eLearning & Instructional Design for Beginners

eLearning & Instructional Design for Beginners

By Crystal HarperBusinessEntrepreneurshipEducationCoursesCareers
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eLearning & Instructional Design for Beginners episodes

  • Why You Should Surround Yourself With Successful People

    Did you know that defining and effectively communicating your career goals is the key to attracting the right connections, opportunities, and support in instructional design?

    In this week’s episode, uncover the secrets to success in instructional design by exploring the transformative power of surrounding yourself with accomplished professionals. Learn three essential steps to attract success in instructional design.

    Essential Learning Points:
    • The importance of surrounding yourself with successful people in instructional design
    • What role does networking play in success in instructional design?
    • Three essential steps to connect with successful individuals in instructional design
    • Why is defining and communicating career goals important in instructional design?
      • Key Quotes:
      • "Immerse yourself in the presence of inspiring individuals.”
      • "Unlock your true potential and achieve success in your instructional design career.”
      • "Define and communicate your career goals to achieve unparalleled success.”
      • "Be authentic when interacting with others, show genuine interest in their work.”
      • "Collaborate on projects to leverage each other's strengths and enhance your portfolio.”
        • Important Links and Mentions:
        • Software Toolkit for Instructional Designers (https://www.eteachonline.com/toolkit)
        • eLearning & Instructional Design for Beginners Community & Academy (https://www.eteachonline.com/join)
        • Instructional Designers FB Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/eteachonline)
        • eLearning & Instructional Design for Beginners LinkedIn Group (https://www.linkedin.com/company/idforbeginners/)
        • 5 Quick and Easy Ways to Enhance eLearning Skills (https://www.eteachonline.com/5tipselearning)
          • Thank You For Listening

          I really appreciate you listening to me and supporting the podcast. If you enjoyed today's show, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

          I would also be eternally grateful if you would consider taking a minute or two to leave an honest review and rating for the show on Apple Podcasts. They're extremely helpful in reaching my audience, and I read each and every one personally!

          Finally, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts to make sure that you never miss an episode.

           

          23 min
        • How To Set 90-day Goals For Freelance Instructional Design Success

          Do you find it difficult to stay on track and make measurable progress in your instructional design career?

          In today's episode, we’ll guide you through the process of setting and achieving 90-day goals for your freelance instructional design career and business. Discover practical goal-setting methods that’ll guide you on this journey.


          Essential Learning Points:
          • What does the acronym COSTAR stand for in the context of goal-setting for freelance instructional designers?
          • What are SMART goals, and why are they considered crucial in the goal-setting process?
          • The significance of the 90-day planning cycle
          • The importance of having a strategic plan for success in a freelance instructional design career

            • Key Quotes:
            • “Setting goals for instructional design career and freelance business is essential to continuous growth.”
            • "Your career and business need to adapt to keep up.”
            • "The keyword here is effort. If you just sit back and do nothing, you will get nothing done.”

              • Important Links and Mentions:
              • Software Toolkit for Instructional Designers (https://www.eteachonline.com/toolkit)
              • eLearning & Instructional Design for Beginners Community & Academy (https://www.eteachonline.com/join)
              • Instructional Designers FB Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/eteachonline)
              • eLearning & Instructional Design for Beginners LinkedIn Group (https://www.linkedin.com/company/idforbeginners/)
              • 5 Quick and Easy Ways to Enhance eLearning Skills (https://www.eteachonline.com/5tipselearning)

                • Thank You For Listening

                I really appreciate you listening to me and supporting the podcast. If you enjoyed today's show, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

                I would also be eternally grateful if you would consider taking a minute or two to leave an honest review and rating for the show on Apple Podcasts. They're extremely helpful in reaching my audience, and I read each and every one personally!

                Finally, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts to make sure that you never miss an episode.

                 

                16 min
              • Step-by-Step Guide in Creating a Storyboard

                As an instructional designer, you may find yourself grappling with questions such as “How can I structure my course content to ensure a seamless learning experience?”

                In this week’s episode, we’ll address these concerns and guide you through the process. Explore the art of storyboarding—an indispensable tool in eLearning course development.

