Powered by Learning

Digital credentialing can help motivate, educate and inspire learners. Torrie Raish, a digital credentials expert, joins us to explain all you need to consider before implementing a credentialing program.

 

Torrie Raish shares the challenges and benefits of launching a digital credentialing program. 

• Purpose and Value of Digital Credentials: When creating a digital credential program, it's crucial to understand its purpose and the value it brings to both the learners and those viewing it, such as employers or institutions. 
• Recognizing Learning: Digital credentials are powerful tools for capturing learning that might otherwise go unrecognized, providing more detailed insights into specific skills and competencies compared to traditional degrees. 
• Key Benefits for Learners and Employers: Digital credentials provide learners with stackable, portable proof of skills, and help employers identify specific, verifiable competencies in candidates, especially in fast-evolving fields. 
• Essential Considerations for Building a Program: When designing a digital credential system, it’s crucial to define its purpose, align it with learning outcomes, and ensure it integrates well with existing systems, including HR and educational platforms. 
• AI's Role in Digital Credentialing: Artificial Intelligence is enhancing digital credentialing in areas such as credential creation, assessment, and verification, making the process more efficient and scalable. 

About Torrie Raish: 

Victoria Raish is a senior leader in the field of online learning and microlearning with a particular interest in the crossover space between traditional academia and innovative educational applications. She has her Ph.D. in learning, design, and technology from Penn State University and a master’s degree from The University of Southern California. She works for Nexford University as a senior learning designer and was previously a tenured faculty member for Penn State University. She got her start in digital credentials as an intern for a NASA Educational Services Provider grant project developing badges for teacher professional development. From there she took on leadership roles with IMS Global (EdTech1), the Association for College and Research Libraries, and at her places of employment to elevate the visibility of digital credentials. Combined with several publications, Victoria has established her role as an expert in the space. 

Powered by Learning earned Awards of Distinction in the Podcast/Audio and Business Podcast categories from The Communicator Awards and a Gold and Silver Davey Award. The podcast is also named to Feedspot's Top 40 L&D podcasts and Training Industry’s Ultimate L&D Podcast Guide.

Learn more about d'Vinci at www.dvinci.com.
Follow us on LinkedIn
Like us on Facebook

FutureThink CEO Lisa Bodell knows how to get an audience’s attention. The renowned speaker and author shares her thoughts on engaging learners and creating memorable learning experiences that launch innovation.
 

Show Notes: 

FutureThink CEO Lisa Bodell shared her experiences in educating and motivating an audience to make long-term change in the workplace. Key points include: 

• Experiential and Accelerated Learning: Lisa emphasizes that the secret to effective teaching lies in how it's delivered. Courses need to be experiential and fast-paced, catering to the current need for quick, engaging learning. 
• Simplicity First, Innovation Second: At FutureThink, Lisa first teaches simplicity before moving to innovation. This approach helps learners create the time and mental space necessary for creativity. 
• Impact of COVID on Learning: COVID-19 drastically accelerated the shift towards virtual, flexible learning modalities. FutureThink had to adapt quickly, ensuring that learning experiences remained interactive and practical in this new environment. 
• In-Person Learning Still Crucial: Despite the rise of virtual learning, Lisa believes that in-person interactions remain vital for building trust, fostering collaboration, and enhancing creativity in learning environments. 
• Improv and Learning: Lisa incorporates improv techniques in training to make learning more engaging and interactive. This approach helps facilitators connect with their audience and create a more dynamic and inclusive learning experience. 

Learn more about Lisa Bodell 

Why Simple Wins
Kill the Company: End the Status Quo, Start an Innovation Revolution 
Follow Lisa on X
Follow Lisa on LinkedIn
View clips of Lisa’s presentations
Visit FutureThink

Powered by Learning earned Awards of Distinction in the Podcast/Audio and Business Podcast categories from The Communicator Awards and a Gold and Silver Davey Award. The podcast is also named to Feedspot's Top 40 L&D podcasts and Training Industry’s Ultimate L&D Podcast Guide.

Learn more about d'Vinci at www.dvinci.com.
Follow us on LinkedIn
Like us on Facebook

To address a growing need for skilled workers, West Shore Home launched a comprehensive training program to recruit, train, and grow its workforce. Chief Development Officer Josh Wood shares how the home remodeling company with more than 3,000 employees across 21 states develops and nurtures talent to serve their valued customers.

Show Notes: West Shore Home’s Josh Wood shares how the company’s training supports internal growth and development.

