The eLearning Coach Podcast

  Every day, we engage in sense-making from a torrent of information. And we attempt to help others construct meaning in the learning experiences we design and provide. But what if we had a better understanding of how people create meaning as they interact with the world? Would that make you better at what you do? In this episode, I speak with Karl Fast, coauthor of Figure It Out: Getting from Information to Understanding. Karl helps people think well in a world jam-packed with information. He has worked on complex information problems across startups, space science, intranets, education, and the Fortune 500. He holds a PhD in information science and is a former professor of User Experience Design. As a writer, he explores how information shapes the human experience. WE DISCUSS: * What the book covers: associations, external representations, interactions and coordinating for understanding * Benefits to thinking of information as raw material * The meaning of understanding * How the science of mind is evolving: behaviorism, computational model, embodied cognition * Evidence of the deep connection between mind, body and the world * Difference between pragmatic and epistemic actions * A taxonomy of actions that help us figure it out * Coordinating it all for better understanding TRANSCRIPT: Download the [Download not found] RATE: Rate this podcast in Apple Podcasts TIME: 44 minutes RESOURCES: * Figure It Out: Getting from Information to Understanding by Stephen P. Anderson and Karl Fast * More about Karl Fast * Twitter: @karlfast * How the Mind Works by Stephen Pinker * Liquid Text * Ikea Hackers :-)

Do you hear a lot about learning experience design (LXD) but aren't sure what it is? In this episode, we discuss the evolution of instructional design to learning experience design. We talk about what it means to us, how we can explain it to others and how we can support people on their learning journey. I’m replaying an episode of the Powered by Learning podcast that I was on from d’Vinci Interactive. I thought it was timely, since I’m currently writing a series of articles on learning experience design WE DISCUSS: * Meaning of learning experience design (LXD) * Qualities of an effective learning experience * User experience techniques that can improve outcomes * Transitioning into learning experience design * Learning from the audience when you don't have access to them * Empathy maps complement personas * Helping clients understand that learning is a journey * How we need to evolve as learning professionals TRANSCRIPT: Download the [Download not found] RATE: Rate this podcast in Apple Podcasts TIME: 33 minutes RESOURCES: * d'Vinci Interactive * 10 Principles of Learning Experience Design (first article in a series on LXD) * Mastering Instructional Design Community * Less Content More Learner (Learning Guild Research Report-become a free member to download) Get the latest articles, resources and freebies once a month plus my free eBook, Writing for Instructional Design. SEND EBOOK NOW

Have you ever considered starting a learning design career in higher education? Have you wondered if academia is the best fit for your preferences and interests? In this episode, Peter Shea and I discuss the roles that instructional designers play in higher education and what it's like to work in that environment. Peter manages an excellent Facebook community called Instructional Designers in Education, which has close to 7000 members. He is also an instructional designer, teacher, editor, and writer. Peter is an advocate for immersive learning experiences and for using learning analytics to inform learning design. He has spent several years as director of professional development in higher education and is co-editor of a forthcoming book on technology for learning and assessment. Peter also created another social media group in LinkedIn for people interested in data-informed learning design. See the links at the end for access. WE DISCUSS: * The role that instructional designers play in higher education * How working in higher ed differs from L&D in the workplace * Importance of faculty relationships * Differences between working in community colleges versus universities * Salary comparison * Benefits and disadvantages of working in higher ed * Using simulations for learning * Importance of mixing it up with IDs in other fields * How learning designers in higher ed can improve the field * Effects of remote learning on higher education * Learning analytics in higher education * How to find a job in higher education * How to prepare for the learning designer role TRANSCRIPT: Download the [Download not found] RATE: Rate this podcast in Apple Podcasts TIME: 39 minutes RESOURCES MENTIONED: * Instructional Designers in Education (Facebook Group) * Data Informed Data Design (LinkedIn Group) * Chronicle Vitae (Job listings) * HigherEd Jobs (Job listings) * Michael Feldstein Resilience Network Get the latest articles, resources and freebies once a month plus my free eBook, Writing for Instructional Design. SEND EBOOK NOW

