The Instructional Designer Lounge

Freelancing and Artificial Intelligence for Instructional Designers - a Hot Topic Smashup with Christy Tucker, https://christytuckerlearning.com/

The second half of the interview shifts to the rapidly evolving field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its integration into the instructional design workflow. Christy provides a balanced perspective on how to use these tools effectively without falling for the "hype".

• Practical AI Applications: Christy has generated over 2,000 AI images for projects and uses LLMs (like ChatGPT and Claude) for brainstorming webinar titles, cleaning up messy SME notes, and organizing complex voiceover scripts for multi-character videos.

• Analysis and Skills Mapping: She shares a case study of using AI to analyze dozens of job descriptions to identify common skill themes for a professional association, though she stresses that all AI output must be human-vetted for accuracy.

• The Efficiency Illusion: While AI can produce a first draft in seconds, Christy warns it can create an "illusion of speed" if the designer has to spend hours "tweaking" the result. Sometimes, doing it yourself from the start is more efficient.

• AI as a "Thinking Partner": Instead of just asking AI to write for you, Christy suggests using it for critical feedback. By asking the AI to "find the holes" in an argument or to be a "critical intern," designers can refine their own work.

Navigating Ethics:

• Style and IP: She avoids prompting AI to replicate the style of living artists, suggesting that if you want a specific artist's style, you should hire them.

• Privacy and Guardrails: There is a strong need for internal guardrails within organizations to prevent AI from mishandling private data or responding inappropriately to sensitive topics like mental health.

• Transformative Use: She views AI as mostly transformative when using publicly available data but emphasizes that outputs must not infringe on copyrighted material.

Final Advice:

• For Freelancers: Focus on building real human connections; don't rely on AI-generated comments on social media.

• For AI Adoption: Set aside 30 minutes a week to experiment with new tools. Hands-on practice is the only way to truly understand what is possible.

Thanks for joining me in the ID Lounge today! Sharing is caring, and we appreciate your sharing this episode with others.

Check out the master's degree in instructional design and technology at Southern Nazarene University. This 100% online master’s degree program helps you gain valuable skills to develop and deliver engaging and effective learning experiences. You will be prepared to meet the unique needs of today’s learning and training environments.

https://www.snu.edu/pgs/idt

Freelancing and Artificial Intelligence for Instructional Designers - a Hot Topic Smashup with Christy Tucker, https://christytuckerlearning.com/

In the first of two parts, Christy Tucker, a Learning Experience Design consultant with over 20 years of experience, shares her journey from corporate training to independent consulting.

This episode, Part 1, focuses on the practicalities of starting a freelance career and the necessity of a strong digital presence.

• Understanding the Terminology: Christy clarifies the difference between W2 contracting (working as a full-time employee for an agency on a long-term assignment) and 1099 freelancing (independent work).
• Making the Leap: She discusses how she transitioned to full-time freelancing by starting with a "side gig" to fund her initial tools and software. Her move was ultimately spurred by job instability, illustrating how freelancing can sometimes provide more perceived security than a corporate role facing layoffs.
• Where the Work Is: Freelance opportunities often come from mid-size to large organizations, nonprofits, and associations. For those starting out, subcontracting through e-learning agencies is a recommended path because the agency handles the sales and project scoping, allowing the designer to focus on development.
• The Power of Networking: Rather than traditional "sales," Christy emphasizes "stealth mentoring" and being a "good online neighbor". She suggests building relationships by commenting thoughtfully on LinkedIn and joining professional communities like ID Lance.
• The "Required" Portfolio: A digital portfolio is considered the minimum requirement to be taken seriously as a freelancer. It reduces the risk for a client by proving you can apply your knowledge.
• Portfolio Maintenance: Christy recommends keeping a "rainy day list" of portfolio updates to work on during slow periods or while waiting for subject matter expert (SME) feedback.

Thanks for joining me in the ID Lounge today! Sharing is caring, and we appreciate your sharing this episode with others.

Check out the master's degree in instructional design and technology at Southern Nazarene University. This 100% online master’s degree program helps you gain valuable skills to develop and deliver engaging and effective learning experiences. You will be prepared to meet the unique needs of today’s learning and training environments.

https://www.snu.edu/pgs/idt

Today we talk with Benjamin Corliss, who retired from his Navy career and transitioned to a second career in instructional design. Benjamin is currently a Training Manager with the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Keyport in Keyport, Washington.

Thanks for joining me in the ID Lounge today! Sharing is caring, and we appreciate your sharing this episode with others.

Check out the master's degree in instructional design and technology at Southern Nazarene University. This 100% online master’s degree program helps you gain valuable skills to develop and deliver engaging and effective learning experiences. You will be prepared to meet the unique needs of today’s learning and training environments.

Today we talk with Jason Stasyszen about his bivocational career combining his calling to pastoral ministry and his new role as an instructional designer! At first glance, these two roles seem very different, but Jason shares just how interconnected they are.

Thanks for joining me in the ID Lounge today! Sharing is caring, and we appreciate your sharing this episode with others.

Thanks for joining me today in the ID Lounge. I'm your host Dr. Lynn Lease and today I am talking with Jessica Tracy. Jessica transitioned from high school teacher to instructional designer. She recently graduated from the instructional design and technology master's degree program at Southern Nazarene University. Jessica landed an amazing instructional design job with Serco, designing learning and training products for military clients. Jessica is a designer and trainer, a lifelong learner, speaker, and problem solver, and she's a good friend of mine. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the conversation!

Check out the master's degree option in instructional design and technology at Southern Nazarene University. This 100% online master’s degree program helps you gain valuable skills to develop and deliver engaging and effective learning experiences. You will be prepared to meet the unique needs of today’s learning and training environments.

Welcome to The ID Lounge, where instructional designers are welcome! I’m your host Dr. Lynn Lease, and I invite you to grab your coffee and join us as we chat about all things instructional design and technology. Whether you're a seasoned pro, new to the ID gig, or just starting to explore the field, this is your go-to spot for all things ID. This podcast is sponsored by the Center for Learning and Innovation at Southern Nazarene University. We're here to inspire, innovate, and caffeinate your ID journey. Let’s go!