centered distance learning the podcast explores. See https://banyangloballearning.com/Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell work with CILC, the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration, to help educators implement high-quality live virtual learning experiences across grade levels. Discover more at CILC.org.

AI can generate outlines, quizzes, and scripts in minutes, but that doesn't mean your learners will do the right thing on Monday. We zoom out to see what AI is really changing in instructional design and what remains stubbornly, beautifully human: context, empathy, trust, and accountability for results.I walk through the pressure many of us are feeling as stakeholders start to assume “content equals training” and “AI equals instant course.” Then we get honest about the risks of moving fast without guardrails, including confident-sounding content that's wrong, generic training that misses the real barrier, accessibility and inclusion problems, and the credibility hit that happens when learners sense copy-paste learning. You'll leave with a simple rule you can use immediately: if it's high stakes, it's human reviewed, always, especially for compliance, safety, medical, legal, and sensitive HR topics.The best part is the opportunity. As AI makes content production cheaper, learning strategy becomes more valuable, and your role can upgrade from builder to learning architect, from deliverables to outcomes, and from content creator to quality and ethics gatekeeper. I share my three-layer ID stack, Intent, Experience, and Assets, so you can answer “Can AI just make the course?” with clarity: AI can help with assets, but intent and experience are where real learning transfer is designed. Subscribe for the rest of the AI Ready Designer series, share this with an instructional designer friend, and leave a review to help more learning designers find the show.

Kat Crawford, an Instructional Designer and Justice and Accessibility Advocate, specializes in designing innovative digital solutions, facilitating professional learning, and supporting the transformation of school systems to enhance student engagement. The post Learning Experiences Worth Savoring with Kat Crawford (EP184) first appeared on Grow Your WHY.

Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS Kat Crawford, an Instructional Designer and Justice and Accessibility Advocate, specializes in designing innovative digital solutions, facilitating professional learning, and supporting the transformation of school systems to enhance student engagement. Kat never really left the stage—she traded the bright lights of theatre class for designing learning experiences that students actually want to eat up as the Lunch Lady. She spent over a decade disrupting the technology divide inside secure schools, fueled by her core belief: every student deserves a seat at the table—and a learning experience worth savoring. Your WHY My work spans various roles, including directing and designing national curriculum initiatives, teaching graduate courses, and leading digital adoption for alternative and secure schools, all driven by my passion for student success and inclusion. All of my work is driven by my core belief that all students deserve a high-quality education. I run on stories. On second chances. On the sacred mess of being human. Background as an Educational Technology Leader As an educational technology leader with over 20 years of experience, I specialize in designing innovative digital solutions, facilitating professional learning, and supporting the transformation of school systems to enhance student engagement. With expertise in curriculum design, technology integration, and instructional coaching, I have worked with school districts in 47 states to promote educational equity and impactful learning experiences. Executive Director of Digital Innovation From 2020 to 2024, I was the Executive Director of Digital Innovation at the Schlechty Center. My responsibilities included: Managing school district clients nationwide from the classroom to the boardroom in designing work centered around engagement. Customizing district proposals to design innovative work in person and virtually through on-site workshops, meetings, and trainings. Driving adoption and implementation of technology in professional learning sessions using educational technology tools aimed at equity, accessibility, and collaboration for all students. Leveraging client relations from year to year to maintain proposal renewals and growth opportunities with new and existing districts. Working closely with cross-functional teams to support our work nationally. The Lunch Lady My alter ego, The Lunch Lady, is an apron-wearing, tray-slinging voice inside every educator, reminding us that meaningful learning isn't prepackaged—it's handcrafted, messy, and deliciously authentic. It's lunchtime, and The Lunch Lady is cooking up something new for the classroom. The way this came about is when I was asked to dress up like a chef for an ISTE playground. Everyone looked like a chef, but that wasn't me. I remember Chris Farley as the lunch lady, and that was it. https://lunchladyedu.com The Secret Recipe for Student Agency is now Breakfast in Banter Today's special? A three-course meal filled with deeper learning, sprinkled with innovation, and stuffed with student agency – served piping hot! Your reservation is ready because every student deserves a seat at the table – and a learning experience worth savoring. Don't start from scratch! It's time to reveal the secret recipe for Mystery Meat: Learning experiences worth devouring. Step into the kitchen and start cooking meaningful learning – no more prepackaging or reheating. Let's transform classrooms into cafeterias of curiosity, choice, and creativity. Come hungry – you'll want seconds. Figma and how it is aligned with your WHY I am the Education Program Manager for Figma. We support K12 educators, schools, and districts in bringing collaboration and creativity to the classroom through FigJam and Figma. The current focus includes in-person training, community building, and scaling impact through virtual programming. Your Consulting Company: How Might We We empower school districts to push beyond traditional boundaries by fostering innovative solutions that address complex challenges. We specialize in designing transformative systems and initiatives for educational institutions, with a strong focus on alternative schools. Our services include individual and team coaching, customized professional development, and dynamic workshops. We don't just respond to existing needs—we inspire new possibilities, helping schools discover what could be and build toward what will be. Kat Crawford's Contact Information LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dramatickat/X: https://x.com/dramatickatLL (X): https://x.com/LunchLadyEDU Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dramatickatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramatickat/LL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lunchladyedu/Lunch Lady Headshots: The Lunch Lady Plain Background ***** I was looking forward to talking on my virtual porch with Kat Craford, the Lunch Lady. I didn't know about Kat's theatre background, but it makes sense. She is Dramatickat on social media and uses humor and her theater experience in her presentations. Her stories had me laughing. Knowing how she came up with the Lunch Lady was perfect. She watched Chris Farley and said, I can do that. I just loved our conversation and hope you did, too. Please share the podcast and this post with your friends. The post Learning Experiences Worth Savoring with Kat Crawford (EP184) appeared first on Barbara Bray.

