Learning and training PHILOSOPHY

 Let's face it, eLearning and training can be boring. REALLY boring. I learned a long time ago that we tend to learn best when we are having fun or are engaged with the content. Now, we can't make ALL content fun, but we can get the learner/user engaged...by integrating storytelling, scenarios, and providing real-world case studies and applications that they can use immediately.

 I've been lucky enough to have had some solid training and experience in visual design and the science behind graphics and imagery. From my background in advertising graphic design to providing mentoring and webinars in the science of visual design, I truly and firmly believe that visual design is nearly as important as the content itself, and "hooking" the user creates engagement. 

My personal approach...Understand the problem; Sort through the emotions to get to the root cause; Explain the results to the Project Owner; Resolve using the "Three R Method" to make the training Relevant, Relatable, and Recent. FAR too much training relies on information dumps and content overload; we need to focus content on the root cause to solve the issue.

 Complacency leads to failure. That's a fact. And failing to innovate and being complacent will result in failing your employees and students. How do we fight complacency? Through innovation. Reactionary processes and thinking cost money at best and superior individuals at worst. Proactive thinking, looking not what is needed NOW, but 5 years from now keeps organizations and individuals ahead of the game...and successful. And, believing in the "livability" of all materials, always evolving, is just one part of that. 

 Accessibility isn't just a requirement for some levels of training, it helps ALL learner/users in the final deliverables. While certain entities mandate the need for accessibility-driven materials, it is well-known among experienced instructional designers that designing with accessibility in mind promotes easier learning and higher engagement in the typical learner/user as well. Elements such as sound visual design (color, font, and design), closed captions paired with audio, and multiple modalities help everyone. 

I've been blessed to have been given opportunities to lead and mentor both individuals and teams. Sitting on the Advisory Committee of the Penn State/Educause ID2ID Program, and a former mentor, I was honored to help guide new instructional designers in areas they found themselves weak in. I have led focused development teams to a global team of Directors, Program Managers, and Supervisors, tasked with compiling millions of dollars of Programs for high-level Customers and Clients.