
Become an IDOL: Instructional Design and Online Learning
Are you interested in Instructional Design & Online Learning (IDOL) development? Would you like to change careers and become an IDOL? Join me, Dr. Robin Sargent, owner of IDOL courses, as I chat with other experts about everything course building and landing a job as an instructional designer.
Episodes
Learning Measurement and Evaluation on a Shoestring with Dr. Alaina Szlachta | Ep 109
In this episode of the Become an IDOL Podcast, Dr. Alaina Szlachta, author of the book "Measurement and Evaluation on a Shoestring," shares her insights on simplifying measurement and evaluation strategies for learning and development professionals.
Tune in to hear:
How Dr. Szlachta's research on the challenges of measurement and evaluation led to the writing of her book.
Strategies for getting b
Become an IDOL Podcast: IDOL Success Story with Stacey Carter | Ep 108
In this episode of the Become an IDOL Podcast, Stacy Carter shares her inspiring journey of transitioning from a career in education to becoming an Instructional Design Specialist for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration organization. Tune in to hear:
How Stacy's perseverance and resilience led her to her dream job after three years of determined effort.
The valuable lessons Stacy learned about t
Become an IDOL Podcast: From Teacher to Sr. Director at McGraw Hill with Matthew Campbell | Ep 107
In this episode of the Become an IDOL Podcast, Matthew Campbell, a former Senior Director at McGraw Hill, shares his insights on transitioning from a social studies teacher to a successful career in educational technology.
Tune in to hear:
The key skills and qualities needed to break into instructional design and EdTech.
How Matthew leveraged his teaching experience and networking to land his fi
Become an IDOL: English Majors as Instructional Designers with Laurel Schulert | 106
In this episode, Laurel Schulert, the Senior Director of Learning Experience at SAP Concur, discusses her journey from being an English teacher to becoming a successful instructional designer.
Tune in to find out:
Laurel's insights on why English majors make great instructional designers and the valuable skills they bring to the field.
Laurel's personal story of transitioning from teaching to cor
Become an IDOL Podcast: Project Management for Learning and Development with Tamara McLemore | 105
In this episode of the Become an IDOL Podcast, Tamara McLemore, a project management expert, shares her insights and strategies for effective project management, particularly in the context of learning and development.
Tune in to find out:
Tamara's approach to building relationships and communicating with stakeholders, including her emphasis on understanding people's perspectives and what's i
Become an IDOL Podcast: Learning in Context - Generative AI with Kayvon Touran | 104
In this episode, Dr. Robin Sargent interviews Kayvon Touran, the CEO and co-founder of Zal.ai, about the role of generative AI in workforce learning and development.
Tune in to find out:
How Kayvon and his company are using generative AI to enhance employee training and practice through AI-powered practice partners and feedback facilitators.
The importance of using quantitative and binary rubric
Become an IDOL Podcast: Instructional Design in Cambodia - A Success Story with Utdam Song | 103
In this episode, Utdam Song, an instructional designer from Cambodia, shares his career journey from being a high school teacher to landing his first instructional design job. Utdam discusses how the IDOL courses Academy provided him with practical, hands-on learning that complemented his academic studies. This helped him succeed in the interview process and secure his current role. The episode hi
Become an IDOL Podcast: What Higher Ed Can Learn From Corporate Instructional Design with Dr. Natalie Berkman | 102
In this episode, Dr. Robin Sargent interviews Dr. Natalie Berkman about her journey to becoming an instructional designer through IDOL courses. They discuss her background in higher education, achievements, and transition into a C-level role.
Tune in to hear:
- Dr. Berkman's insights on upskilling and leveraging new tools like Articulate 360 and Genially to enhance instructional design.
- Strate
Become an IDOL Podcast: Learning Designer to CEO with Juliana Stancampiano | 101
In this episode of the Become an IDOL podcast, host Dr. Robin Sargent interviews Juliana Stancampiano, founder and CEO of Oxygen Experiences.