Once you understand accessible design and inclusive design, you can’t turn back. That's because changing your design habits is not only easy, it has a big impact on the lives of others and it benefits everyone. Today I’m speaking with Brian Dusablon, from Learning Ninjas. Brian works in many roles, helping clients apply existing and emerging technologies to support process and business improvement. As an advocate, he creates and teaches about inclusive, accessible user experiences and improving the lives of others. He’s the person many turn to, to get answers to their accessibility questions. In this episode, Brian provides easily actionable steps you can take to start an inclusive design practice. WE DISCUSS: * Difference between accessibility and inclusive design * Limits of accessibility guidelines * Methods for adopting an inclusive design mindset at the start of a project * Creating your own standards for inclusive design * Lenses of accessibility to analyze for eLearning: animation; audio and video; color; controls; readability * How to design inclusively for animations * How to design inclusively for typical graphics and the challenges of infographics * How to design inclusively for audio and video * Looking at the lens of time in terms of inclusive design * How to get started quickly * What to do if management is resistant to inclusive design * Biggest challenges regarding accessibility in the learning industry TRANSCRIPT: Download the [Download not found] RATE: Rate this podcast in Apple Podcasts TIME: 33 minutes RESOURCES: * Learning Ninjas Accessibility Resources * The Accessibility Primer * 12 Lenses of Accessibility * Five Golden Rules of Alt-text * Wave Extension for Chrome and Firefox: In the podcast, Brian mentions reviewing HTML code output from Rise. You can do some checking with the WAVE plugin or use the “inspect element” function in your browser to see Rise output (or other tools) after publishing. To get to Inspect, right-click on a web page in Chrome. * Diverse Photos * Black Illustration Image Packs * Hemingway Editor A few sources for free diverse photos: * Women of Color in Tech * Gender Spectrum Collection * Nappy * Iwaria

I am hoping that this will be the decade of maturation for the learning industry. Part of that maturation will involve disseminating and applying relevant research findings from the learning sciences. In this episode, I speak with Mirjam Neelen about the conclusions that learning researchers agree on, how to identify learning myths and how to incorporate evidence-informed learning strategies into your work. Mirjam is a coauthor of Evidence-Informed Learning Design: Creating training to improve performance. She is a learning advisory manager with over 10 years of industry experience. In her current role, she leads learning experience design processes across Accenture's various business entities globally. WE DISCUSS: * Difference between evidence-informed and evidence-based learning desig * Disciplines that feed into the learning sciences * Learning principles that cognitive researchers agree on * Value of reflection in learning * Differentiating between learning myths and research-based findings * Why we should beware of applying neuroscience findings to learning experience design * Effective strategies for direct instruction and feedback * Effective strategies for worked examples, which are underused in workplace training RATE: Rate this podcast in iTunes TIME: 26 minutes TRANSCRIPT: Download the [Download not found] RESOURCES: * Evidence-Informed Learning Design (book) by Mirjam Neelen and Paul A. Kirschner * 3-Star Learning Experiences: (blog) Articles written by Mirjam Neelen and Paul A. Kirschner * ELC 045: The Art and Science of Practice and Feedback with Patti Shank * Measured Approach or Magical Elixir? How to Tell Good Science from Bad by Willingham Get the latest articles, resources and freebies once a month plus my free eBook, Writing for Instructional Design. SEND EBOOK NOW

