Episode Description Join us in this week's episode as Crystal explores the seven key skills that are essential for success in the field of instructional design. Whether you're a newcomer or looking to enhance your existing skills, this episode offers valuable insights to help you excel and differentiate yourself in your career.   Key Topics Discussed Creative Skills: Discover the creative abilities that can set instructional designers apart and how these skills contribute to creating...

This week, Connie Malamed, a leading expert in visual instructional design, joins Crystal for a deep dive into the art and science of creating compelling learning materials.   In This Episode, You Will Learn: Visual Design Essentials: Connie breaks down the importance of visual instructional design and its impact on learner engagement and retention. Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Discover the biggest mistakes in eLearning design and how to steer clear of them. Why Visuals Matter: Explore why...

🔹 Episode Summary In this episode, Crystal introduces the transformative potential of data-driven instructional design. Drawing from her extensive experience, she highlights the limitations of traditional methods and showcases how integrating data can lead to more effective and impactful learning solutions.   🔹 Key Discussion Points Challenges with traditional instructional design The power of data-driven instructional design Strategies for continuous improvement based on analytics and...

Are you seeking guidance on breaking into the field of instructional design? In this week’s episode, join me on a journey to unlock the secrets of instructional design portfolios. From zero experience to a standout candidate, let's make it happen.   Essential Learning Points: Why is it important to understand the components necessary for building a portfolio that stands out? Examples and ideas can be incorporated into an instructional design portfolio How does instructional design offer a...

Are you struggling to select activities that truly cater to your students' realistic needs in e-learning courses? In this week’s episode, gain a comprehensive understanding of scenario-based learning in e-learning contexts. Learn the process of creating effective scenario-based learning activities, from analyzing learners and setting learning objectives to designing engaging scenarios and providing instructional feedback. Essential Learning Points: How can scenario-based learning improve...

Have you considered the power of personalized vision boards to establish a deeper connection to your instructional design goals? In this week’s episode, learn the importance of setting clear, specific, and measurable goals in instructional design. Explore the significance of visualization techniques in achieving success. Essential Learning Points: Establish clear, specific, and measurable goals aligned with your aspirations in instructional design. How can a vision board represent your...

Are you breaking into the instructional design industry or looking to advance, yet unsure about the essential skills needed for success? In this week’s episode, discover the key skills that pave the way to success in instructional design. Acquire the skills you need without trial and error. Essential Learning Points: What creative skills can set instructional designers apart in their field? Why is the ability to work well with various individuals crucial for instructional designers? What...

Did you know that defining and effectively communicating your career goals is the key to attracting the right connections, opportunities, and support in instructional design? In this week’s episode, uncover the secrets to success in instructional design by exploring the transformative power of surrounding yourself with accomplished professionals. Learn three essential steps to attract success in instructional design. Essential Learning Points: The importance of surrounding yourself with...

Do you find it difficult to stay on track and make measurable progress in your instructional design career? In today's episode, we’ll guide you through the process of setting and achieving 90-day goals for your freelance instructional design career and business. Discover practical goal-setting methods that’ll guide you on this journey. Essential Learning Points: What does the acronym COSTAR stand for in the context of goal-setting for freelance instructional designers? What are SMART...

As an instructional designer, you may find yourself grappling with questions such as “How can I structure my course content to ensure a seamless learning experience?” In this week’s episode, we’ll address these concerns and guide you through the process. Explore the art of storyboarding—an indispensable tool in eLearning course development.   Essential Learning Points: The importance of storyboards How storyboarding aids in the decision-making process for selecting appropriate media...

Imagine a learning environment where every click, every answer, and every insight fuels your progress—welcome to the world of formative assessments, where learning is not just a destination but a continuous evolution. In this week’s episode, we’ll understand how these assessments serve as essential compasses, guiding learners and instructors alike through the intricate terrain of education. Discover strategies for how formative assessments are shaping the future of learning by fostering...

