I’m big into collaboration. Together we can learn from each other how to solve common and unique challenges. I’m happy to share work samples my experiences to help you!
Rethink Process
Waterfall to Agile
When I started in the field, I learned instructional design using a waterfall model. After I got certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt, I started looking at work processes differently. Like other fields, our old-school methods are being replaced by more agile approaches. Innovations from technology require us to examine practices and revamp our professional value proposition.
One employer I worked with realized they needed to transform their development model. The current process using waterfall methodologies was taking too long and cost too much for the organization to refresh their catalog. To do this, we created a new agile approach. All my previous experiences that resulted in professional successes had to be challenged. To be blunt, it was extremely humbling! The results were worth it!
Reduced time-to-market from 1 year ——-> under 3 weeks
Reduced production cost from $250k —-—> $18k.
As a Learning Consultant I strive to help other professionals make this shift in their work and to reframe their value proposition. This is the feedback from one subject matter expert. In this example, hear from one professor who, with the help of a Learning Designer, made the shift from traditional classroom instructor “Sage on the Stage” to hybrid learning “Guide on the Side.”
CLICK > to view video.
Testimonial by Professor Lisa Niishi at Cornell University about her experience working with agile learning designer.
Classroom to Hybrid
Relying solely on classroom training models, while engaging, is costly. As a business model it also limits the number of clients and engagements you can book. But there are times when classroom does add value.
OneChange transitioned from an all-classroom model to a hybrid model. This enables better utilization of Subject Matter Experts and efficient use of Learners’ time.
This video is a narrated tour showing features of learning experience.
Rethink Products
Here are some work samples to demonstrate my experience with process and product. In some cases I led the team- designing the solution and directing the resources to accomplish the desired product. In other cases, I designed and developed final products to meet client specifications.
Micro eLearning
So many of our internal process owners were accustomed to old-school methods of training. This sample eLearning course was created using Articulate Rise. I designed this micro lesson as a way to educate clients and subject matter experts on the value of rethinking how they develop learning.
Digital Client Proposal
Clients come to us with big problems to solve that require investment in solutions. Unfortunately not all stakeholders are available for the conversations where the pitch is presented.
To remedy this, I designed a digital proposal in Articulate Rise as a way to get more of our pitch in front of clients at a time convenient for them.
A link was sent to all identified stakeholders just after the live presentation. Leaders were able to consume the content on their mobile device. The content covered both the pitch presentation and demonstrated features of the learning experience.
We standardized a template for use with other clients.
Train-the-Trainer
Sometimes our clients just need a little help to get their internal team up-to-speed on new approaches. This example was an interactive learning experience, developed and published using Kajabi. This client came to me with a specific platform they wanted to use. I designed and developed this program then trained the client to maintain and administer with it.
Kajabi is a great tool that allows creation and hosting both website and e-learning content. It has eCommerce capability with marketing pipelines to promote and manage the sales workflow.
This course is currently not available for public viewing. Here are two video tours of the course:
Learning Experience
In this example, a Learning Experience was created using Intrepid to replace multiple regional programs.
This global manufacturing company was experiencing rapid growth with hiring of employees, contractors, and acquisitions. Each region and business unit had their own approach to onboarding new hires-some were good experiences but many were painful for both administrators and learners. Classroom training with PowerPoint decks was common. The messages conveyed to new employees was inconsistent and costly to administer.
Intrepid enabled both self paced, applied learning and interaction with other students and experts. The final program was translated into multiple languages.
As a result, completions and engagement increased. The company also saved money on delivery by avoiding costly travel to classrooms.
This program won a Brandon Hall Award for innovation.
Website
This website was made for the, owner/operator of a small business.
I designed and developed branding elements, established a social presence and setup the website using Square Space. Much of the content was able to be re-used in other learning programs and marketing.
Content Assets
Graphics
I don’t believe you need to spend a lot of money on graphics, if you are smart and respect copyrights. Canva is one of my favorite free tools for this.
I like to use open source tools like Canva that include a library of templates, photographs, icons and graphics. From there, we can tailor to specific use. This is one cool tool for creating presentation, job aids, simple animation videos, branding logo sets.
Leader / Learner Guides
Print or digital documents help learners, leaders and administrators to implement learning and demonstrate application of new skills. Having a take-away job aid can help reduce support calls, increase retention, and application to job.
Video
Video is one of the most popular forms of content in learning today. But from storyboarding to production to capturing and editing, it can be one of the more costly and time consuming aspects of digital learning, How it is captured can reduce the overall cost and time to market. It can also enable greater content re-use and support marketing efforts.
This example is from a new hire learning program, Become Corning. Working with a videographer, it was designed and shot all in the same day. We aimed for single-take videos to minimize editing required. By the next morning after minor editing it was available on the page in Canvas, ready for use.
Hear Colleagues
In this example, we capture several employees sharing their experience working for the employer with the new-hire employees.