Vince Han says that part of the learning journey is a conversation. One way to have that conversation and to meet the needs of the modern workplace is with a chatbot programmed to engage people in interactive activities that support learning and behavior change. In this episode, I speak with Vince about the power of chatbots for learning and support and the ins and out of designing the conversational interface. Vince is the founder and CEO of mobile coach, a chatbot platform for interactive engagement intended to positively influence learning and behavior change. Vince is an industry thought-leader in learning technologies and often speaks about artificial intelligence and chatbot technology. QUESTIONS ANSWERED: * What is a chatbot and how does it work? * What platforms can chatbots work with? * Can many of the platforms enable chatbots to learn (or be predictive) from audience responses? * How can chatbots be used to support performance in the work flow? * What can a chatbot bring to different phases of the learning journey? * What are examples of how organizations are using chatbots as part of the learning journey? * How can you use a chatbot in a blended learning program? * Can chatbots deliver training? * Is there any research yet on how chatbots affect learning? * Why do chatbots appear to increase engagement? * How does the target audience respond to using a chatbot? * What guidelines do you suggest for those who are designing a conversational interface? * Does designing a chatbot conversation require continuous improvement? * When using a chatbot, can you always see how people responded? * What is the importance of tone in chatbot design? * What does the future hold for chatbots? What are the trends? TRANSCRIPT: Download the [Download not found] RATE: Rate this podcast in iTunes TIME: 28 minutes RESOURCES: * Chatbot Articles * Mobile Coach * Vince Han's Bio * Connect with Vince on LinkedIn and Twitter (@vincehan) Get the latest articles, resources and freebies once a month plus my free eBook, Writing for Instructional Design. SEND EBOOK NOW

How can you translate the in-person learning experience to an effective virtual classroom? This episode answers that question. Author and virtual training expert, Cindy Huggett, clarifies the misconceptions people have about the virtual classroom experience. She provides fantastic tips and techniques for facilitating an effective virtual learning event. You'll hear how to increase the interactivity and collaboration of the virtual classroom so that participants get involved. Cindy has been providing virtual learning solutions since the early 2000s, and is a recognized industry expert in teaching training professionals how to design and deliver interactive online classes. She is the author of several books, including the updated Virtual Training Basics and Virtual Training Tools and Templates. WE DISCUSS: * The difference between virtual training and webinars or webcasts * Why virtual students need their own device to participate * Three components of a successful virtual training event * How to prepare participants to be ready to learn * The biggest challenges of turning in-person training into a virtual classroom * What's changed in virtual training in the past decade * When to use participant web cams * Effective activities for a smaller number of participants * How to efficiently break people into groups in online training. * A brilliant start-up activity that breaks isolation * Managing participant use of audio * Which virtual classroom platform to choose * Examples of creative use of the virtual classroom * What’s in store for the future of virtual training. TRANSCRIPT: Download the [Download not found] RATE: Rate this podcast in iTunes TIME: 38 minutes RESOURCES: * Cindy's Virtual Training Resources (books, webcasts, recordings, checklists, etc.) * Cindy's Publications * Tips for Presenting Yourself on WebCam * Virtual Training Basics by Cindy Huggett * Virtual Training Tools and Templates by Cindy Huggett * Microsoft HoloLens Get the latest articles, resources and freebies once a month plus my free eBook, Writing for Instructional Design. SEND EBOOK NOW

Microlearning is a thing and it's coming to a workplace near you. Of all the trends and terms of the last few years, perhaps none have been as poorly defined as microlearning. Karl Kapp, PhD, professor at Bloomsburg University, and Robyn Defelice, PhD, Director of Training at Revolve Solutions, decided enough was enough. They set out to write the definitive book on microlearning, Microlearning Short and Sweet. In this episode, they clarify misunderstandings about microlearning and provide best practices for planning, designing and implementing it—whatever it is. WE DISCUSS: * Why they wrote a book about microlearning * How they define microlearning (spoiler alert: it's not about time) * Examples of successful microlearning projects * How cognitive science supports microlearning * Use cases for microlearning * When NOT to use microlearning * Best practices for designing microlearning * Elvis TRANSCRIPT: Download the [Download not found] RATE: Rate this podcast in iTunes TIME: 32 minutes RELATED RESOURCES: * Microlearning Short and Sweet by Karl Kapp and Robyn Defelice * Dishing Design Robyn Defelice's website * Karl Kapp's website * Elevate * Presentr * Primer Get the latest articles, resources and freebies once a month plus my free eBook, Writing for Instructional Design. SEND EBOOK NOW