Tune in to hear:
- Juliana's journey from working at Microsoft to founding the US office of Oxygen and eventually acquiring ownership of the business
- How Juliana's company creates engaging learning experiences through hands-on activities and emphasizes und
Become an IDOL Podcast: Leading is Teaching with Dr. Dwayne Wood Professor | 100
In this episode of the Become an IDOL podcast, Dr. Robin Sargent interviews Dr. Dwayne Wood about leadership and teaching.
Tune in to find out:
How Dr. Wood explains how leadership and teaching are interchangeable concepts based on his military and educational background.
Examples of leadership principles and qualities that can be applied to effective teaching and instructional design.
How ex
Become an IDOL Podcast: Imposter Syndrome in L&D with Betty Dannewitz | 99
In this episode of the Become an IDOL podcast, Betty Dannewitz and Dr. Robin Sargent discuss leadership training and overcoming imposter syndrome in L&D.
Tune in to hear:
Betty’s background in learning and development and how she became a known conference speaker
Insights into imposter syndrome, including common causes and coping strategies discussed
Tips for overcoming imposter syndrome durin
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 spa
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 overvie
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 questio
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
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
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:
Destery's career journey from graphic designer to XR Solution Architect and how he got involved with immersive technologies
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:
Kelsie's journey from being a preschool teacher to leaving the education field and founding Educated Exit.
The process Educated Exit uses to help teache
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:
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 instructiona
Become an IDOL: Instructional Systems Designer 1750 in the US Government with Monica Garcia the Branch Chief of Air Force CDC | 88
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 betwe
Become an IDOL Podcast: Modern Learning Ecosystem with JD Dillon | 87
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
IDOL Success Story with Michael Shackleton | 86
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 learn
Volunteer Instructional Designers with OWL-Open World Learning | 85
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 creati
IDOL World & WorldKind Internships with Meg Ramey | 84
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.
Hack Your Brain with Matt Gjertsen | 83
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 i
Storytelling for Instructional Design with Theresa Francomacaro | 82
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 fo
Finding Your Instructional Design Niche with Sarah Cannistra | 81
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 lear
Instructional Design at Activision Blizzard with John Reynolds | 80
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
Instructional Design Resilience with Derek Dorsett | 79
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
Instructional Design Volunteer Project for the Massage Therapy Foundation with Whitney Lowe | 78
In this episode, I'll be chatting with Whitney Lowe. Whitney has been a massage educator for 34 years, and teaching online since 2006. He is a subject matter specialist with massage for pain and injury treatments, has authored two books, contributed to multiple others and written hundreds of articles. He hosts a popular podcast (The Thinking Practitioner) and is committed to producing high-quality
Artificial Intelligence for Instructional Design with Ethan Webb and Mindsmith | 77
In this episode, I will be chatting with Ethan Webb, the Co-Founder and CEO of Mindsmith, a learning platform that uses generative AI to make it easy to create and share course material and training. Ethan is a current student studying economics and business strategy. He has many family members who are educators and has developed a passion for pedagogy and learning theory. Don't miss this trending
Strategic Assessment Learning Techniques with Tamara Schroer | 76
In this episode, I will be chatting with Tamara Schroer, the Vice President of Education and Development at Working Solutions and she is not you typical corporate executive. She is a born educator and putting her formal training and innate talents to work, helping Working Solutions to develop one of the world's most powerful and effective approaches to virtual corporate education. You will love th
Accessibility for eLearning with Samuel Apata | 75
In this episode, I will be chatting with Samuel Apata, currently a Senior eLearning Developer for Starbucks. He has over 8 years of experience developing and retaining talent for organizations like T-Mobile, American Airlines and GM Financial. Listen in to here us chat about accessibility! You'll want to know the accessibility minimums to incorporate into course building, the guidelines you'll wa
Abundance in Instructional Design with Kim Tuohy | 74
In this episode, I will be chatting with Kim Tuohy, an Instructional Design and founding Director of Belvista Studios. You don't want to miss this episode of abundance in the way Kim lives her life. Through traveling Australia in a van with solar powered panels to running her own business, she gives great tips on the balance of it all. She seeks to live a life of joy everyday!