                 

                Essential Learning Points:
                • The importance of storyboards
                • How storyboarding aids in the decision-making process for selecting appropriate media elements
                • Instructional techniques that foster creativity and captivate learners throughout the course
                • The importance of clearly defined course objectives
                  • Key Quotes:
                  • “Storyboards plot out eLearning course content, structure, and overall flow of the course.”
                  • “The storyboarding checklist will be really helpful for you in organizing all the content for your online course.”
                  • “Know your course goal. Always keep that in mind as you're creating your storyboard.”
                  • “Be sure that the content within each module is written directly, simply, and clearly.”

                    • Important Links and Mentions:
                    • Software Toolkit for Instructional Designers (https://www.eteachonline.com/toolkit)
                    • eLearning & Instructional Design for Beginners Community & Academy (https://www.eteachonline.com/join)
                    • Instructional Designers FB Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/eteachonline)
                    • eLearning & Instructional Design for Beginners LinkedIn Group (https://www.linkedin.com/company/idforbeginners/)
                    • 5 Quick and Easy Ways to Enhance eLearning Skills (https://www.eteachonline.com/5tipselearning)

                      • Thank You For Listening

                      I really appreciate you listening to me and supporting the podcast. If you enjoyed today's show, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

                      I would also be eternally grateful if you would consider taking a minute or two to leave an honest review and rating for the show on Apple Podcasts. They're extremely helpful in reaching my audience, and I read each and every one personally!

                      Finally, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts to make sure that you never miss an episode.

                       

                      14 min
                    • What are Formative Assessments?

                      Imagine a learning environment where every click, every answer, and every insight fuels your progress—welcome to the world of formative assessments, where learning is not just a destination but a continuous evolution.

                      In this week’s episode, we’ll understand how these assessments serve as essential compasses, guiding learners and instructors alike through the intricate terrain of education. Discover strategies for how formative assessments are shaping the future of learning by fostering continuous improvement and tailored educational experiences.

                       
                      Essential Learning Points:
                      • The purpose of formative assessments in e-learning
                      • What is the purpose of goal checks in formative assessment?
                      • The importance of customizing content based on student progress in formative assessment
                      • What are some types of questions used in different formative assessments?
                        •  
                        Key Quotes:
                        • “Formative assessments help you track learner progress throughout the duration of a course and offer learners feedback to improve their e-learning experience.”
                        • “Successful completion of formative assessments provides feedback on knowledge gained, skills developed, and areas needing further development.”
                        • “Formative assessment provides opportunities for learners to identify areas of improvement and expand knowledge with timely feedback.”
                        • “Implementing effective formative assessments is crucial for delivering a better e-learning course, and learners should be encouraged to apply these practices.”
                          •  
                          Important Links and Mentions:
                          • Software Toolkit for Instructional Designers (https://www.eteachonline.com/toolkit)
                          • eLearning & Instructional Design for Beginners Community & Academy (https://www.eteachonline.com/join)
                          • Instructional Designers FB Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/eteachonline)
                          • eLearning & Instructional Design for Beginners LinkedIn Group (https://www.linkedin.com/company/idforbeginners/)
                          • 5 Quick and Easy Ways to Enhance eLearning Skills (https://www.eteachonline.com/5tipselearning)
                            •  
                            Thank You For Listening

                            I really appreciate you listening to me and supporting the podcast. If you enjoyed today's show, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

                            I would also be eternally grateful if you would consider taking a minute or two to leave an honest review and rating for the show on Apple Podcasts. They're extremely helpful in reaching my audience, and I read each and every one personally!

                            Finally, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts to make sure that you never miss an episode.

                             

                            9 min
                          • The Power of Assessment and Collaboration in eLearning

                            As digital platforms continue to reshape the way we acquire knowledge, the significance of not just evaluating individual performance but also fostering collaborative skills becomes paramount.

                            In this week’s episode, we unpack the challenges and opportunities surrounding the assessment of collaboration in e-learning courses. We’ll provide you with valuable insights and practical approaches to encourage meaningful collaboration in the virtual classroom.