Do you ever find yourself wishing you could come up with more creative ideas? Do you think of creativity is a gift bestowed on the lucky few? The guest for this episode, Brad Hokanson, will help you see that creativity is fluid and that it is a skill that can be developed. Brad is a professor and author, who teaches students how to develop their creative skills. He is a professor in Graphic Design at the University of Minnesota. Brad has a diverse academic record, including degrees in art, architecture and urban design, and received his PhD in Instructional Technology. He teaches in the area of creative problem solving and has published research in the fields of creativity and educational technology. His most recent book on the subject is Developing Creative Thinking Skills. He won his college's award for outstanding teaching in 2002 and 2008. WE DISCUSS: * An accepted definition of creativity * Increasing importance of creativity * Characteristics of a creative solution * Traits of the creative person * Metrics for measuring creativity * Why we come up with more creative solutions over time * Evidence that creativity can be improved * How to improve creativity * Divergent and convergent thinking * Combinatory thinking * Exercises to improve creativity * Stories of people who improved their creativity * A brainstorming technique: the idea relay * Stretching the solution space TRANSCRIPT: Download the [Download not found] RATE: Rate this podcast in iTunes TIME: 33 minutes RESOURCES: * Developing Creative Thinking Skills by Brad Hokanson * Investment Theory of Creativity, article by Sternberger * Cambridge Handbook of Creativity, book by Sternberger * [Download not found] (brainstorming technique) Want more books to improve your creativity? See The eLearning Coach Book Store. Get the latest articles, resources and freebies once a month plus my free eBook, Writing for Instructional Design. SEND EBOOK NOW

If you are a learning professional or if you think of yourself as a product designer, one of the most important aspects of your work is understanding how people learn. Yet, many of us in the field lack a basic understanding of the key theories that explain human cognitive architecture and how to best leverage it for learning. It’s up to us to learn about it, spread the word and advocate for learners. That’s why I couldn’t be more excited to present a conversation I had with John Sweller, PhD, the person who developed cognitive load theory. John Sweller is an Emeritus Professor in the school of Education at the University of South Wales Sydney. He is an educational psychologist, best known for formulating cognitive load theory, which uses our knowledge of evolutionary psychology and human cognitive architecture as a basis for instructional design. Cognitive load theory is one of the most highly cited educational psychology theories. WE DISCUSS: * Characteristics of working memory and long-term memory * Importance of tying novel information to previously learned information * What causes cognitive load * Cognitive load considerations in user interface and visual design * Examples of taxing cognitive resources in instruction: redundancy effect, split attention effect, transient information effect * Intrinsic and extrinsic cognitive load * Isolating elements as an instructional strategy * Why guided instruction is superior for novices learning difficult material TRANSCRIPT: Download the [Download not found] RATE: Rate this podcast in iTunes TIME: 37 minutes RESOURCES: You may need access to an academic library to read many of Sweller's publications. * Select publications by John Sweller * Book chapters by John Sweller Cognitive Load Articles on The eLearning Coach * 8 Principles on Cognitive Load and Collaborative Learning * Six Strategies You May Not Be Using To Reduce Cognitive Load * What is cognitive load?   Get the latest articles, resources and freebies once a month plus my free eBook, Writing for Instructional Design. SEND EBOOK NOW

