Become an IDOL: Instructional Design and Online Learning – Details, episodes & analysis

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 in it for them.
• Tamara's tips for self-management and staying productive when working on solo projects, such as the importance of understanding your own work style and environment.
• Tamara's advice on identifying and leveraging team members' strengths to improve collaboration and project success, regardless of personality type.

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 rubrics to measure employee skills and competencies and how this data can drive personalized learning interventions.
• Kayvon's advice for aspiring instructional designers on embracing AI as a tool to augment their abilities and play a crucial role in the future of workforce development.

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 questions, and dreaming big 

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: 

• 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 looking to make a similar career change, including building a portfolio and leveraging resources and your network.

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:

1. Destery's career journey from graphic designer to XR Solution Architect and how he got involved with immersive technologies.
2. Examples of use cases for augmented reality and virtual reality in learning and why certain modalities are better suited for different scenarios. 
3. Advice for instructional designers on getting started with no-code AR tools like Zappar and how to incorporate emerging technologies into their work.

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:

1. Kelsie's journey from being a preschool teacher to leaving the education field and founding Educated Exit.

1. The process Educated Exit uses to help teachers find new careers outside of education, from identifying values and skills to resume/LinkedIn profile building to networking and job searching.

1. Advice Kelsie gives to teachers looking to make an exit, such as having patience, trusting the process, and understanding it is a journey rather than something that happens overnight.

In this episode, Susan Teague shares her career journey in learning and development. 

Tune in to find out:

1. How Susan transitioned from her first training role to becoming an instructional designer and elearning project manager.
2. Susan's insights into leadership development and how she helps companies think about professional development for their employees.
3. 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.