Subscribe:Spotify|TuneIn|RSS Kat Crawford, an Instructional Designer and Justice and Accessibility Advocate, specializes in designing innovative digital solutions, facilitating professional learning, and supporting the transformation of school systems to enhance student engagement. Kat never really left the stage–she traded the bright lights of theatre class for designing learning experiences that students actually want to eat up as the Lunch Lady. She spent over a decade disrupting the technology divide inside secure schools, fueled by her core belief: every student deserves a seat at the table–and a learning experience worth savoring. Your WHY My work spans various roles, including directing and designing national curriculum initiatives, teaching graduate courses, and leading digital adoption for alternative and secure schools, all driven by my passion for student success and inclusion. All of my work is driven by my core belief that all students deserve a high-quality education. I run on stories. On second chances. On the sacred mess of being human. Background as an Educational Technology Leader As an educational technology leader with over 20 years of experience, I specialize in designing innovative digital solutions, facilitating professional learning, and supporting the transformation of school systems to enhance student engagement. With expertise in curriculum design, technology integration, and instructional coaching, I have worked with school districts in 47 states to promote educational equity and impactful learning experiences. Executive Director of Digital Innovation From 2020 to 2024, I was the Executive Director of Digital Innovation at the Schlechty Center. My responsibilities included: Managing school district clients nationwide from the classroom to the boardroom in designing work centered around engagement. Customizing district proposals to design innovative work in person and virtually through on-site workshops, meetings, and trainings. Driving adoption and implementation of technology in professional learning sessions using educational technology tools aimed at equity, accessibility, and collaboration for all students. Leveraging client relations from year to year to maintain proposal renewals and growth opportunities with new and existing districts. Working closely with cross-functional teams to support our work nationally. The Lunch Lady My alter ego, The Lunch Lady, is an apron-wearing, tray-slinging voice inside every educator, reminding us that meaningful learning isn’t prepackaged–it’s handcrafted, messy, and deliciously authentic. It’s lunchtime, and The Lunch Lady is cooking up something new for the classroom. The way this came about is when I was asked to dress up like a chef for an ISTE playground. Everyone looked like a chef, but that wasn’t me. I remember Chris Farley as the lunch lady, and that was it. https://lunchladyedu.com The Secret Recipe for Student Agency is now Breakfast in Banter Today’s special? A three-course meal filled with deeper learning, sprinkled with innovation, and stuffed with student agency – served piping hot! Your reservation is ready because every student deserves a seat at the table – and a learning experience worth savoring. Don’t start from scratch! It’s time to reveal the secret recipe for Mystery Meat: Learning experiences worth devouring. Step into the kitchen and start cooking meaningful learning – no more prepackaging or reheating. Let’s transform classrooms into cafeterias of curiosity, choice, and creativity. Come hungry – you’ll want seconds. Figma and how it is aligned with your WHY I am the Education Program Manager for Figma. We support K12 educators, schools, and districts in bringing collaboration and creativity to the classroom through FigJam and Figma. The current focus includes in-person training, community building, and scaling impact through virtual programming. Your Consulting Company: How Might We We empower school districts to push beyond traditional boundaries by fostering innovative solutions that address complex challenges. We specialize in designing transformative systems and initiatives for educational institutions, with a strong focus on alternative schools. Our services include individual and team coaching, customized professional development, and dynamic workshops. We don’t just respond to existing needs–we inspire new possibilities, helping schools discover what could be and build toward what will be. Kat Crawford’s Contact Information LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dramatickat/X: https://x.com/dramatickatLL (X): https://x.com/LunchLadyEDU Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dramatickatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramatickat/LL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lunchladyedu/Lunch Lady Headshots: The Lunch Lady Plain Background ***** I was looking forward to talking on my virtual porch with Kat Craford, the Lunch Lady. I didn’t know about Kat’s theatre background, but it makes sense. She is Dramatickat on social media and uses humor and her theater experience in her presentations. Her stories had me laughing. Knowing how she came up with the Lunch Lady was perfect. She watched Chris Farley and said, I can do that. I just loved our conversation and hope you did, too. Please share the podcast and this post with your friends. The post Learning Experiences Worth Savoring with Kat Crawford (EP184) appeared first on Barbara Bray.

Have you ever struggled to get the information you need from a subject matter expert? Or maybe you're the expert (SME), and you're not quite sure what the instructional designer actually wants from you?In this episode, host Matt Pierce explores what subject matter experts actually need from instructional designers (IDs) to do their best work. Drawing from his experience on both sides of the dynamic, Matt breaks down seven key principles for building a strong SME-ID partnership that leads to better learning outcomes.From being specific with requests and setting clear boundaries, to giving early feedback and closing the loop on how information gets used, Matt offers practical guidance for creating a smoother, more productive working relationship.Matt also explores how video can strengthen communication between SMEs and IDs, whether that's recording verbal feedback, providing quick status updates, or simply adding a personal touch that helps you stand out in a busy SME's inbox.Learning points from the episode include:00:00 - 01:26 Introduction and the SME-ID dynamic01:26 - 03:25 Respecting SME time and being specific with requests03:25 - 05:57 Setting clear guardrails and context before asking for content05:57 - 08:11 Helping SMEs remember what it's like to be a beginner08:11 - 09:57 The importance of early, actionable feedback09:57 - 12:18 Pushing back when expertise doesn't serve the learner12:18 - 14:06 Giving SMEs something to react to rather than starting from nothing14:06 - 18:22 Closing the loop and using video to strengthen communication18:22 - 21:01 Matt's final take and outroImportant links and mentions:Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/Snagit: https://www.techsmith.com/snagit/Audiate: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/audiate/

