Become an IDOL: Instructional Design and Online Learning

In this episode, Susan Teague shares her career journey in learning and development.  Tune in to find out: How Susan transitioned from her first training role to becoming an instructional designer and elearning project manager. Susan's insights into leadership development and how she helps companies think about professional development for their employees. Advice Susan gives to new instructional designers for learning about different businesses and the challenges they face.

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.

JD Dillon, Chief Learning Officer at Axonify and author of 'The Modern Learning Ecosystem,' shares his fascinating journey from operations management to learning development. He highlights the need to understand frontline workers' challenges to create effective performance support. Rather than focusing solely on traditional training, JD advocates for innovative problem-solving strategies. His insights include redesigning support for grocery store employees and emphasizing resourcefulness to align learning with actual business needs. Connect with him to explore more!

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: How Michael discovered instructional design after leaving his teaching career and enrolled in the IDOL Academy to gain the skills needed for a career change How through applying to over 100 jobs, participating in interviews, and learning from each experience, Michael was able to land a fulfilling role as a learning content designer where he gets to be creative Michael's advice to others pursuing a career change - to pursue your passions, be yourself throughout the process, and view feedback as an opportunity for improvement rather than a criticism 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.