Are we all a little over-confident about the graphics we use to promote learning? Today’s guest, Elizabeth Boling, has done research that demonstrates we are. We assume that people can understand our intent in the instructional graphics that we or others produce. Elizabeth has done a lot of thinking and research in this area. She is a professor of instructional systems technology in the School of Education at Indiana University. Her resume includes 10 years of design practice, five of which were at Apple. She was editor-in chief at Tech Trends and is founding editor and current editor-in-chief of International Journal of Designs for Learning,  WE DISCUSS: * How people interpret instructional illustrations versus what the designer intended * What affects decoding of a graphical element * Visual literacy * How text augments visuals * Why schools should be teaching students how to create graphics * Decoding icons and information graphics * Importance of testing graphics on users * Some criteria for when graphics are needed to enhance learning * When graphics may detract from learning TRANSCRIPT: Download the [Download not found] RATE: Rate this podcast in iTunes TIME: 30 minutes RESOURCES: * elizabethboling.com * International Journal of Designs for Learning * Studio Teaching in Higher Education * Instructional Illustrations: Intended Meanings and Learner Interpretations * List of Elizabeth's research papers * Yes, Icons Need Labels (related to the conversation) Get the latest articles, resources and freebies once a month plus my free eBook, Writing for Instructional Design. SEND EBOOK NOW

As learning experience designers, we can borrow techniques for innovation from product design and game design. That's why I was eager to chat with Amy Jo Kim, who has written an excellent book, Game Thinking: Innovate smarter & drive deep engagement with design techniques from hit games. "Game thinking is the art and science of engaging your customers on the path to mastery." In this conversation, Amy Jo presents ideas for applying  Game Thinking to Learning Experience Design. Specifically, she focuses on ways to bring long-term engagement to new products. Amy Jo started her career as a neuroscientist and eventually became a social game designer, community architect, and startup coach. She works with startups & game studios worldwide to help them accelerate innovation and create compelling experiences. WE DISCUSS: * Five steps of Game Thinking: hypothesize, empathize, design, play test, and implement * The double-diamond approach to design: problem space and solution space * Extrinsic and intrinsic motivation * What it means to play test * The Minimum Valuable Product concept * How to find super fans to get good results from testing in a short amount of time * Three pillars of game thinking: super-fans, path to mastery and learning loop * How to overcome obstacles through leadership * Emotional journey to mastery * Important qualities of early adopters * Favorite method for unlocking creativity TRANSCRIPT: Download the [Download not found] RATE: Rate this podcast in iTunes TIME: 42 minutes RESOURCES: * Amy Jo's website: amyjokim.com * Book: Game Thinking: Innovate smarter & drive deep engagement with design techniques from hit games by Amy Jo Kim  * Find out about programs: Game Thinking Master Class * Podcast: Getting2Alpha * Double-diamond approach * Four Ways to Improve Your Strategic Thinking Skills Find out where you can get 110 free assets and tools for Learning Experience Designers. GET FREEBIES LIST Get the latest articles, resources and good finds once a month plus this freebies list.

If you are a new or experienced manager or an aspiring manager, this episode is for you. If you want to develop leadership skills, you'll find some relevant conversation here too. And if you want to better understand your manager, you may benefit from this episode. In this session, I speak with Katy Tynan about the misconceptions people have about management, the best ways to manage a creative team, the relationship between leadership and management and much more. Katy is an author, speaker and internationally-recognized expert on how work is evolving and how the employer/employee relationship is changing. She works as a talent strategy and organizational development consultant with a focus on helping individuals, businesses and educational institutions adapt to the evolving landscape of work. Her book, How Did I Not See This Coming, is written as fiction. Readers follow a new manager, Julie, who is less than competent. Along the way, you learn the lessons of how to become a more effective manager. You can find find her book at ATD Press and Amazon. WE DISCUSS: * The situation new managers find themselves in * Good intentions are not quite enough * The core skill of an effective manager * Reflections on leadership and its role in management * Common misconceptions of new managers * Six practices that demotivate creative work * Mistakes new and experienced managers make * How to write a team vision * How to facilitate a growth mindset * How to discover what motivates team members * Ways to develop leadership skills RATE: Rate this podcast in iTunes TIME: 37 minutes TRANSCRIPT: [Download not found] LINKS TO RESOURCES DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE: * Katy's Website: www.katytynan.com * How Did I Not See This Coming by Katy Tynan available at Amazon and ATD Press * Start with Why by Simon Sinek * Theresa Amabile (creativity at work research) * Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink * Stephen Covey books * Servant Leadership in Action by Ken Blanchard * Lynda.com * SkillSoft * Harvard ManageMentor Get the latest articles, resources and freebies once a month plus my free eBook,