• Training and Development Initiatives: West Shore Home has significantly invested in training and development, starting with on-the-job training and expanding to a comprehensive program. This includes a dedicated training center which supports the company's growth and enhances employee skills.
  
  
• Addressing the Skills Gap in the Trades: Josh emphasized the challenge of finding skilled talent in the trades, particularly as the industry faces a "graying out" with more retirements than new entrants. West Shore Home's solution is to develop its own talent through robust training programs.
  
  
• Career Pathways and Employee Retention: The company offers clear career pathways, enabling employees to progress from entry-level positions to leadership roles. This approach has resulted in lower turnover rates, particularly among installers, and provides opportunities for employees to control their own career growth.
  
  
• Creating a Positive Learning Environment: West Shore Home places a strong emphasis on creating a compelling and positive learning environment. Their state-of-the-art training facilities, coupled with a culture of pride and excellence, motivate employees to engage in training and strive for personal and professional growth.

Powered by Learning earned Awards of Distinction in the Podcast/Audio and Business Podcast categories from The Communicator Awards and a Gold and Silver Davey Award. The podcast is also named to Feedspot's Top 40 L&D podcasts and Training Industry’s Ultimate L&D Podcast Guide.

Learn more about d'Vinci at www.dvinci.com.
Follow us on LinkedIn
Like us on Facebook

From role-playing to reducing learner anxiety, avatars offer significant benefits to learners. Garima Gupta shares how thoughtfully-designed avatars can play an important role in eLearning and significantly enhance learning experiences. 

Show Notes:

Garima Gupta explains that avatars play a crucial role in making eLearning experiences engaging and relatable and help to humanize the content and make it more interactive for learners. She offered these additional key points.

• Customization and Personalization: Customizing and personalizing avatars to reflect the diversity of the learner population can enhance the connection and relevance of the content. 
• Planning for Avatars Early On: Don’t think of using avatars as an afterthought but instead plan for how best to use them when you create your storyboard.
• Benefits of Avatars in eLearning: Avatars bring learning stories to life, and that is one of their biggest benefits. They have the unique ability to speak directly to the learner.
• Providing a Safe Place to Learn: Using avatars in eLearning can be more effective than in-person training because it provides a safe and personal training environment to interact with an avatar.

Powered by Learning earned Awards of Distinction in the Podcast/Audio and Business Podcast categories from The Communicator Awards and a Gold and Silver Davey Award. The podcast is also named to Feedspot's Top 40 L&D podcasts and Training Industry’s Ultimate L&D Podcast Guide.

Learn more about d'Vinci at www.dvinci.com.
Follow us on LinkedIn
Like us on Facebook

Professional associations provide specialized learning solutions across their member organizations presenting a variety of opportunities and challenges. Cathy Butler, the EVP of Talent, Equity, and Learning Solutions at the 4A's (American Association of Advertising Agencies), explains how the association adds value to its members through comprehensive and innovative training programs. 

Show Notes:

4A’s Cathy Butler shares the importance of fostering a learning culture that goes beyond traditional training and development. She offers many key points in her interview. 

• Build a Holistic Learning Culture: Deliver learning offerings that provide professional development to individuals while advancing member organizations.
• Establish Comprehensive Training Programs: The 4A's offers a wide range of training programs, from early career development and new manager training to certification programs in specialized areas like media and Generative AI. These programs are designed to meet the varied needs of their members and adapt to industry changes.
• Generative AI Certification: The 4A's has introduced a certification program for Generative AI, reflecting the growing demand for skills in this area. The program includes self-paced learning,live instruction, and networking with a peer cohort providing a comprehensive learning experience that caters to different learning styles.
• Create Innovative Business Models: To address underutilization of training programs, the 4A's is piloting a subscription model that offers unlimited access to a selection of training programs. This model aims to provide flexibility and encourage more frequent use of training resources by members.
• Integrate Talent, Equity, and Learning: Cathy Butler's role at the 4A's integrates talent development, equity, and learning . This approach emphasizes creating inclusive environments that address the career development needs of diverse groups, fostering a more equitable industry.

Powered by Learning earned Awards of Distinction in the Podcast/Audio and Business Podcast categories from The Communicator Awards and a Gold and Silver Davey Award. The podcast is also named to Feedspot's Top 40 L&D podcasts and Training Industry’s Ultimate L&D Podcast Guide.

Learn more about d'Vinci at www.dvinci.com.
Follow us on LinkedIn
Like us on Facebook

Before embarking on the design of a performance-based certification program, it's essential to consider key steps to prevent common mistakes. Our guest, Judy Hale, a seasoned speaker, author, and principal at Hale Associates, delves into this topic in her acclaimed book, "Performance Based Certification: How to Design a Valid, Defensible, Cost-Effective Program." 

