Become an IDOL: Instructional Design and Online Learning

Become an IDOL Podcast: Creativity for Instructional Designers with Amanda Nguyen, LXD | 98

In this episode of the Become an IDOL podcast, Amanda Nguyen shares her journey and advice on creativity in instructional design. 

 

Tune in to hear:

- Amanda's experience working as a learning experience designer at Canva and how she utilized their platform for educational purposes.

- Her creative process and workflow, including how she draws inspiration from other designers and industries to spark new ideas.

- Her unconventional path to becoming an instructional designer, including how she "bootlegged" her way into her first role through perseverance and taking chances.

Become an IDOL Podcast: Teacher to Instructional Designer for Lowes with Alyssa Coiro | 97

In this episode of the Become an IDOL podcast, Alyssa Coiro shares her journey from teacher to instructional designer. 

Tune in to hear:

- Alyssa's story of how she discovered instructional design during the COVID pandemic and decided to pursue it through IDOL.

- Details about Alyssa's experience building her portfolio within 8 weeks of the IDOL program and starting to apply for jobs.

- An overview of Alyssa's career progression so far, including her roles at Lowe's and a large construction company.

Connect with Alyssa 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.

Become an IDOL Podcast: Gamification Framework with Terry Pearce | 96

Become an IDOL Podcast: AI for Learning and Development with Ross Stevenson | 95

Become an IDOL Podcast: Freelancing as an Instructional Designer with Jessica Evans | 94

In this episode, Jessica Evans shares her journey from classroom teacher to freelance instructional designer. 

Tune in to hear: 

• Jessica's career path from teacher to instructional designer and how she started her freelance business 
• Tips on networking, building relationships, and generating referrals as a freelancer  
• Advice for aspiring instructional designers on getting training, asking questions, and dreaming big 

Become an IDOL Podcast: Upskilling in Instructional Design with Chris Skees | 93

In this episode, Robin Sargent interviews Chris Skees, a Learning Product Manager at Cisco, about his career progression in the learning and development industry. He provides insights into career development and upskilling strategies, emphasizing mindset, curiosity, and stretch projects.

Tune in to hear:
1. Chris Skees discuss his career journey from content creation to learning product management and the various roles and industries he has worked in.
2. Strategies for career development and upskilling, including taking online courses, reading, conferences, and stretch projects to expand skills.
3. Advice for aspiring instructional designers on clarifying career goals, researching job descriptions, and applying instructional design skills in different professional roles.

Connect with Chris 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.

Become an IDOL Podcast: Training Management with Russell Sweep | 92

In this episode, Robin Sargent interviews Russell Sweep about his career transition from professor to instructional designer and training manager.

 Tune in to hear: 

• Russell's story of transitioning from academia to the corporate world as an instructional designer.
• How Russell prepared himself for 6 months before landing contract work and eventually a full-time role.
• Advice Russell has for others looking to make a similar career change, including building a portfolio and leveraging resources and your network.

Connect with Russell on LinkedIn

Become an IDOL Podcast: Immersive Technologies for Learning AR and VR with Destery Hildenbrand | 91

In this episode of the Become an IDOL podcast, Robin Sargent interviews Destery Hildenbrand, an XR Solution Architect who helps clients realize their immersive technology dreams through virtual reality, augmented reality, and blended learning solutions.

Tune in to find out:

1. Destery's career journey from graphic designer to XR Solution Architect and how he got involved with immersive technologies.
2. Examples of use cases for augmented reality and virtual reality in learning and why certain modalities are better suited for different scenarios. 
3. Advice for instructional designers on getting started with no-code AR tools like Zappar and how to incorporate emerging technologies into their work.

Become an IDOL: Educated Exit with Kelsie Marks | 90

In this episode of the Become an IDOL podcast, host Robin Sargent interviews Kelsie Marks, the director of resume services at Educated Exit, an organization that helps teachers transition out of the education profession.

 

Tune in to find out:

1. Kelsie's journey from being a preschool teacher to leaving the education field and founding Educated Exit.

 

2. The process Educated Exit uses to help teachers find new careers outside of education, from identifying values and skills to resume/LinkedIn profile building to networking and job searching.

 

3. Advice Kelsie gives to teachers looking to make an exit, such as having patience, trusting the process, and understanding it is a journey rather than something that happens overnight.

Become an IDOL: Leadership Development with Susan Teague | 89

In this episode, Susan Teague shares her career journey in learning and development. 

Tune in to find out:

1. How Susan transitioned from her first training role to becoming an instructional designer and elearning project manager.
2. Susan's insights into leadership development and how she helps companies think about professional development for their employees.
3. Advice Susan gives to new instructional designers for learning about different businesses and the challenges they face.