Life happens. You never know when you might need to show an eLearning portfolio. If you don't have one yet, this episode will demonstrate how valuable a portfolio can be. If you've been resisting, listen to get inspired with ideas. And if you already have one, Mike Taylor's insights will prepare you to refine your current version. Mike Taylor works, speaks, facilitates and writes at the intersection of learning, design, technology and social media. He works at Mindset Digital, where he develops videos and online courses to educate learners on social media and online best practices. Mike is big on sharing and he’s the first person I thought of when I was creating the ideas for this episode. He has made presentations about eLearning portfolios and has a great curated site on the topic too. See Resources below for links. WE DISCUSS: * Why everyone should have an eLearning portfolio * Wide variety of types of portfolios * The competitive advantages of the work portfolio * The case study portfolio * What to do if your work is proprietary * How extensive a portfolio should be * The technical side of portfolios: platforms for the front page and hosting options * The Desperation Option (if you need something in an hour or two) * Technical obstacles you can easily overcome * Creating a good user experience for viewers * Organizing, categorizing and tagging for meaning * Overcoming obstacles RATE: Rate this podcast in iTunes TIME: 30 minutes TRANSCRIPT : Download the [Download not found] in PDF format or see the full text below. LINKS TO RESOURCES: * Mike Taylor's Website * Mike's Curated eLearning Portfolio Site * Sign up for Mike's newsletter Portfolio Front Page Platforms 1. Easiest * LinkedIn * About Me * Mural 2. Portfolio Platforms * Behance * Krop * Carbon-made * Dribble 3. Website Builders * Wix * Square Space * Wordpress.com (hosted on their site) or Wordpress.org (find your own host) Hosting Your Files * Articulate Tempshare and Articulate 360 Review (these are for Articulate products and only a temporary option) *

Are you inadvertently believing learning myths? Are your best practices based on hearsay? In this episode, I speak with Clark Quinn, Ph.D., about many of the myths, superstitions and misconceptions he explains in his book Millennials, Goldfish and Other Training Misconceptions. Clark is a prolific author and a recognized leader in learning technology strategy. He helps organizations take advantage of information systems to meet learning, knowledge, and performance needs. He's been involved in the design, development, and evaluation of a wide variety of educational technology for over 30 years. WE DISCUSS: * Prevalence of learning myths and misconceptions * Problems in our industry caused by learning misinformation * Do generations think differently? * Do humans have a shorter attention span than goldfish? * Are data from fMRIs reliable? * Is there such a thing as learning styles? * Has the human brain evolved from continuous use of technology? * Are mistakes useful for learning? * Is knowledge required as a prerequisite for learning a skill? * Do click to reveal interactions engage learners? * Should learning be easy or difficult? * Is the 70-20-10 framework effective? * Is there a good way to identify the credibility of a claim? RATE: Rate this podcast in iTunes TIME: 38 minutes TRANSCRIPT: Download [Download not found] RESOURCES AND LINKS: * Millenials, Goldfish and Other Training Misconceptions on Amazon and ATD Books * Learnlet's (Clark's blog) * Clark's Amazon Page (lots 'o books!) * Four Component Instructional Design Model by van Merriënboer * BadAss: Making Users Awesome by Kathy Sierra (see my short review) * Vgotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (an explanation of Vgotsky's theories) * Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's Ted Talk: Flow, the secret to happiness * 70-20-10 Institute Get the latest articles, resources and freebies once a month plus my free eBook, Writing for Instructional Design. SEND EBOOK NOW