We provided video capture process and standards for regional Learning partners. They recorded talent from their regions. We then compiled into one video to ensure there was adequate representation across the company.
Virtually Produced Video
In this example, all scripting, shooting, editing and post production was done remotely. The production team were never in the same room.
I collaborated virtually with the subject matter expert to script and storyboard a short promotional video. During shooting, I coached talent and videographer remotely using video conferencing. Other course video content was captured using ZOOM meeting recording.
Agile Video
This is an example of applying agile concepts to video production.
Typically creating video involves scripting, storyboarding, shooting, editing, adding graphics, and post production.
In this example, we created an outline, chunked videos into small bits, and shot in single-takes. Instead of scripting, we relied on the fact that faculty knows their subject and can speak off top of head. By shooting single takes, we avoided video editing. The most cumbersome part of the process was overlaying graphics.
Scripted & Acted Video
This is one sample video taken from a course on communication skills for Veterinarians and Vet Techs. The program was continuing education, delivered online.
The scenarios were scripted, actors directed, shot on location, edited, and published as content in eLearning.
Animated Video
In this example, the client was experiencing high learner support calls with a newly implemented learning management system.
We used a free animation tool online to create a self-help video. The call rate went down!
Presentations
Quality, Learning and Communications Presentations
“SumTotal + Skillsoft = Awesome Content Curation and Delivery (AKA Getting Ready for a Flash-free World that Won’t Break the Bank)”
“Compliance & Safety Council” with Rachel Menard
“Upgrading Digital Learning at Corning: Modernizing Global Onboarding” Webinar with Judy Albers.
“Champion Your Users: How Corning Improved Usability and Increased Adoption” with Kevin Hill and Rachel Menard
“Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Who Has the Best Brand?”
“Lickety Split Learning—Implementing Agile Methodologies into Learning Development”
“Building Quality into Your Technical Communications Department” with John Lukes.
“Low Cost Service Model: Achieving Results for Global Service Through Company Communications & Training Strategy”
“Business Models for Technical Communication and Localization Department”
“Digital Asset Management Strategies”
“Assessing Your Content Management Needs”
“Conflict Resolution: Getting Along In The Workplace” with Lisa Moretto.
“Localization In the Real World” with Kristie Burr and Scott Bass.
“Waste Watchers: Applying Lean Principles in Technical Communications” with Jerry Tavormina.
“Customer Delight: The Perfect Service Delivery Model” with Tim Cassidy
“Revel In Your Discomfort: Dealing With Change”
"Get Ready! Tools For Analyzing and Planning Training Design Projects" with Cindy Parker.
"Performance Technology 101", International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI).
Diversity & Inclusion Presentations
“Respect: How Educators Can Create Safe Schools for Youth” for several schools and entire Rochester City School staff; Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN)- with many co-facilitators to over 1,000 participants.
“All Hands for Our Brand: How Company Employee Resource Groups Help Meet Company Strategies” with Eduardo Correa and Nancy Laurie.
“Corporate Coming Out Continuum”, Kodak CMO, Diversity Marketing
“Can We Talk? Leadership Workshop for an LGBT Inclusive Workplace”, with other ERG leaders.
“Transitioning in The Workplace- Policy and Supporting Employees” with Donna Rose, Maggie Stumpp, and, Ginny Meredith.
“Technology: The Correlation Between Innovation And Diversity”
“Revel In Your Discomfort: Dealing With Change”
“Creating Moments of Truth: Grassroots Marketing by Employee Resource Group”
“Shop Floor Outreach: Inclusion and Safety for Diverse Employees” a series of sessions for manufacturing
Publications
“Leading With Diversity” New York Times.
“Kodak Fits Gays Into The Picture”, GLAAD Media Program, The CommercialCloset.org.
“Transexual Employees Accepted At Kodak”, Rochester Democrat & Chronicle Newspaper Article.
“Company Practice: A Focus on Education- Lambda Network for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Employees (Eastman Kodak)”, Catalyst Benchmark Report.
“Life As A Black Belt in the Services Business” AMSTAT News, American Statistical Association.
"To Err Is Human: Applying Six Sigma Concepts to Technical Communications", STC Proceedings.
“Building Quality into Your Technical Communications Dept.” STC Proceedings, with John Lukes
"Shift And Shave: Applying Cost of Quality Principles to Technical Communications" STC Proceedings.
“Localization In The Real World”, Society for Technical Communications, Proceedings with Kristie Burr.
“From Epic To Short Story: Reducing Cycle Times" STC Rochester Proceedings.
"Riding The Roller Coaster of Life: Dealing With Change- 7 Part Series" STC Newsletter
"A Stake In The Ground: A Successful Approach For Estimating And Tracking Training Design Projects", STC International
“Internships- From Expectations to Reality” BiologicalPhotographic Association (BPA), Journal
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