                             

                            Essential Learning Points:
                            • Why does collaborative learning often face challenges in online courses, particularly in terms of assessment?
                            • How can grading rubrics be effectively used to assess discussion behaviors in collaborative online learning?
                            • Steps involved in creating a discussion grading rubric
                            • What does research suggest about the effectiveness of small-group collaborative learning in online environments?

                              •  

                              Key Quotes:
                              • “Collaborative learning will be more successful when it is valued.”
                              • “An effective approach is to develop grading rubrics that assess specific discussion behaviors.”
                              • “Careful structuring of small-group collaborative work is particularly important for successful online collaboration.”
                              • “It is important to assess both the processes and the products of collaboration.”
                              • “The constructive nature of collaborative learning suggests that the experience might be enhanced by collaboratively designing assessments.”
                                 
                                • Important Links and Mentions:
                                • Software Toolkit for Instructional Designers (https://www.eteachonline.com/toolkit)
                                • eLearning & Instructional Design for Beginners Community & Academy (https://www.eteachonline.com/join)
                                • Instructional Designers FB Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/eteachonline)
                                • eLearning & Instructional Design for Beginners LinkedIn Group (https://www.linkedin.com/company/idforbeginners/)
                                • 5 Quick and Easy Ways to Enhance eLearning Skills (https://www.eteachonline.com/5tipselearning)
                                  • Thank You For Listening

                                  I really appreciate you listening to me and supporting the podcast. If you enjoyed today's show, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

                                  I would also be eternally grateful if you would consider taking a minute or two to leave an honest review and rating for the show on Apple Podcasts. They're extremely helpful in reaching my audience, and I read each and every one personally!

                                  Finally, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts to make sure that you never miss an episode.

                                   

                                  15 min
                                • Why Should You Communicate With Your Learners?

                                  Beyond the traditional role of information dissemination, communication serves as a powerful tool for building rapport, tailoring instruction to individual needs, and creating an inclusive atmosphere that nurtures intellectual curiosity.

                                  In this week’s episode, recognize the pivotal role of communication in shaping the learning experience. We’ll discover different strategies to make communication easier and more effective.

                                   

                                  Essential Learning Points:
                                  • Understand that effective communication enhances student outcomes and satisfaction in the online learning environment.
                                  • How is lack of personal contact with instructors a top challenge in e-learning?
                                  • Emphasize the need for students to have access to instructors for addressing questions, and concerns, and receiving feedback, enhancing their engagement and connection.
                                  • Explore strategies to enhance communication, including clear contact information, the use of announcements, active participation in discussion forums, and anticipating and addressing repeat questions.
                                    •  
                                    Key Quotes:
                                    • “Effective communication in the online learning environment can improve student outcomes and satisfaction.”
                                    • “Of all the challenges in e-learning, lack of personal contact with the instructor is probably on the top of the list.”
                                    • “The best way to solve this problem lies in better communication amongst learners and instructors.”
                                    • “It is important to remember that the best objectives are explicit and exclude meanings other than your intent, such as to know versus to write.”
                                      •  
                                      Important Links and Mentions:
                                      • Software Toolkit for Instructional Designers (https://www.eteachonline.com/toolkit)
                                      • eLearning & Instructional Design for Beginners Community & Academy (https://www.eteachonline.com/join)
                                      • Instructional Designers FB Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/eteachonline)
                                      • eLearning & Instructional Design for Beginners LinkedIn Group (https://www.linkedin.com/company/idforbeginners/)
                                      • 5 Quick and Easy Ways to Enhance eLearning Skills (https://www.eteachonline.com/5tipselearning)
                                        •  
                                        Thank You For Listening

                                        I really appreciate you listening to me and supporting the podcast. If you enjoyed today's show, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

                                        I would also be eternally grateful if you would consider taking a minute or two to leave an honest review and rating for the show on Apple Podcasts. They're extremely helpful in reaching my audience, and I read each and every one personally!

                                        Finally, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts to make sure that you never miss an episode.

                                        12 min
                                      • Components of Learning Objectives

                                        Learning objectives serve as the compass guiding both educators and learners through the vast landscape of knowledge acquisition.

