Become an IDOL: Instructional Design and Online Learning

By Dr. Robin SargentBusiness Education Courses Careers

Become an IDOL: Instructional Design and Online Learning episodes

February 07, 2025Learning 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 buy-in from stakeholders and being a strategic business partner when it comes to measurement.
Ways to leverage AI and technology to save time and make measurement and evaluation more efficient.
33 min
January 10, 2025Become 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 the importance of building confidence, optimizing her LinkedIn profile, and practicing interviews.
Stacy's insights on the joys and adjustments of working in a corporate setting after years in the education field.
19 min
December 20, 2024Become 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 first corporate job.
Matthew's tips for aspiring EdTech professionals, including building a portfolio and developing self-belief.
Connect with Matthew 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.
24 min
September 06, 2024Become 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 corporate training and development, and the challenges she faced along the way.
Laurel's advice for aspiring instructional designers, including tips on building a strong portfolio and demonstrating their expertise in adult learning theory.
21 min
August 23, 2024Become 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 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.
34 min
August 09, 2024Become 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 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.
34 min
July 26, 2024 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 highlights Utdam's success story and the value of the IDOL program in supporting career changers and aspiring instructional designers.
23 min
July 12, 2024 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.

- Strategies she used to optimize her LinkedIn profile and portfolio, leading to significant career advancements.

- Her approach to positioning herself as a problem solver in her cover letter, which landed her a custom C-level position.
25 min
June 28, 2024 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 understanding the business perspective
- Advice for new instructional designers around finding a mentor, understanding how businesses work, and tying learning outcomes to business goals
36 min
June 14, 2024Become 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 experiential learning techniques can be used in both leadership development and education, with a focus on practical application and embracing failure as a learning opportunity.
39 min