Learning design work is often accompanied by various forms of uncertainty — ambiguous performance needs, vaguely defined scope, shifting stakeholder expectations... In his book The Instructional Designer's Guide to Project Management, Dr Guieswende Rouamba describes this condition as 'the fog of instructional design'. And he believes project management is the key to navigating it. In this week's episode of The Mindtools L&D Podcast, Dr Rouamba joins Ross D and Adria Maston, Head of PMO at Mindtools Kineo, to discuss: why he wrote the book, and why project management is a critical skill for learning designers; what learning designers most often underestimate about the human side of project management; what he means when he says 'the best way to resolve conflict is to prevent it'. You can find The Instructional Designer's Guide to Project Management here. For more from Mindtools Kineo, visit mindtools.com. There, you'll also find details of our new face-to-face and virtual workshops, and our off-the-shelf courses. Like the show? You'll LOVE our newsletter! Subscribe to The L&D Dispatch at lddispatch.com Connect with our speakers If you'd like to share your thoughts on this episode, connect with us on LinkedIn: Ross Dickie Adria Maston Dr Guieswende Rouamba

Timilehin Adeniji is a Content Strategist and Instructional Designer. He helps CEOs, founders, NGOs, speakers, and transformational leaders stay visible, attract high-value clients, and build authority through a Content Ecosystem.Timilehin's work covers the full spectrum of content support: he helps leaders write and manage their content, creates digital learning materials such as eBooks and courses, he manages Amazon book publishing for those ready to expand their authority through books, and Timilehin also designs websites that give professionals a credible and impactful online presence. Timilehin takes the brilliance of busy leaders and turn it into evergreen assets and systems — from content to books to digital platforms — that work for them even when they're not online.Contact Timilehin Adeniji:Content Ecosystem services include:Content writing & management for busy professionals who want consistency without overwhelm.Amazon book publishing to help leaders turn their expertise into published authority.eBook creation and digital learning design (courses, workbooks, toolkits).Website design that builds credibility and attracts opportunities.All of these services are designed to help leaders expand their reach, attract high-value clients, and create freedom by turning their knowledge into evergreen systems and assets.www.linkedin.com/in/timilehinadenijihttps://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~014805b62cf9902c2f?mp_source=shareDr. Kimberley LinertSpeaker, Author, Broadcaster, Mentor, Trainer, Behavioral OptometristEvent Planners- I am available to speak at your event. Here is my media kit: https://brucemerrinscelebrityspeakers.com/portfolio/dr-kimberley-linert/To book Dr. Linert on your podcast, television show, conference, corporate training or as an expert guest please email her at incrediblelifepodcast@gmail.com or Contact Bruce Merrin at Bruce Merrin's Celebrity Speakers at merrinpr@gmail.com702.256.9199Host of the Podcast Series: Incredible Life Creator PodcastAvailable on...Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/incredible-life-creator-with-dr-kimberley-linert/id1472641267Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DZE3EoHfhgcmSkxY1CvKf?si=ebe71549e7474663 and on 9 other podcast platformsAuthor of Book: "Visualizing Happiness in Every Area of Your Life"Get on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cmTOMwWebsite: https://linktr.ee/DrKimberleyLinertThe Great Discovery eLearning platform: https://thegreatdiscovery.com/kimberleyl

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This episode introduces listeners to the origins and essence of the TRANSFORM initiative—an innovative, leading capacity-building program designed to strengthen social protection systems in Africa. It explores what sets TRANSFORM apart from other training programs and how it was designed as a uniquely African initiative, tailored to the continent's context and adaptable to the needs of its countries and communities.  The episode is the first of a three-part TRANSFORM Podcast Series, which will present the initiative's achievements 10 years since its inception through conversations with guests from the continent. The series explores the impact of TRANSFORM on the social protection in the region, showcasing achievements in building culture and its integration into institutions.  Hosted by Abidemi Coker, a passionate TRANSFORM Master Trainer.  Meet our guests for episode 1:  Emmy Tony Ameny, Assistant Commissioner of Programmes, Office of the Prime Minister of Uganda   Kate Blaine, Instructional Designer and Facilitator, Learn to Lead  Vincent van Halsema, Global Social Protection Advisor, WFP, and former TRANSFORM Hub Coordinator  For our testimonial segment, we welcome Aly Cisse, Social Protection and Labour Migration Specialist and a TRANSFORM Master Trainer from Senegal.     To learn more and explore how TRANSFORM can be tailored to your own context and how you can get involved with the initiative, go to https://transformsp.org and contact transform_socialprotection@ilo.org.

Has AI created a spark for community? On today's episode, we'll explore three reasons for this surge of communities in practice around AI.

Today's episode explores the potential of part-time entrepreneurship for educators. This seems to be something many of you have been thinking about, but don't know where to begin. I'll share my thoughts around this topic, the importance of starting small, identifying a niche, and building a community. I'll share some real-life success stories and offer practical advice on diversifying income streams and avoiding common mistakes. 