                                        In this week’s episode, we will be focusing on the fundamental aspect that shapes the success of any learning experience. Let’s explore learning objectives and discover how these components form the backbone of effective e-learning.

                                        Essential Learning Points:
                                        • What are the key components of the ARCS model, and how do they address the motivation of online students?
                                        • How does relevance to learners' interests, goals, and learning styles contribute to the effectiveness of e-learning content?
                                        • The significance of learning objectives in e-learning, and how do they contribute to student motivation

                                          • Key Quotes:
                                          • “Motivation is a key component in selecting effective resources.”
                                          • “Satisfaction refers to positive feelings about one's accomplishments and learning experiences.”
                                          • “In an e-learning course, learners need to have a clear understanding of what is expected of them.”
                                          • “It is important to remember that the best objectives are explicit and exclude meanings other than your intent, such as to know versus to write.”

                                            • Important Links and Mentions:
                                            • Software Toolkit for Instructional Designers (https://www.eteachonline.com/toolkit)
                                            • eLearning & Instructional Design for Beginners Community & Academy (https://www.eteachonline.com/join)
                                            • Instructional Designers FB Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/eteachonline)
                                            • eLearning & Instructional Design for Beginners LinkedIn Group (https://www.linkedin.com/company/idforbeginners/)
                                            • Writing Learning Objectives Guide (https://www.eteachonline.com/objectivesguide)
                                            • Assign Objectives (https://www.eteachonline.com/harper-method-step2-signup)

                                              • Thank You For Listening

                                              I really appreciate you listening to me and supporting the podcast. If you enjoyed today's show, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

                                              I would also be eternally grateful if you would consider taking a minute or two to leave an honest review and rating for the show on Apple Podcasts. They're extremely helpful in reaching my audience, and I read each and every one personally!

                                              Finally, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts to make sure that you never miss an episode.

                                               

                                              8 min
                                            • What Should You Include When Building Your Portfolio?

                                              Try the eTeach Online Studio free for 30 days → https://www.eteachonline.com/30daysfree

                                               

                                              Indeed, the challenge of building compelling portfolios often lies in figuring out what components should be included.

                                              In this week’s episode, our content provides a comprehensive guide, drawing from personal experiences and insights gained from the instructional design journey. Discover the importance of a professionally designed and organized portfolio, the key components it should include, and step-by-step instructions on building standout projects, all discussed in our instructional design workshop.

                                              Essential Learning Points:
                                              • How important is building your portfolio?
                                              • What are the key characteristics of a well-organized and professionally designed portfolio?
                                              • What are the common components recommended for an instructional design portfolio?
                                              • What is the significance of the main project in an instructional design portfolio?
                                              • What are the recommended hosting sites for creating instructional design portfolios?

                                                • Key Quotes:
                                                • “Building a portfolio is great practice for every professional, but it's a must-have in instructional design.”
                                                • “A good portfolio can set you apart from the rest of the candidates.”
                                                • “Your portfolio needs to be professionally designed and organized, and each deliverable needs to be clearly and properly designed prior to presenting it to potential employers or clients.”
                                                • “All of those small steps will add up to huge success. Go ask questions, be engaged in the forums so that you can get ideas and opinions from other people who are going through similar issues.”

                                                  • Important Links and Mentions:
                                                  • Software Toolkit for Instructional Designers (https://www.eteachonline.com/toolkit)
                                                  • eLearning & Instructional Design for Beginners Community & Academy (https://www.eteachonline.com/join)
                                                  • Instructional Designers FB Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/eteachonline)
                                                  • eLearning & Instructional Design for Beginners LinkedIn Group (https://www.linkedin.com/company/idforbeginners/)
                                                  • Try the eTeach Online Studio free for 30 days (https://www.eteachonline.com/30daysfree)

                                                    • Thank You For Listening

                                                    I really appreciate you listening to me and supporting the podcast. If you enjoyed today's show, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

                                                    I would also be eternally grateful if you would consider taking a minute or two to leave an honest review and rating for the show on Apple Podcasts. They're extremely helpful in reaching my audience, and I read each and every one personally!

                                                    Finally, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts to make sure that you never miss an episode.