Connect with Kim o
IDOL Success Story with Marilyn Day former Career Coach: Google | 73
In this episode, I will be chatting with Marilyn Day, an IDOL courses Academy member who transitioned into an Instructional Designer and landed her first contract with IDOL Talent in 6 months time. Just a few short months later, landed her next position at Google. She worked previously as a career coach. In this role, she started to problem solve for ways so she didn't have to verbally repeat the
Government IDOL Jobs with Ron Nakamoto | 67
In this episode, I’m chatting with Ron Nakamoto, the Training Service Chief at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Academy. He is one of the most experienced people I've found in this field to talk to us about working as an Instructional Systems Specialist (ISS). He shares how to find these jobs, how to make yourself a competitive candidate, and why he thinks now is the best time to b
IDOL Success Story with Former Teacher Jennifer Berman I 72
In this episode, I will be chatting with Jennifer Berman, an IDOL course Academy member who transitioned into an Instructional Designer in just 14 weeks. She worked for 17 years in Elementary Education when becoming the primary virtual teacher inspired a love for online learning. She tells how IDOL gave her the skills, feedback and goal setting that she needed to make such a quick transition. List
IDOL Success Story with Barbara Taylor an Internal Promotion I 71
In this episode, I will be chatting with Barbara Taylor, IDOL alumni from cohort 3. She was able to transform her role within a fortune 100 company through her passion for Learning and Development with the implementation from IDOL courses Academy. She now serves as the training manager for 180 recruiters. Listen in now to hear more details on Barbara’s internal promotional journey.
Connect wit
Digital Learning that Makes Impact with David James from 360 Learning | 70
In this episode of Become an IDOL, I’ll be chatting with David James, Chief Learning Officer at 360 Learning. David has a wealth of information about our industry and he shares tips for creating digital learning that makes an impact.
Tune in to find out:
How learning and development teams can help solve critical problems that come up within their organization
How data and evidence based practice
How to Have Conversations with Clients featuring Brian Harris | 69
In this episode of Become an IDOL, I’ll be chatting with Brian Harris, Chief of Design and Development at Brilliant Educational Services, about his journey since enrolling in the eLearning Freelancer Bootcamp. Brian talks about how he leads conversations with his clients, manages pushback, and always keeps the needs of the learners first.
Connect with Brian on LinkedIn.
Are you looking for a no-n
IDOL Success Story with Ian Melchinger an IDOL Talent Member | 68
In this episode of Become an IDOL, I’ll be chatting with Ian Melchinger, a former Lead Instructional Designer at IDOL Talent. He recently accepted a position as a Program Manager with Learn Quest! Ian discusses his experience as an IDOL courses Academy member and his journey to become an IDOL.
Tune in to hear him talk about the importance of giving and receiving quality feedback, diving into the
IDOL Success Story with Former Teacher Laura Wilczek: Hanover Research | 66
In this episode I'm chatting with Laura Wilczek, a former teacher who transitioned to a new career as an eLearning Developer for Hanover Research. While teaching during the pandemic she realized she had a unique set of skills and a passion for developing courses and training.
"Investing in myself and joining the IDOL courses Academy was the best decision I ever made. " - Laura
Listen now to hea
Masters vs. Certificates for New Instructional Designers with Rebecca Hogue | 65
In this episode, I'm chatting with Rebecca Hogue a professor of Instructional Design at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. She hosts her own podcast, Demystifying Instructional Design. Her varied experience, knowledge of the field and love for students 'aha' moments makes this such a good listen.
Connect with Rebecca on Linkedin
Podcast: Demystifying Instructional Design
IDOL courses
Experience Products with Co-Founder of Xperiencify Murray Gray | 64
In this episode, I'm chatting with Murray Gray, who is a Co-Founder of a new platform called Xperiencify. It is a learning management system where you can sell digital course products with gamification to motivate learners for completion. He shares his joy of creating software solutions to help business owners get more out of their businesses and help more people. If you want to leverage your time
IDOL Success Story with Kim Limon | 63
In this episode, I'm chatting with Kim Limon with 10 years experience in Education and English writing. She was wanting more with flexibility. When she found IDOL courses Academy she knew it was the clear bridge to help her cross over into corporate.