Show Notes: 

Guest Judy Hale offers many actionable steps to take when designing a certification program. 

• Certification is a Means, Not an End: Judy emphasizes that certification should be seen as a vehicle to achieve specific outcomes, rather than just a goal . Organizations need to clearly define the problem they are solving and the desired outcomes before designing a certification program. 
• The Importance of a Thorough Job Analysis: A key step in creating a defensible certification program is conducting a comprehensive job analysis. This helps ensure the certification is aligned with actual job requirements and includes input from all relevant stakeholders. 
• Customization is Crucial: Certification programs must be tailored to the specific needs of the industry and the target audience. Judy highlights the differences in certification requirements across various industries, illustrating the necessity of customization. 
• Leveraging Technology and Best Practices: Judy discusses the increasing role of technology, including AI and virtual reality, in developing and administering certification programs. Additionally, she emphasizes best practices like ensuring cost-feasibility and focusing on performance-based assessments to create effective and sustainable certification systems.

Learn more about Judy Hale 

Judy Hale’s Books 

Powered by Learning earned Awards of Distinction in the Podcast/Audio and Business Podcast categories from The Communicator Awards and a Gold and Silver Davey Award. The podcast is also named to Feedspot's Top 40 L&D podcasts and Training Industry’s Ultimate L&D Podcast Guide.

Learn more about d'Vinci at www.dvinci.com.
Follow us on LinkedIn
Like us on Facebook

Asking better questions is a critical part of any needs analysis. Speaker and Coach Mike Simmons and d'Vinci Director, Learning Experience Jenny Fedullo, guide you through what questions to ask and when to ask them to make your training more impactful. 

Show Notes:

There are many simple, yet thought-provoking steps to execute a better needs analysis and ensure improved training outcomes.  Key takeaways include:

• Defining the Problem Clearly: Establishing a precise definition of the problem is crucial. Misunderstandings often arise from varied perspectives. Ensure alignment within the team by asking clarifying questions to validate and agree on the problem's specifics.
• Understanding the Stakeholders: Identify who has the problem, who is impacted by it, and who cares about it. Engaging these stakeholders brings diverse perspectives and resources, which can bridge gaps and garner necessary support and buy-in for solutions.
• Analyzing the Root Causes: Employ root cause analysis by repeatedly asking why the problem persists. This helps in distinguishing between symptoms and root causes, allowing for more effective and focused problem-solving. It also helps determine if a problem is worth solving or if it's unsolvable within current constraints.
• Establishing Clear Timelines: Set defined timelines to create urgency and accountability. Use frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix and 30-60-90-day plans to break down goals into manageable chunks, ensuring consistent progress and momentum toward the desired outcome.
• Implementing a Structured Approach: Use a systematic framework with steps involving what, who, why, how, and when. This methodical approach ensures comprehensive problem-solving and strategic planning, aligning short-term actions with long-term objectives, and adapting as needed based on regular reflection and assessment.

Learn more about Mike Simmons on his website.

Check out Six Thinking Hats by Edward de Bono
Read about the COM-B Model for Behavior Change

Powered by Learning earned Awards of Distinction in the Podcast/Audio and Business Podcast categories from The Communicator Awards and a Gold and Silver Davey Award. The podcast is also named to Feedspot's Top 40 L&D podcasts and Training Industry’s Ultimate L&D Podcast Guide.

Learn more about d'Vinci at www.dvinci.com.
Follow us on LinkedIn
Like us on Facebook

Developing accessible training includes making it available in the languages your learners speak. In this episode, we talk to Nick Strozza and Larry Pilotto from Interpro Translation Solutions to understand how to ensure that eLearning translations are successful.

Show notes:

Interpro Translation Solutions shares best practices for eLearning translations, including the importance of early collaboration on the project.

• Early Engagement is Key: Engage with your translation partner early in the project to accommodate localization needs and ensure translations are not an afterthought.
• Localization vs. Translation: Understanding the difference between localization and translation is important. Localization adapts content beyond direct translation, considering cultural nuances, graphics, and formatting to make content feel native to the audience.
• Comprehensive Planning: Accurately scope the translation project to avoid surprises. This includes analyzing all elements of eLearning courses, such as audio, video, and text, and to plan for any challenges.
• Technology and Trends: Embracing emerging technologies and trends in translation, like translation memory tools and AI, can enhance the efficiency and consistency of translated content, though human oversight remains essential for quality.