                                                     

                                                    9 min
                                                  • Tips on Designing Assessments

                                                    Have you ever wondered about the strategic intricacies behind designing an effective eLearning course?

                                                    In this episode, let’s unravel the key steps to a successful eLearning course, focusing on the often overlooked but critical aspect of assessments. Explore how these elements contribute to a seamless and impactful eLearning experience.

                                                    Essential Learning Points:
                                                    • Why is it crucial to consider course goals during the assessment design process?
                                                    • What factors should designers consider when determining learner assessment methods?
                                                    • Why is assessment considered a shared responsibility among learners, instructors, and peers?
                                                    • Why is it important to have specific objectives for both the entire course and each module or unit during the assessment design process?

                                                      • Key Quotes:
                                                      • "Assessments should be designed considering the goals of the course and information gathered in goal and learner analysis, aligned with written learning objectives.”
                                                      • Assess skills in a context as close to the performance setting as possible, using clear, well-written questions without intentionally complicating or misleading aspects.”
                                                      • "Consider the goals of instruction when designing assessments, using performance objectives created during the analysis phase to create effective assessments.”

                                                        • Important Links and Mentions:
                                                        • Software Toolkit for Instructional Designers (https://www.eteachonline.com/toolkit)
                                                        • eLearning & Instructional Design for Beginners Community & Academy (https://www.eteachonline.com/join)
                                                        • Instructional Designers FB Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/eteachonline)
                                                        • eLearning & Instructional Design for Beginners LinkedIn Group (https://www.linkedin.com/company/idforbeginners/)
                                                        • 5 Quick and Easy Ways to Enhance eLearning Skills (https://www.eteachonline.com/5tipselearning)

                                                          • Thank You For Listening

                                                          I really appreciate you listening to me and supporting the podcast. If you enjoyed today's show, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

                                                          I would also be eternally grateful if you would consider taking a minute or two to leave an honest review and rating for the show on Apple Podcasts. They're extremely helpful in reaching my audience, and I read each and every one personally!

                                                          Finally, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts to make sure that you never miss an episode.

                                                           

                                                          10 min
                                                        • How to Write Effective Learning Objectives

                                                          Writing learning objectives for e-learning is an intricate task that’s why it is essential to empower educators and instructional designers to enhance the online learning experience.

                                                          In this episode, we explore the fundamental components of learning objectives. We'll discuss the challenges instructors face in crafting effective objectives and how they impact the overall learning experience.

                                                          Essential Learning Points:
                                                          • The major issues instructors face in defining objectives.
                                                          • Why is objective writing considered a challenging task?
                                                          • What should the learning objective explicitly state?
                                                          • What role does behavior play in a learning objective?

                                                            •  

                                                            Key Quotes:
                                                            • "Learning objectives communicate to learners what is expected of them and help them to focus their efforts.”
                                                            • "Without well-defined analysis techniques, eLearning instructors find it difficult to define objectives.”

                                                              • Important Links and Mentions:
                                                              • Software Toolkit for Instructional Designers (https://www.eteachonline.com/toolkit)
                                                              • eLearning & Instructional Design for Beginners Community & Academy (https://www.eteachonline.com/join)
                                                              • Instructional Designers FB Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/eteachonline)
                                                              • eLearning & Instructional Design for Beginners LinkedIn Group (https://www.linkedin.com/company/idforbeginners/)
                                                              • 5 Quick and Easy Ways to Enhance eLearning Skills (https://www.eteachonline.com/5tipselearning)

                                                                • Thank You For Listening

                                                                I really appreciate you listening to me and supporting the podcast. If you enjoyed today's show, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

                                                                I would also be eternally grateful if you would consider taking a minute or two to leave an honest review and rating for the show on Apple Podcasts. They're extremely helpful in reaching my audience, and I read each and every one personally!

                                                                Finally, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts to make sure that you never miss an episode.

                                                                18 min

                                                              About eLearning & Instructional Design for Beginners

                                                              From the publisher's feed

                                                              Practical, beginner-friendly episodes for teachers and career changers moving into instructional design. Learn the core skills (learning objectives, storyboarding, assessments, scenario-based…