It would be great if we had all the time in the world to get someone up to speed when they start their job, but that’s just never how it …
Backwards Planning Model for Performance Analysis
While reading up on performance analysis, I came across an interesting approach that links performance analysis with Kirkpatrick’s Four Levels of Evaluations. (Phillips & Phillips, 2002). This approach involves planning …
Instructional Design Consultant Tips: Changing Yourself like You’d Change a Business
I am intrigued by change, a position I come by honestly as an Instructional Designer. The challenge and thrill of designing solutions that influence businesses, people, and processes for the …
Instructional Design Tips for Starting a Corporate Training Initiative Involving Software
I attended a project kickoff meeting this week with a new client. This project contains a significant element of systems training and that always makes me review my mental list …
Taking Yourself Less Seriously in the Corporate Training Industry
I’ve decided that laughter is my secret workplace weapon. I truly believe it cures most ills: One, I’ve found that in uncomfortable situations, beating someone to the punch with a …
Tips for Effective Communication Between Instructional Designers and Graphic Designers
Graphics are a powerful communication tool and a key element of successful training; so many instructional designers rely on graphic artists to add visual elements that will bring their content …
Management Training Best Practices: Lowering your Morning Blood Pressure by Prioritizing with a Time Management Matrix
The red exclamation point—it turns up in the morning email routine like a bad penny. It stares at you unblinkingly, telling you that there is something lurking behind that subject …
The Power of Usability Testing for Instructional Design Companies
I am a firm advocate in the practice of usability testing. In my graduate program I studied in depth the design model of rapid prototyping and its inherent connection to …
Storytelling and Training
We are addicted to stories because stories are compelling. Stories entertain us. Stories inform us and tell us right from wrong. Stories make us feel for people or care about …