Read “eLearning Translation: Creating Linguistically Inclusive eLearning” by Angeline Evans

Read “A Crash Course in eLearning Translation: Introduction and Benefits,” by  Interpro Translation Solutions

Powered by Learning earned Awards of Distinction in the Podcast/Audio and Business Podcast categories from The Communicator Awards and a Gold and Silver Davey Award. The podcast is also named to Feedspot's Top 40 L&D podcasts and Training Industry’s Ultimate L&D Podcast Guide.

Learn more about d'Vinci at www.dvinci.com.
Follow us on LinkedIn
Like us on Facebook

Successful L&D projects just don’t happen. They require effective communication, team alignment, and empathy to drive business outcomes. Penske’s Learning & Development Manager Laurie Strauss and Project Manager Samantha Thompson share their team’s best practices for project management and why they focus on the people before the process. 

 Show Notes: 

Here are the key takeaways from Laurie Strauss and Samantha Thompson's discussion about L&D project management. 

• Focus on People over Process: They advocate for a mindset shift where project management is centered around taking care of people, which ultimately leads to more efficient processes and successful project outcomes. 
• Clear Communication and Alignment: Laurie and Samantha share that unclear expectations and poor alignment among project partners can significantly slow down a project. Set clear roles and expectations from the beginning to avoid delays and ensure everyone is working towards the same goal.  
• Slow Down to Speed Up Approach: Laurie stresses that in a fast-paced world with urgent requests, it's essential to take the time to slow down initially to set the project up for success. Rushing into a project without proper planning and communication can lead to inefficiencies and setbacks down the line. 
• Utilization of Automation and Tools: Leveraging automation tools like Smartsheet can streamline processes, increase efficiency, and provide real-time visibility into project status. By having all project information centralized in one platform, teams can reduce manual tasks, avoid surprises, and better manage data. 
• Empathy and Support for Subject Matter Experts (SMEs): Recognizing that SMEs have other responsibilities besides the project, it's crucial to support them throughout the process. This involves clear communication, setting realistic expectations, and providing necessary support to ensure their success. This benefits the overall success of the project and fosters positive relationships for future collaborations. 

Learn more about Smartsheet, the project management tool Penske uses.

Powered by Learning earned an Award of Distinction in the Podcast/Audio category from The Communicator Awards and a Silver Davey Award for Educational Podcast. The podcast is also named to Feedspot's Top 40 L&D podcasts and Training Industry’s Ultimate L&D Podcast Guide.

Powered by Learning earned Awards of Distinction in the Podcast/Audio and Business Podcast categories from The Communicator Awards and a Gold and Silver Davey Award. The podcast is also named to Feedspot's Top 40 L&D podcasts and Training Industry’s Ultimate L&D Podcast Guide.

Learn more about d'Vinci at www.dvinci.com.
Follow us on LinkedIn
Like us on Facebook

Leadership plays an instrumental role in the success of any organization. That’s why D&H Distributors values leadership training. Megan Garrett, director of L&D and DE&I shares how her team built a leadership training program from the ground up and how it’s contributing to measurable growth of team members and their company. 

Show Notes:

Megan Garrett shares her journey of building a leadership training program and offers these key points.

• Strategic Approach to Competencies: D&H Distributors took a strategic approach by identifying key competencies applicable across the organization. These competencies serve as a foundation for training initiatives, ensuring that employees at different levels have the skills necessary to meet organizational expectations.
• Real-world Application in Training: Leadership training participants gain valuable experience by working on hands-on projects and honing executive presentation skills that are applicable to their roles. 
• Continuous Learning and Adaptability: Megan stresses the importance of adapting to change because of the dynamic nature of their learning initiatives. From refreshing leadership competencies to upcoming initiatives like a new sales curriculum, the commitment to continuous learning reflects the organization's adaptability to evolving needs and industry trends.

Powered by Learning earned an Award of Distinction in the Podcast/Audio category from The Communicator Awards and a Silver Davey Award for Educational Podcast. The podcast is also named to Feedspot's Top 40 L&D podcasts and Training Industry’s Ultimate L&D Podcast Guide.

Powered by Learning earned Awards of Distinction in the Podcast/Audio and Business Podcast categories from The Communicator Awards and a Gold and Silver Davey Award. The podcast is also named to Feedspot's Top 40 L&D podcasts and Training Industry’s Ultimate L&D Podcast Guide.

Learn more about d'Vinci at www.dvinci.com.
Follow us on LinkedIn
Like us on Facebook