Hear how much time she put in and how she went through IDOL courses Academy while working a full time job. After 2 months she built a portfolio, re
Non Profit IDOL Work with Barbara Faulkner | 62
Today I'm chatting with Barbara Faulkner, who has an adventurous spirit with a desire to help other countries in need.
Barbara has a love for teaching and training but wanted more. She shares insight on the nonprofit world and how it requires many hats. Her inspiring journey led to work with the Peace Corps Response. Hear her traveling Instructional Design/Training adventures!
Enroll in the IDO
IDOL Success Story with Former Teacher Sharon Tavares: Ikea | 61
In this episode, I'm chatting with Sharon Tavares who currently resides in Sweden and taught ESL for 10 years. Hear her journey through IDOL courses as she landed 2 positions within the first two months. As these roles slowed down, she gained the confidence to apply for her dream role at IKEA. Her interview process is something you don't want to miss. Listen now!
Enroll in the IDOL courses Acad
IDOL Success Story with Former Teacher Annmarie Black | 60
In this episode, I'm chatting with Annmarie on her IDOL Success Story who talks about her natural transition into a training role within her school with creating professional development for teachers. Through the pandemic she learned new ways of getting information to her teachers by online learning. This sparked her passion and career towards Instructional Design.
Annmarie shares her journey thr
IDOL Success Story with Brit Crew | 59
In this episode, I'm chatting with Brit Crew. She is an IDOL courses Academy member who has found success and reached her big IDOL goal.
She started the Academy in January of 2021 with a background in the multimedia field and taught multimedia in high school for 6 years. Brit dived into IDOL and learned her previous experience with teaching multimedia crossed over with ID skills.
Find out what h
Who’s your ADDIE Co-founders Stephanie Bandli and Lizzy Steenkamp | 58
In this episode, I'm chatting with Who's your ADDIE Co-founders Stephanie Bandli and Lizzy Steenkamp.
Who’s your ADDIE? is an e-learning marketplace run by practicing e-learning professionals with over 15 years of experience in e-learning design and development. They are obsessed with creating digital learning that is engaging, pedagogically (or andragogically) sound, fit for purpose, and technica
IDOL Success Story with Former Teacher Janette Wilcken | 57
In this episode, I'm chatting with Janette Wilcken about her teacher transition to instructional design. Janette shares all the details of her journey and how it was through networking and hard work in the IDOL courses Academy that she landed her new role as Learning and Development Specialist for PM Pediatrics. Janette's dedication and strategy for becoming an IDOL is an inspiration. Listen now!
Gamification of Learning with Moe Ash | 56
In this episode, I'll be chatting with Moe Ash, an IDOL Mentor, Freelance Consultant, and Owner/Founder of The Catalyst.
He holds a BSC degree in Human Resources Management and a degree in Economics from Sadat Academy for Management Sciences, a master’s degree in International Development from the American University in Cairo. An associate CIPD-HR, Certified Instructional Designer by HRCI, Certifi
IDOL Success Story with Cynthia Berry Teacher to Higher Ed IDOL | 55
I'm chatting with Cynthia Berry about her teacher transition to an instructional designer role at Missouri University in this episode. Cynthia shares an inspiring story and great advice for those wanting to become an IDOL.
Connect with Cynthia here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-berry-instructional-designer-455023216/
Learn more about the IDOL courses Academy here: www.idolcourses.com/acade
Business Concepts to Know Before You Become an IDOL with Matt Smith | 54
In this episode, I'll be chatting with Matt Smith, former CEO of Pure Learning, about all the things you should know before you become an IDOL. Matt is currently a senior director at a consulting agency with over 12 years of experience in instructional design and online learning.
www.idolcourses.com/academy
IDOL Success Story at Nike with Corry Worrell | 53
In this episode, I'll be chatting with Corry Worrell about the career transition that landed him an IDOL job at Nike!
www.idolcourses.com/academy
IDOL Success Story with Christopher Fox | 52
In this episode of Become an IDOL, I’ll be chatting with Christopher Fox, instructional designer + eLearning developer at Parr Lumber about his experience as an Idol Courses Academy member who is, of course, now an Idol success story. We will be discussing Christopher’s journey to become an IDOL.