On today's episde, we are joined by Dr. Guieswende Rouamba. He's the author of the book the Instructional Designer's Guide to Project Management and a Learning Designer at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.  In this conversation, you'll hear about his journey into instructional design and the critical role project management plays in the field. We discuss why project management often doesn't get the attention it deserves, the challenges instructional designers face today, the power of storytelling in conveying complex ideas, and the importance of collaborating with SMEs. Guieswende shares insights on conflict resolution, preventing burnout through effective project management strategies, and the future of instructional design in an AI-driven world. Our conversation focuses on strong leadership skills and the integration of project management principles into instructional design practices. Connect with Dr. Guieswende Rouamba Read his book Read the transcript / article with this link

We know about the importance of evaluation, especially from the ADDIE process. But most evaluations end with adding in more content. What if the solutions to our learning design problems were to destroy clutter? On today's episode, let's talk about making our designs clearer and concise.  Read the transcript / article with this link

This week we're sharing one of our favorite interviews from the GovLove archive. This episode originally aired in August 2021 and is all about successful employee onboarding. Benjamin Mead-Harvey, Instructional Designer for the Arizona Department of Economic Security, came back to the podcast to discuss onboarding. He shared tips on how to improve in three areas: welcome elements, training with the team, and onboarding check-in meetings. He also talked about the outcomes of onboarding that employers should be looking for and the details that matter for employees. Host: Kirsten Wyatt

Let the girl dad life commence! Here's what I've been up to recently. 

It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, part of our Academic Integrity Series, sponsored by Pangram Labs,YOUR guest is Dr. Alejandra Dashe, Sr. Instructional Designer, Arizona State University YOUR cohost is Bradley Emi , Cofounder & CTO, Pangram LabsYOUR host is Elvin FreytesHow does Alejandra define academic integrity & what role does attribution play? How has her 25+ years of teaching experience shaped her perspective on academic honesty? Why is it important to consider the cultural context of academic integrity practices? How can instructional design create "original" assessments in the age of AI? What approach does ASU take to academic integrity policies across different courses? Topics include:Academic integrity as an honorable act of ensuring YOUR work is YOUR own The balance between collaboration & individual work in academic settings How course design can minimize opportunities for academic misconduct Using AI as a "thought partner" rather than an end solution The importance of proper citation, including when using AI tools The "vicious circle" of constantly redesigning assessments to stay ahead of cheating Viewing academic integrity violations as potential calls for help from students The future of academic integrity & shifting toward a more collaborative mindset Listen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Then ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY⁠⁠ - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want to get YOUR organization to pay for YOUR subscription? Email ⁠⁠⁠EdUp@edupexperience.comThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Elvin Freytes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Dr. Joe Sallustio⁠⁠⁠⁠● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp ExperienceWe make education YOUR business!

Can you even remember life before 2021? On today's episode, let's reminicse about the good ol' days!

