Become an IDOL: Instructional Design and Online Learning

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.

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.

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

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.

In this episode, Robin Sargent interviews Russell Sweep about his career transition from professor to instructional designer and training manager. Tune in to hear: Connect with Russell on LinkedIn

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:

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:

In this episode, Susan Teague shares her career journey in learning and development. Tune in to find out:

In this episode of the Become an IDOL podcast, host Robin Sargent interviews Monica Garcia about her role as an instructional systems designer for the Air Force. Monica describes her career path which began in air traffic control and led her to become a branch chief overseeing curriculum development for 70,000 Air Force students across 180 career fields. She discusses some of the differences between developing training for the military versus corporate settings and provides advice for those looking to enter the field of instructional design.

In this episode of the Become an IDOL podcast, host Dr. Robin Sargent interviews JD Dillon, the Chief Learning Officer at Axonify and author of the book The Modern Learning Ecosystem. JD discusses his background transitioning from operations management into learning and development, focusing on supporting frontline workers. He shares examples of understanding workers' needs and problems to design effective performance support solutions rather than traditional training. JD emphasizes the importance of focusing on problem-solving over learning and using a variety of tactics beyond just courses. Tune in to find out: - How JD made the transition from operations management into learning and development while working for Disney - JD's example of redesigning performance support for grocery store employees by understanding their workflow and challenges - JD's advice to focus on understanding problems rather than "learning" and using a variety of tactics beyond just courses to solve problems Connect with JD 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.

This episode of the Become an IDOL podcast features Michael Shackleton, an instructional designer who transitioned into the field after 14 years of teaching. Michael shares his journey of discovering instructional design, enrolling in the IDOL Academy, and building his portfolio and skills. He discusses his application process, interviews he went through, and how he landed his first job as a learning content designer at a large company in Manchester. Michael offers advice to others looking to make a career change, emphasizing the importance of being yourself, accepting feedback, and pursuing your passions. Tune in to find out: Connect with Michael 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 this episode, I'm chatting with Randi Myers and Teresa O from OWL which is Open World Learning, a FREE online training platform being offered to all registered charities in the US and Canada! Tune in to hear about this amazing resource and the process for volunteering as an instructional designer. Learn more about OWL-Open World Learning 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. Interested in learning more about IDOL Academy-click here! It is the only trade school for Instructional Design and Online Learning in the world. Your one stop shop for all your instructional design needs. Now including a tool suite!

In this episode, I'm chatting with Meg Ramey. Meg is an IDOL Academy member, she is the owner of WorldKind and she is also a leader of one of our IDOL World projects. IDOL World is a volunteer section of our academy to place instructional designers with nonprofit and volunteer opportunities. Tune in to hear about the importance of real world experience and the things that make a good volunteer. Connect with Meg 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. Interested in learning more about IDOL Academy-click here! It is the only trade school for Instructional Design and Online Learning in the world. Your one stop shop for all your instructional design needs. Now including a tool suite!

Unleash the power of your brain for training transformation with Matt Gjersten! Join me as I chat with the visionary founder of Better Everyday Studios, an instructional design consulting company. Get ready to be inspired as we delve into how Matt empowers learning teams to create a monumental impact. Don't miss out! Tune in now and discover the ultimate brain hacks for mastering behavior change in your training. Connect with Matt 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. Interested in learning more about IDOL Academy-click here! It is the only trade school for Instructional Design and Online Learning in the world. Your one stop shop for all your instructional design needs. Now including a tool suite!

In this episode, I am chatting with Theresa Francomacaro, the owner of Why Story Works. She helps others who want to get unstuck, sell their ideas, clarify their message and attract more clients. Tune in to hear her three golden rules for storytelling and so much more. You will feel Theresa's energy in this episode! Connect with Theresa 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. Interested in learning more about IDOL Academy-click here! It is the only trade school for Instructional Design and Online Learning in the world. Your one stop shop for all your instructional design needs. Now including a tool suite!

In this episode, I'll be chatting with Sarah Cannistra who has an L&D Career, Executive and Business coach, and the founder of The Overnight Trainer, a coaching practice that helps purpose-driven people find, land, create, grow, and LOVE the L&D career of their dreams, so that they can live a life of fulfillment, inspiration, and freedom. Sarah utilizes her past experience as a modern learning leader and hiring manager to coach and consult her clients to ultimate career success. This is one you don't want to miss! Tune in to hear more now. Connect with Sarah 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. Interested in learning more about IDOL Academy-click here! It is the only trade school for Instructional Design and Online Learning in the world. Your one stop shop for all your instructional design needs. Now including a tool suite!

In this episode, I'm chatting with John Reynolds, an Instructional Designer with at Activision Blizzard, and a lifelong nerd. He strives to blur the line between creative training content creator and quest-giver. As an insatiable learner, he hopes to continuously connect with new people and gather fresh and exciting ways to change the game and keep training fun! Tune in to hear his full story and what its like to work for a video game company! Connect with John 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. Interested in learning more about IDOL courses Academy, the only trade school for Instructional Design and Online Learning see a full list of programs.

In this episode, I'm chatting with Derek Dorsett, an Instructional Designer with LogicMonitor. Hear about his defining moment, higher education vs. corporate and the importance of a career roadmap. This was an episode to spark encouragement even in your struggles! Connect with Derek 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. Interested in learning more about IDOL courses Academy, the only trade school for Instructional Design and Online Learning see a full list of programs