Connect with Christopher on LinkedIn
Learn more about the IDOL courses Academy: the only implementatio
IDOL Success Story with Dina Beavers | 51
In this episode of Become an IDOL, I’ll be chatting with Dina Beavers about her journey from being a high school math teacher to a Senior Instructional Designer with Deluxe Corporation after enrolling in the IDOL Courses Academy.
We will be discussing how she found her way to instructional design, her experience as a part of the fourth cohort of students in the IDOL Courses Academy, and how that l
NFTs and eLearning with Samuel Apata | 50
In this episode, I'll be chatting with Samuel Apata about NFTs and eLearning. We get into what NFTs are, how to translate them into eLearning, and the benefits of minting your work. If you don't know what NFTs are or how they can benefit you as an IDOL, check out this episode.
Check out Samuel's website
Connect with Samuel on LinkedIn
Get connected with IDOL courses
IDOL Success Story with Maya Haritan: Apple Inc. | 49
In this episode, I'll be chatting with Maya Haritan about her journey to become an IDOL at Apple Inc.
Connect with Maya Haritan on LinkedIn
Learn more about the IDOL courses Academy: the only implementation program and pre-authorized trade school of its kind that not only shows you exactly how to create your job application assets and build a portfolio from scratch, but also includes credential
IDOL Success Story with April Black | 48
In this episode, I'll be chatting with a former teacher, April Black about her journey to become an IDOL. April offers some excellent advice and insights for those making the transition to instructional design.
Connect with April Black on LinkedIn
Find out more about the IDOL courses Academy
Educational Data Mining with Smruti Sudarshan | 47
In this episode, I'll be chatting with Smruti Sudarshan about educational data mining and how it can inform your learning designs. We get into the importance of data, how to capture it, and what to do with it once you have it. If you don't know what educational data mining is or how it can help you be a better IDOL check out this episode.
Here is the blog Smruti wrote on educational data mining.
IDOL Success Story Jessica Oberto Lands Fortune 1 Role | 46
In this episode, I'll be chatting with Jessica Oberto about her journey to land an instructional design role as the training manager at the biggest company in the world. When she joined the IDOL courses Academy, Jessica already had experience as an instructional designer. However, she wanted to enroll to shore up her foundation in the discipline and maybe land a new role. Not only did Jessica reac
Explainer Video Skills for Instructional Designers with Rued Riis | 45
In this episode, I'll be chatting with Rued Riis about his journey to become an expert explainer video creator, and now online course creator. Rued believes in FUN learning. He helps educators use animation to create engaging, entertaining, and humorous learning—for internal training, course creations, YouTube marketing, and much more.
Rued's online courses include scriptwriting, voice-over prod
Personal Branding for Instructional Designers with Vanessa Alzate | 44
In this episode, I'll be chatting with Vanessa Alzate about marketing and building your personal brand as an instructional designer and eLearning developer.
Vanessa Alzate is the Founder and CEO of Anchored Training. She received a BA in Communications & Political Science from Rutgers University, and an MS in Corporate & Organizational Communication from Northeastern University. For over a decade,
IDOL Success Story with Dr. Sara Bania-Dobyns | 43
In this episode, I'll be chatting with Dr. Sara Bania Dobyns about her journey to transition from higher education to corporate instructional design and online learning. Listen in as Dr. Dobyns shares her experience in the IDOL courses Academy and how she started landing more clients as a freelance instructional designer.
Connect with Dr. Sara Bania Dobyns on LinkedIn
Check out the IDOL courses A
Microlearning with 7taps Founder Kate Udalova | episode 42
In this episode, I'm chatting with Kate Udalova about microlearning principles and 7taps. Kate is the founder and CPO of the eLearning software, 7taps. 7taps is the fastest way to create mobile-first courses, summaries, and follow-ups. Kate shares tips and her story of how she founded 7taps.
Sign up to get your free trial of 7taps here!
Connect with Kate Udalova on LinkedIn
IDOL Success Story with Amanda Kulik | episode 41
In this episode, I'll be chatting with an IDOL success story, Amanda Kulik. Amanda is now a former teacher who made the transition to a full-time instructional role in 4 months after she joined the IDOL courses Academy. She now works with Heidi Kirby at Datatrak International.