In this episode of the Just Schools Podcast, Jon Eckert interviews Naomi Oliver, a former Principal of a school that served children rescued from human trafficking. Currently, Naomi applies her expertise as an Instructional Designer for The Global British School, an online Christian institution. Here, she crafts curricula that seamlessly blend British educational standards with faith-based values, ensuring a well-rounded and meaningful learning experience for students worldwide.  She reflects on the deep challenges educators face and the gritty optimism required to keep going. Through small, faithful acts of love and justice, Naomi reminds us that educators have the power to be a light in dark spaces, changing lives one student at a time. The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership. Be encouraged. Connect with us: Center for School Leadership at Baylor University Jon Eckert LinkedIn Baylor MA in School Leadership   Jonathan Eckert: All right. So Naomi, if you could just jump in with an easy question here based on our initial interaction in the United States, can you just briefly give us your thoughts on Italian sausages? Naomi: Let's just say Italian sausages will always have a special place in my story. They were my first American meal, thanks to you. And I remember thinking, if this is how America welcomes people, I'm staying for dinner. Jonathan Eckert: Nice. I love that. Love that. So no, it was great. I know you got it late- Naomi: But more than that, sorry Jon, but more than that, they marked the start of an unforgettable experience and conversation that I'll always treasure. Jonathan Eckert: Yes. Well, we got to be with Eric Ellefson, which is always a good start. And I know you got in late that night and you hadn't eaten, and it was almost lunchtime. I was like, "Well, let's go find something." And you landed on Italian sausage, which made Eric, who's a Chicagoan, and me, who lived there for 22 years, very happy. So thank you for that. But I think what people that are listening are going to be most interested in is the work that you did while you were in India and then the work that you're doing now. So could you tell us a little bit about the school you led in India? Naomi: Absolutely. As I've already told you, Jon, I had the privilege of leading a school that serves some of the most vulnerable children in our society. Many have been trafficked or are the children of sex workers. It's more than just a school. It's a place of refuge and restoration. We provide education, we provide boarding, but it's just not limited to that. We provide mentorship, internships and make sure they have the right pathway into employment. The vision has always been to break the cycle of exploitation and give these children dignity, hope, and a real future. Well, I continue to serve as one of the directors, and I'm deeply invested in its ongoing mission. I have to say, attending your course on Just Teaching, which Eric led, made a profound impact on how I approached leadership. It helped me think more intentionally about justice in education and how to structure things with both compassion and integrity. So I'm really grateful for your book and the course that I could be a part of. Jonathan Eckert: Oh, well, I appreciate that. It feels like pales in comparison to the work you're doing. I think you had shared at the conference where we met that 80% of the kids that you were serving had either been trafficked or were children of mothers who were being trafficked themselves. And what I found so profound is the way that you stuck with them from education to internships, to trying to get them placed in jobs to get them out of this really vicious, vicious cycle. And I'm curious if you could tell us about a particular student who was maybe particularly memorable in the work that you've done. Naomi: Absolutely. I'd love to share. There's one girl I'll never forget. She came to us after being rescued from a brothel. She was only a child, but her eyes carried a weight no child should ever bear. I had mentioned this before when I was having a conversation with you that she had visible marks on her body, burns from cigarettes. She was initially violent and unresponsive. She couldn't speak our language, couldn't understand us. She did not trust anyone, and who could blame her? Honestly, I wouldn't have either if I had gone through what she had. And I just want to share my background as well. I've studied child psychology and counseling, but nothing prepared me for how helpless I felt in those early days. I remember questioning myself, wondering if we were even making a difference. I felt like a failure many a times, but God was patient with me even when I wasn't patient with myself. And slowly with time, counseling, and relentless love from our team, things began to shift. A few years later, that same girl got up on the stage during chapel and prayed in front of all the students. She spoke with such quiet confidence that it brought tears to my eyes. All I could do was just thank the Lord and think this is the same girl who came to us with no hope. What happened in her life wasn't because of me. It was God. It was grace. And grace carried her. Grace carried all of us. Jonathan Eckert: I can't even imagine being in that chapel session and hearing her pray. It gives you chills when you think about what the Lord does in the lives of students and we get to walk alongside and be part of that, and that's a blessing for us. So we know this, there are 250 million school-aged children who do not have access to schools around the world. And so that's a pretty bleak number. And you've dealt with some kids with some pretty long odds where things are very, very challenging. So where do you find hope in our work as educators? Naomi: Well, it's a staggering number and it can feel overwhelming if you let it, but I've come to believe that hope is never found in the size of the problem. It is found in the impact of each small faithful act. I find hope in the ripple effect of education. When you invest in one child, you're not just changing their life, you're changing their family, their community, and potentially in the scenario I mentioned, generations to come. I've seen it happen firsthand, a child who once believed they were worthless starts to dream and they begin to work toward that dream. Their siblings watch, their parents begin to believe again. That kind of impact may start small, but it is contagious. Jonathan Eckert: And I think that's a really helpful reframe. It has to be at the individual level and that's what makes the work you're doing so powerful is you break that cycle with the school you were serving in India where you have kids who are living on campus, who you have been able to get out of a really dangerous context for themselves and get them into a place where they can grow and be challenged and understand truth and grace and love, and then move that one individual kid ahead. Now, we are not going to be able to address all 250 million kids who don't have access to schools, but you were doing that for 250 kids in India and there are a lot of other amazing educators doing that around the world, we just need to expand those people that are impacting those individual lives. Because again, it makes life for us have more meaning. I always say educators, we never have to look around for the meaning in our work. We know with the work we get to do that that impact is real. It is overwhelming to think of 250 million kids not having access to schools, but there are kids that are within our sphere of influence that we can impact. And that's what I found so compelling about the work you were doing. And then I'd love to know more about the work you're doing now as you try to expand your impact and reach. Naomi: Absolutely. I'm currently working as an instructional designer for an online school, and my focus is on blending high academic standards with values-based learning. So that's students not only gain knowledge, but grow in character and purpose. This role is deeply personal for me as many children still living in brothels are struggling to break free. For them, online education is sometimes the only way they can access learning without leaving their current environment until they're able to. In addition to this, I'm also one of the directors of Changing Destiny, an initiative dedicated to empowering girls from red light districts by ensuring they have clear, meaningful career pathways after school so they never have to return to that life. Education both online and in person is central to that transformation, Jon. And we work hard to make sure every girl has access to the tools and support she needs to build a different future. I do this work voluntarily as an honorary role without receiving a single dollar from Changing Destiny because my heart is to empower these women and children. Just recently I had a long counseling session with the very first batch of students graduating from our school. Some of them want to become writers. Others dream of becoming doctors and professors. Seeing their dreams take shape despite the darkness they've come from, reminds me why this work matters. Their lives are changing and so is their future. Jonathan Eckert: Well, that's a beautiful example and your career arc is a beautiful representation of doing work really up close with individual students in really close proximity to really challenging circumstances. And then you're saying, well, we can't reach each kid that's there and so we need this virtual option that can give them a values-based strong education that will then launch them into something more as they become more of who they're created to be. And so I love the balance that you in your own career represent of this deeply personal work that you're now trying to scale up in ways that make education accessible beyond what you were able to do, even with the amazing school you had serving 250 kids, we might get closer to that 250 million that we need to hit. Naomi: Absolutely. Jonathan Eckert: That's great. So what do you see as the greatest challenge for educators currently? Obviously you've seen some challenging circumstances, but if you think broadly for educators, what do you see as the greatest challenge? Naomi: Well, one of the greatest challenges today is navigating the tension between academic expectations and the emotional, mental, and even spiritual needs of our students. The world is changing rapidly, especially in the aftermath of COVID. We've seen a surge in anxiety, trauma and a deep sense of disconnection in children and young people. Many are coming into the classroom carrying invisible burdens, things they may not have words for, but that affect everything from their attention spans to their self-worth. Well, as educators, we are being called to do so much more than just teach. We are expected to be mentors, to be counselors, social workers, motivators, and sometimes even surrogate parents. And most of us are doing it with very limited resources and support. It can be exhausting and emotionally draining, especially when we ourselves are navigating burnout or our own personal challenges. The hardest part is that the system often still prioritizes grades and outcomes over the child's holistic well-being. But the truth is no real learning happens when a child feels unsafe, unseen, or unheard. I think the challenge is learning to balance the pressure of performance with the calling to care. And that's something no training manual can fully prepare you for. It requires deep compassion, a lot of prayer, and a supportive community around you. If we don't acknowledge this challenge, we risk losing the heart of what education is meant to be. Jonathan Eckert: Well, I love that example because teaching is one of the most human things we do and it is absolutely contingent on relationship and that sense of belonging. And so it doesn't matter whether you're dealing with... In the US, we just completed a survey of some of the most elite private schools in the US compared to public school outcomes, compared to Christian school outcomes. And that sense of belonging is so integral to the adult outcomes. We were looking at people in ages 24 to 39, and actually right before we jumped on, I was working on a paper laying this out, and what you just said is so true, whether you're working with kids whose mothers are being trafficked or who have been trafficked, that sense of belonging is so acute and that goes across the whole human condition. So given the fact that most of the people listening have not had the experiences of educating in some of the places you have, I think it's really powerful to hear the connection that we all have to that same challenge. So with that said, what do you see as the greatest opportunity for educators? If that's the greatest challenge, this need to create a sense of belonging and connection holistically, then what do you see as the greatest opportunity? Naomi: Well, Jon, I believe we are standing at a pivotal moment in education. Technology has opened doors that were once firmly shut, making learning more accessible, creative, and collaborative than ever before. Children in remote villages now have the potential to learn alongside peers from different countries. Educators can share ideas, resources, and innovations across borders. That alone is revolutionary. But beyond the tools and platforms, I think the greater opportunity lies in re-imagining what education should be. For too long, schooling has been about memorization and performance. Now we have the chance to center education on what truly matters, which is love, justice, and transformation. We can build spaces where children feel seen and valued, where their identities are affirmed and their voices are heard. And when faith becomes a part of that conversation, when students begin to understand that they are not accidents, but intentionally created, loved and called, then the transformation goes even deeper. It no longer is just about passing exams. It's also about discovering purpose. We have an opportunity to equip a generation, not just with knowledge, but with wisdom, empathy and courage and that kind of education can really change the world. Jonathan Eckert: Yeah, well said. So this is our lightning round. So these are just short sentence long answers if you can. But first one, we'll go back to food. I'm a big fan of food. What was your favorite food you had when you were in the us? Naomi: Well, I'm still dreaming about those Italian sausages. I may or may not have Googled how to ship them internationally. Jonathan Eckert: Love it. It all goes back to the Italian sausage. Very good. We need to figure out how to get you some over there. I think Eric is, Eric's our director of networks and improvement at the center. So I feel like that's something he needs to figure out his network to help us improve our enjoyment of food. How do we get Italian in sausages to the UK? Naomi: Perfect. Jonathan Eckert: Next one. What's the worst advice you've ever received? Naomi: Stay in your lane. Thankfully I didn't. Jonathan Eckert: That was well said. And thank you for not staying in your lane. I mean, yeah, educators need to step into the work they're called to and that a lot of times it's not the lane everybody thought we were going to be in when we started. So what's the best advice you've ever received? Naomi: Love them first, then teach. It never failed me. Jonathan Eckert: That's so good. That's so good. And then what makes you most hopeful for educators? Naomi: The fact that so many still show up every day with love in their hearts and a belief that every child matters. Jonathan Eckert: Yes, that is so true, and that's the blessing of the job that I have. I get to meet educators like you that have seen really hard things and remain hopeful, and they are hopeful because of what they've seen the Lord do in the lives of students. And so that moves past, we talk about this all the time, it moves past naive optimism. That belief that you have when you first start educating, like, hey, we can change the world, and this can all be amazing. And then you get hit with the reality of it and you realize it's harder than maybe you thought it was. But over time, you develop a gritty optimism because you've seen kids get out of really difficult circumstances. You've seen kids become the writers, the professors, the doctors, the parents that they want to be. And so that's the joy of being an educator, especially if you get to stay in it for decades, and that's the beauty of the work. Well, Naomi, thank you for taking time to talk to us. Thank you especially for the work you do and the work that you allow the Lord to do through you. You have been a tremendous blessing to me and to the center and to the people that you are in network with through the initial interaction you had with us. But we know the Lord's going to continue to use you in powerful ways and we want to cheer you on and help any way we can, even if that's just sending you some Italian sausages. Naomi: Thank you, Jon. It really means a lot to have had this space to share. These stories are close to my heart and I'm grateful for the opportunity to shine a little light on the hope that's growing even in hard places. Thank you so much. Jonathan Eckert: Thank you, Naomi.  