As digital platforms continue to reshape the way we acquire knowledge, the significance of not just evaluating individual performance but also fostering collaborative skills becomes paramount. In this week’s episode, we unpack the challenges and opportunities surrounding the assessment of collaboration in e-learning courses. We’ll provide you with valuable insights and practical approaches to encourage meaningful collaboration in the virtual classroom.   Essential Learning Points: Why...

Beyond the traditional role of information dissemination, communication serves as a powerful tool for building rapport, tailoring instruction to individual needs, and creating an inclusive atmosphere that nurtures intellectual curiosity. In this week’s episode, recognize the pivotal role of communication in shaping the learning experience. We’ll discover different strategies to make communication easier and more effective.   Essential Learning Points: Understand that effective...

Learning objectives serve as the compass guiding both educators and learners through the vast landscape of knowledge acquisition. In this week’s episode, we will be focusing on the fundamental aspect that shapes the success of any learning experience. Let’s explore learning objectives and discover how these components form the backbone of effective e-learning. Essential Learning Points: What are the key components of the ARCS model, and how do they address the motivation of online...

Indeed, the challenge of building compelling portfolios often lies in figuring out what components should be included. In this week’s episode, our content provides a comprehensive guide, drawing from personal experiences and insights gained from the instructional design journey. Discover the importance of a professionally designed and organized portfolio, the key components it should include, and step-by-step instructions on building standout projects, all discussed in our instructional...

Have you ever wondered about the strategic intricacies behind designing an effective eLearning course? In this episode, let’s unravel the key steps to a successful eLearning course, focusing on the often overlooked but critical aspect of assessments. Explore how these elements contribute to a seamless and impactful eLearning experience. Essential Learning Points: Why is it crucial to consider course goals during the assessment design process? What factors should designers consider when...

Writing learning objectives for e-learning is an intricate task that’s why it is essential to empower educators and instructional designers to enhance the online learning experience. In this episode, we explore the fundamental components of learning objectives. We'll discuss the challenges instructors face in crafting effective objectives and how they impact the overall learning experience. Essential Learning Points: The major issues instructors face in defining objectives. Why is...

Have you ever wondered how crucial it is for instructional designers to understand the knowledge that learners bring to a topic, including learning characteristics, previous experiences, and attitudes? In this episode, we will gain a better understanding of the practice of learner analysis in instructional design. Too often, assumptions are made about learners, and designers may not fully understand the knowledge, characteristics, and attitudes their audience brings to the...

Effective instructional design hinges on identifying the key skills and entry behaviors associated with the core competency or task at hand, serving as the foundation for your learning objectives. In this episode, we'll explore how these elements come together to create an effective instructional design framework. So, stay tuned as we unravel the intricacies of designing instruction that truly engages and empowers learners. Essential Learning Points: The common starting points for...

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, a transformative approach to learning that challenges traditional notions of intelligence and achievement has gained prominence. Join us in this episode, where we emphasize how one's mindset can significantly affect their approach to learning. Learn why understanding the growth mindset is crucial for online teachers as it can help them connect with their students and employ effective learning techniques.   Essential Learning Points: How...

Are you curious about what makes a great eLearning course or how to transform your instructional design process into a masterpiece? In this episode, we will delve into the essential initial stages that lay the foundation for effective instruction and training. Discover the complexities of a goal analysis and gain valuable insights into different approaches that can assist you in identifying and organizing your instructional goals with precision. Essential Learning Points: How to identify...

Effective communication is crucial in eLearning to overcome challenges and improve learner outcomes. Building a personal connection with online learners and staying responsive to their questions and concerns are key strategies for success. In this week’s episode, we will explore six valuable tips that can help you foster a strong and meaningful connection with learners online.   Essential Learning Points: Common challenges learners face in eLearning, and how effective communication can...

High achievers who believe their success is due to luck or other outside factors rather than their own skills are said to have imposter syndrome, a psychological phenomenon that frequently results in persistent self-doubt and a fear of being exposed as a fraud. In this week’s episode, understand what imposter syndrome is, including its characteristics and how it manifests in individuals. Learn practical steps and strategies to cope with imposter syndrome. Essential Learning Points: Signs...