She shares her journey and some incredible tips for teachers making the transition to instructional design and online lea
IDOL Success Story with Gretchen Johanson | episode 40
In this episode, I'll be chatting with an IDOL success story, Gretchen Johanson. Gretchen is now a former teacher who made the transition to a full time IDOL role in under 3 months after she joined the IDOL courses Academy. Gretchen has not only landed her first job, but she is also now in her second role as an IDOL for Google.
She shares her journey and some incredible tips for teachers making th
Human Centered Design with Andre Plaut | episode 39
In this episode, I'll be chatting with Andre Plaut about LXD and Human-Centered Design principles. Andre Plaut is the founder and owner of Human Machine, a learning design studio. Over the last 10 years, Andre has worked with Apple, Obama for America, General Assembly, and other clients. You'll also find Andre delivering captivating workshops on LXD or the ethics of technology design.
Andre gives
IDOL Success Story with Star Peterson | episode 38
In this episode, I'll be chatting with an IDOL success story, Star Peterson. Star is now a former teacher who made the transition to a freelance instructional designer in under 3 months after she joined the IDOL courses Academy. She shares her journey and some incredible tips for teachers making the transition to instructional design and online learning development. Check it out!
Connect with Sta
IDOL Success Story with Nancy Preetha Varshini | episode 37
In this episode, I'll be chatting with Nancy Varshini. Nancy is the first IDOL courses Academy member from India. It was a huge leap of faith for Nancy to pay the tuition in USD. However, the program has changed Nancy's life and that of her family. You'll hear her heartfelt story that makes me cry and cheer at the same time. She is now a top earner in her country and giving back to her people with
Gamification with Mohsin Memon the Director of Learning Games at Gamitar | 35
In this episode, I'll be chatting with Mohsin Memon who is the director of learning games at Gamitar Learning. Mohsin shares the principles of gamification, what he's been working on, and how he became interested in gamified learning experiences. Mohsin is fun and smart! You don't want to miss this episode.
Connect with Mohsin on LinkedIn
Check out his Evivve Leadership Game certification program
Become an IDOL Career Journey Story with Talia Taylor | episode 34
In this episode, I'll be chatting with Talia Taylor about her experience making the transition to corporate instructional design.
Connect with Talia Taylor on LinkedIn
Mindset for Teachers Making Career Changes with Teacher Career Coach Daphne Williams | episode 33
In this episode, I'll be chatting with the Teacher Career Coach, Daphne Williams. She has helped 100s of teachers make career pivots to all sorts of roles outside the classroom. We talk about mindset and strategies for deciding what's next!
Take the FREE quiz: What Career Outside of the classroom is right for you?
Teacher Career Coach Website
Teacher Career Coach Podcast
Should I leave teaching bl
Learning Management Systems with Samuel Apata | episode 32
In this episode, I'll be chatting with Samuel Apata about learning management systems (LMS) and how you can add this tool to your skill set as a new instructional designer.
Connect with Samuel on LinkedIn.
Data and Analytics in Learning with Anja Hartleb-Parson | episode 31
In this episode, I'll be chatting with Anja Hartleb-Parson about using data and analytics in workplace learning. We try to break down the data that you want and need for the newbies.
Connect with Anja on LinkedIn.
Freelancing and Finding Clients during the Pandemic with Leslie Marquez | episode 30
In this episode, I'll be chatting with Leslie Marquez. She is a member of the eLearning Freelancer Bootcamp and a freelance instructional designer and eLearning developer. Her business is Inspire Learning Design and she's noticed quite a few changes in the IDOL industry when it comes to acquiring and working with new clients during the COVID pandemic. Join us and learn how you can find more client
From laid off during the pandemic to a new and better IDOL job with Kerri Duncan | episode 29
In this episode, I'll be chatting with Kerri Duncan about her 2020 journey. Getting laid off from her job during the pandemic spurred Kerri to invest in herself and her skills to land her next role as an IDOL. Listen in to hear her story and get tips on how to reskill if you've been laid off.
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