PrompterAI is the AI-powered assistant from PerfectPrompter.com, designed to streamline instructional design content creation. It provides targeted prompts that guide AI to produce polished training materials quickly — from outlines to full courses — allowing designers to focus on strategy while ensuring content consistency. PerfectPrompter.com City: Houston Address: 2900 North Braeswood Boulevard Website: https://perfectprompter.com

On today's episode, I'm joined by Dr. Chris Hakala and Dr. Leslie Cramblet Alvarez as we discuss the folks who work at teaching and learning centers. They wrote a tremendous new book called, "Understanding Educational Developers: Tales from the Center." In this book and in our conversation, we explore the diverse pathways into educational development, the role of teaching and learning centers, and the skills necessary for success in this field. They share insights on the impact of AI, the importance of student engagement, and the future of educational development amidst challenges in higher education. 

Bonnie Solivan is a proud “Nuyorican”. This word refers to someone who has been raised in New York with deep ancestry and cultural traditions from the island of Puerto Rico. As a child of missionaries, she has lived in South and Central America, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and various boroughs in NYC, and her now in her current home in CT. Growing up, her family focused on education and learning, but she struggled with a learning disability not discovered and diagnosed until her freshman year in college. She describes living through shame, embarrassment, and bullying during her grade school years. Now, she is working on her fourth Master's Degree and there seems to be no end in sight! In addition, to her career as an Instructional Designer and Educational Technology Coordinator at a community college, she is building a passion project, “Threads of Resilience”. This project is focused on honoring her beloved and proud roots as a Latina and building awareness of the Hispanic/Latino community across the world.

What is the relationship like between faculty and instructional designers? In this episode, we'll hear from Ian August, Assistant Director of Online Learning and Adjunct Professor at St. John's University. Ian shares his research findings from speaking with both IDs and faculty about the course design and revision process. 

