Instructional Design

February 7, 2016

Why Instructional Designers Need To View Knowledge As A New Natural Resource

Instructional Designers are in the “Knowledge” business the same way railroads are in the “Transportation” business. Your topmost goal is knowledge. And knowledge is the newest natural resource.

by Alex Terego

February 3, 2016

The Attribution Theory In eLearning: Types, Dimensions And Stages

The Attribution Theory relies heavily on cause and effect, motivation, and human behavior. In this article, I'll explore how these 3 elements combine to create a potent eLearning mix by highlighting the types, dimensions, and key stages that the Attribution Theory can applied in eLearning.

by Christopher Pappas

February 1, 2016

5 Instructional Design Trends That Shaped Our Adult Learning Universe: Reflections From Obsidian Learning

As learning professionals, we often think of the types of learning that best fit different learning styles. One of these is reflective learning. Reflective learning is a way of allowing students to step back from their learning experience, reflect on it, think critically about it, and improve their future performance. So, at the crossroads between the years, I started reflecting on the lessons I learned in 2015, the experiences I had, and the wishes and expectations I have for 2016. On a personal level, I like doing a “year in review”. It gives me perspective and helps me set my goals. Why not professionally as well, then? So, what trends influenced our adult learning universe in 2015?

by Monica Savage

January 29, 2016

8 Important Characteristics Of Baby Boomers eLearning Professionals Should Know

Baby Boomers make up an ever-increasing percentage of your audience, but what really makes them tick? In this article, I’ll highlight the key traits of learners born between 1946 and 1964, so that you can personalize their eLearning experiences.

by Christopher Pappas

January 24, 2016

5 Tips To Create Multi-Sensory eLearning Courses

Transform your eLearning course into a visual, auditory, and tactile feast for the senses. In this article, I'll share 5 tips that can help you design multi-sensory eLearning experiences for your audience.

by Christopher Pappas

January 23, 2016

Transfection (Trans- +[In]Fection) As Teaching: What Molecular Biology Has In Common With eLearning

What is the relationship between eLearning and transfection? Unlike social media, eLearning is more controlled, which prevents it from “going viral”; however, it can be transfected to a learner. Focus on Instructional Design marks an edu-tectonic shift to course content, delivery, and design in an effort to make the most lasting effect on learners. Ideal Instructional Design combines content, context, and personalized material in educational learning payloads.

by Carrie Bailey

January 21, 2016

Why Does Instructional Design Matter?

Instructional Design is pedagogy; a learning and teaching endeavor; and like all learning and teaching it works best if all participants understand its aim. It works even better if all participants “buy-in” to those aims. And “buy-in” is best achieved by involving the participants in setting the aims.

by Alex Terego

January 20, 2016

2016 Instructional Design Trends Compass: Experiences, Ecosystems, Evaluations. Oh My!

Instructional designers and learning & development (L&D) professionals of all levels—this article is for you. SweetRush Senior Instructional Designer Shauna Vaughan is back with a look at three of this year’s biggest trends, and once again, specific advice and resources for you to explore each of them further. Read on for Shauna’s thoughts on how L&D will take a strategic leap forward by focusing on experiences, ecosystems, and evaluation.

by Shauna LeBlanc Vaughan

January 15, 2016

7 Tips To Engage And Inspire Modern Learners In eLearning

Modern learners can adeptly navigate the virtual landscape. They are on-the-go, and demand that their eLearning go along with them. But how can you design an eLearning course that keeps up with the ever-evolving needs of modern learners? In this article, I’ll show you not only how to instruct the tech-savvy learners of today, but also how to inspire and engage them.

by Christopher Pappas

January 8, 2016

5 Key Skills You Need For Your First Instructional Design Project

In this article I’ll tell you how to side-step the fluff that’s included in most Instructional Design courses, so you can focus on things that you really need to know in order to master an Instructional Design project.

by Huzefa Johar

January 4, 2016

5 Tips For Using Connectivism In eLearning

Siemens’ Connectivism Learning Theory suggests that online peer networks, such as social media sites and online forums, play a vital role in eLearning experiences. They allow learners to learn from social interaction and collaboration, and by benefiting from the personal experience and diverse opinions of their peers. In this article, I’ll offer 5 tips on how to use connectivism in your next eLearning course.

by Christopher Pappas

December 22, 2015

5 Tips To Improve Your Instructional Design Skills In 30 Days

As the saying goes: “Knowledge is power”. But you have to develop the necessary skill set to use that power effectively. In this article, I'll share 5 tips that can help you improve your Instructional Design skills within 30 days.

by Christopher Pappas