An off-chance conversation sent me down the rabbit hole of the psychomotor domain. Why is it that this domain doesn't get as much attention as the cognitive domain? So, I did some research and sifted through the origins of this domain. How did we get here? Who created it? Were there any signs that this domain was going to be looked down upon from the start? Well... I discovered some interesting takeaways that led to a few theories. This is the story of the psychomotor domain and why we don't talk about it.

What will Instructional Designers be called in the future? In this episode, I revisit a fun question from a recent webinar that got me thinking. Our field has gone by many names over the years, from training specialists and curriculum developers to multimedia designers and learning engineers. These shifts often reflect the trends, tools, and technologies of the time, from Gagné's Nine Events to the rise of LMSs and now AI. So, what's next? While job titles may continue to evolve, our core competencies remain steady. Join me for a lighthearted and slightly speculative look at the future of instructional design job titles. It's Friday, so grab your crystal ball and let's have some fun with this episode!

In this episode, I sit down with Anna Lebedinets, a researcher and instructional designer exploring how empathic listening and culturally nuanced communication can transform language learning. Her and her colleagues recent study examines how integrating psychological and sociocultural components within the 4C/ID model can bridge performance gaps and enhance students' preparedness for real-life cross-cultural interactions. We discuss why traditional language teaching often falls short in developing meaningful communication skills and how this innovative approach can help learners become more culturally adaptive.

Sarah Mercier is the CEO of Build Capable and the editor of the newly released book, Design for All Learners: Create Accessible and Inclusive Learning Experiences. Sarah joins the podcast to share an inside look into Design for All Learners, revealing why everyone benefits from more inclusive design, and actionable steps you can take immediately to create more accessible content.    Sarah shares chapter sneak-peeks and explains how the story-driven format allows readers to understand accessibility in a new perspective. In addition, the conversation covers advocating for accessibility-focused roles and projects, how to make better design decisions, and going beyond a checklist mentality and basic standard compliance so that every learner can get the most out of your content.  Resources:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcmercier   Book: https://www.designforallbook.com/ Build Capable: https://www.buildcapable.com/  

What's it like working as an instructional designer in higher education? Let's talk about it all: the day-to-day, rewards, growth, compensation, politics, etc.

What happens when you upload 30 shorts in 30 days? Here's what I learned and what you can pickup from doing these kind of timed challenges. 

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Matt Kinservik, a literary expert and professor, and Rachel Lapp, a self-proclaimed Taylor Swift expert and instructional designer, as they share the behind-the-scenes journey of co-creating a one-of-a-kind college course focused on Taylor Swift. Together, they discuss how their distinct expertise combines to craft an innovative curriculum and how they not only marketed the course with social media, but how they let students use Gen AI. Swifties and educators alike—this one's for you!

John Ortiz is a master Energy Healer with 40 years' experience and training in Pranic Healing. John graduated with honors with a BS in Zoology. He has used and sold aloe vera gel for the past 20 years. Jonathan Atleson is an Instructional Designer, ghostwriter, and musician. He has music degrees from Oberlin, Peabody, and Eastman, as well as an IT degree from RIT. He currently plays percussion with the Cuban salsa band Guajiron.RESOURCES:Visit John and Jonathan on Substack:http://triadhealing.comContact John Ortiz:https://haleynutrition.com/stores/ieh-healing/Watch this episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFEUvsA32D8Get the books by Andrew Weil on Amazon:https://amzn.to/3Ch2AxMGet the book "Alkalize or Die" on Amazon:https://amzn.to/42orIgKTIMESTAMPS:00:00 Intro Snip00:55 Introduce John Ortiz and Jonathan Atleson02:33 How the TV commercials brainwashed us to thinking health comes in a bottle06:17 What John's father, the physician, said to him that truned him away from medicine.08:17 Who is Andrew Weil?14:40 What is energy healing and how is that related to life?18:35 What is the placebo effect?18:55 What is the nocebo effect?19:08 What is the Mocebo Effect?20:20 Why do some people think energy healing is weird?26:00 What is intuition and what does it have to do with healing?29:27 What is Mountain Money?32:00 How much Aloe or anything else should I have?33:35 Why is healing the gut so important?34:45 Who are you feeding when you eat?36:23 What is so special about Mannose?38:35 What are the benefits of fasting?39:05 Are cravings good for you or bad for you?41:30 Should people eat meat or plants?42:40 Can you get plant nutrients from eating animals only?42:55 How is it that vegans kill as much as meat eaters?46:33 Why should every meat eater kill an animal?48:10 Does sugar cane feed cancer?50:28 Is there truth to the alkaline diet?51:00 how our thoughts can affect our pH52:20 When you bless your food, what changes?53:23 What is Substack?58:50 Why is story telling a better way to teach?102:55 What is the origin of Triad Healing?104:47 What is the number one cause of bankruptcy?112:25 Where is John Ortiz's practice?

In this episode of the Become an IDOL Podcast, Matthew Campbell, a former Senior Director at McGraw Hill, shares his insights on transitioning from a social studies teacher to a successful career in educational technology.  Tune in to hear: The key skills and qualities needed to break into instructional design and EdTech. How Matthew leveraged his teaching experience and networking to land his first corporate job. Matthew's tips for aspiring EdTech professionals, including building a portfolio and developing self-belief. Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn Are you looking for a no-nonsense formula for creating engaging courses and training? Check out my new book, The Do It Messy Approach: A Step-by-Step Guide for Instructional Designers and Online Learners (IDOLs) on Amazon.

In a recent poll, I asked educators (instructional designers, professors, teachers, developers, etc.) if they had a side hustle. 578 educators voted and 56% said yes. What opportunities are out there for educators though? In this episode, I'll share with you common side hustles for educators. 

As instructional designers, we have our go to models for designing learning experiences. What do you do though when you have to pivot? On today's episode, I'll share with you a crazy project I worked on where I had to heavily modify the backward design model.  Also, Happy Thanksgiving! 

Through the Nashville Environmental Justice Initiative, Tennessee State University and Urban Green Lab are working to capture the voices of those affected first and worst. Today we hear about this first-of-its-kind oral history project. We also hear how these same communities are a source for real solutions to a more sustainable and equitable Nashville.Today's episode was produced by Tasha A.F. Lemley.Guests Stephanie Roach, Assistant Director of Special Initiatives, Urban Green Lab Dr. Reginald Archer, Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Tennessee State University Elios Freeman, Nashville native and community activist and organizer Lyndell (Lynn) B. Edmondson, Instructional Designer, John Early Museum Magnet Middle School Further inVOICES OF RESILIENCE | A Nashville Environmental Justice Initiative Story ArchiveWPLN | Tennessee officials are worried about wetlands. Here's why.WPLN | Wetlands lessen floods. Tennessee lawmakers plan to erode the regulations that protect them.

Let's dive into immersive learning today and explore some real world examples!

What can Disney World teach us about instructional design? Well, quite a bit! Here are some insights from the most magical place on earth.

In this special episode recorded at the SCN Badass Business Summit, host Doug welcomes Bernie DeSantis, CEO of Insignia Training Partners. They discuss various impactful topics, including Bernie's personal connection to Movember and mental health advocacy, his work with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and the touching story behind his iconic mustache. The conversation also covers Insignia's collaboration with Ford and the benefits of outsourcing training projects. Additionally, Bernie shares valuable insights on effective training strategies, including the importance of live, instructor-led sessions, follow-up coaching, and comprehensive management training. The episode further explores the challenges and solutions in promoting high performers to leadership roles, Bernie's vision for Insignia, and his passion for supporting learning professionals. This episode is essential for those involved in sales, training, or organizational development.Chapters00:00 Welcome Remarks02:15 The Story Behind the Mustache04:45 Impact of Insignia Training Partners07:18 Building Effective Learning Programs09:26 Effective Training Strategies for New Employees10:53 Custom Training Programs Tailored to Organizations11:30 The Importance of Continuous Follow-Up and Coaching12:35 Daily Role Play and Sales Training13:40 Training Management and Leadership14:43 Promoting the Right People: Challenges and Solutions16:59 Future Goals and Vision for Insignia18:29 Personal Reflections and Advice for Future Leaders20:20 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsYou may connect with Bernie DeSantis on:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bernie.desantisiiiInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/insigniatrainingpartners/Website - https://insigniatraining.com/  Thank you for supporting Building Great Sales Teams! If you want to learn more about our host Doug Mitchell or get free BGST resources go to www.salesprogrambuilder.comAnd don't forget to visit us on Apple Podcasts to leave a review and let us know what you think! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping us spread the word!

Don't you just love when you're working on a project, and suddenly your SME ghosts you? You have no idea why or what happened, but what you do know for sure is that your project is dead in the water until you hear from them again. So, how do you reengage? In today's blog and podcast, I'll share five tips to help you get things back on track.

Google's NotebookLM can generate a podcast about your material in a matter of minutes. What does this kind of technology mean for instructional design, online learning, and higher education? On today's episode, you'll hear a sample of what an AI generated podcast sounds like and we'll break down the pros, cons, and things to mindful of in the future. 

Let's say your beloved project has become a total dumpster fire. What do you do? How do you handle this situation? On today's show, we will talk about steps to help you and to put out that fire. 

In this episode, Laurel Schulert, the Senior Director of Learning Experience at SAP Concur, discusses her journey from being an English teacher to becoming a successful instructional designer.  Tune in to find out: Laurel's insights on why English majors make great instructional designers and the valuable skills they bring to the field. Laurel's personal story of transitioning from teaching to corporate training and development, and the challenges she faced along the way. Laurel's advice for aspiring instructional designers, including tips on building a strong portfolio and demonstrating their expertise in adult learning theory.

What can you use a GPT for? Under the right circumstances, these can be fantastic to help you and your students. On today's episode, I'll share with you three real world cases for how I'm using custom GPTs.

Morris Brown is a director, composer, graphic designer, technical trainer, instructional designer, accomplished artist, revered UCLA educator, and author of the “Hang'n with the Girl's” book series. Today, Morris Brown shares his journey from being a college football star to becoming a prolific writer and a loving "girl dad." He discusses the profound influence his father had on him, teaching him the importance of kindness and resilience in the face of adversity. Morris's calm demeanor and thoughtful approach to life are evident as he recounts his experiences and the lessons he's learned along the way. Morris talks about his unique approach to parenting, which includes writing 21 books inspired by his adventures with his daughters. He explains how the COVID-19 pandemic provided him the opportunity to finally put pen to paper and document the cherished moments he shared with his girls. His books, which started as an 800-page manuscript, were eventually divided into 11 smaller, more manageable volumes, with 10 more in the works. These stories not only serve as a gift to his daughters but also as an inspiration to other parents. The conversation also delves into Morris Brown's diverse background, including his time as a college professor, a television director, and a composer. He shares anecdotes from his life, such as his near-miss with an NFL career and his unexpected friendship with a homeless man who attacked his car. Throughout the episode, Morris emphasizes the importance of being present and engaged with his children, advocating for a balanced approach to handling life's stresses while maintaining a loving and supportive family environment. www.thedadedge.com/friday159 www.thedadedge.com/spirit www.ihangwiththegirls.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/morris-brown-234b8b11