Community Discussion - Beyond the Badge: DevLearn 2023 Wrap Up with guest Rebecca Prejean

In this episode, Danielle Wallace, Chief Learning Strategist of Beyond the Sky Custom Learning, shares her perspective on the practical application of AI in L&D. We chatted about the evolving use of AI in L&D, the importance of staying updated with AI advancements, and practical tips for integrating AI into learning experiences. We also touched on the potential pitfalls of AI-generated training content and the need for L&D professionals to adapt and utilize AI effectively. Danielle also shared her vision of AI in 2024, which included a cautious approach towards AI-generated training content, and a call for L&D professionals to come together to create effective learning solutions using AI.

Today, we're thrilled to have the extraordinary Rebecca Prejean joining us. Rebecca is a seasoned freelance instructional designer with over 12 years of experience. And not just an ID and learning strategist but also a passionate advocate for neurodivergent learners, helping companies create accessible and inclusive learning experiences. In this episode, Rebecca shares her insights from the recent DevLearn 2023 conference. She talks about her personal experiences as an introvert navigating a major industry event, the evolving role of AI in learning, and the importance of accessibility in instructional design AND in conference programming. Rebecca's unique perspective on learning for neurodivergent individuals and her observations on the future of technology in education are both enlightening and inspiring. So give this one a listen, join us for an L&D journey to Las Vegas with the brilliant Rebecca Prejean!

Today, we're excited to have Leigh Ann Morgan joining us in a new Member Showcase - her second as a TLDC Member. Leigh Ann is a dynamic, "wear many hats" instructional design professional, bringing a unique blend of expertise from her diverse backgrounds in nutrition, dietetics, and cosmetology. She's not only an educator at heart but also a visual design aficionado, specializing in creating compelling infographics and eLearning content. In today's episode, Leigh Ann will share her journey from teaching nutrition to becoming a master in instructional design. We'll dive into her passion for visual design in eLearning, explore the power of infographics, and get insights into her approach to data visualization. Leigh Ann will also enlighten us on the importance of peer learning and how she fosters a collaborative learning environment in her current role. So, buckle up for an insightful conversation filled with lots of takeaways, whether you're an instructional design professional or just love the art of teaching and learning.

You know, there are some people you feel you've known forever, even if it's only been a short while. Cyndi Nagel is one of those for me. Her vibrant presence in the community and her consistently insightful contributions to TLDC conversations have always stood out. Today, I'm thrilled to share our one-on-one chat. Dive into Cyndi's captivating story and take away some solid advice. Trust me, after this episode, you'll want her in your network. So, let's get started and discover more about the remarkable Cyndi Nagel.

I was surprised to see that the last time we'd spoken to Vanessa Alzate was back in 2019. Back then, I knew Vanessa more as a freelancer and Youtuber, doing things differently than what's typical in L&D. And now in 2023, Vanessa has a booming L&D Agency with a fantastic team, AND also recently acquired Kirkpatrick Partners, whose Founder, Don Kirkpatrick, was the creator of The Kirkpatrick Model, the most recognized and widely used training evaluation model in the world. Join us to catch up with Vanessa - a lot has gone on in the last four years, and it was so great to see Vanessa as ambitious as ever.

I feel like the Founders of IDLance, Parker Grant and Andrea Dottling, have many similar approaches to how they nurture their community as I do here with TLDC. And it's probably why I enjoy talking with them so much. Just one look at their website at idlance.com gives you a sense of their witty and informal approach. And also how focused they are on helping instructional designers on the freelance journey. Often times, modern "communities" are simply vehicles for marketing or product revenue streams. But as with TLDC and IDLance, our communities are about building and helping others. Learn more about Parker and Andrea in this episode, and if you're a freelancer or thinking about being one, check out IDLance. Their community could be right for you.

With over 30 years experience in L&D, and 20 years of that focused on distance learning, Chris Paxton McMillin is the perfect modern day instructional designer. There isn't much she hasn't seen in this industry, and she's at a point where sharing her knowledge is how she wants to give back. Chris has shared a few times with TLDC before, and I encourage you to connect with her when you can; your network will be better off for it. Give this episode a listen and learn more about Chris's journey and where she's headed. More than likely you'll be seeing more of Chris, including at AIDC23, TLDC's Accessible and Inclusive Design Conference.

The Spamming of Certification. Sounds like a big problem, right? Absolutely. But there's a tremendous opportunity for L&D here and we were lucky enough to have Bobbi Losee Vernon in this TLDCast to break down this concept and help us understand why this is such an important topic. As the gatekeeper to knowledge in the workplace, its important for Learning & Development professionals to stay abreast of different types of credentials, the role of psychometrics in designing assessments, and the significance of certifications in the workforce. It's important to be aware of trends in this space and integrating them into your practice, recognizing it not only impacts new hires' training but existing employees' on-the-job learning as well. And there is A LOT of information out there to learn and stay on top of. Bobbi does a great job of shining a light on it, but it's up to all of us to take that awareness and turn it in to action. This all just scratches the surface, but listen to the episode - you won't regret it.

Theresa Francomacaro is always wonderful to talk with. She's had a few guest appearances on TLDC in the past, and like those episodes, Theresa again offers valuable advice to instructional designers and L&D professionals. Think Story is important to your career? Definitely. Is Story important to your learners, your SMEs, and your stakeholders? The answer is yes. And Theresa is someone that has made a living exploring stories and can help you refine your own. Theresa even stayed on the interview with me for another 30+ minutes after we stopped recording to help me explore my own story with TLDC. It was a tremendously valuable and thought provoking experience, and I recommend reaching out to her at WhyStoryWorks.com if you're interested in any of the services she offers.

What an honor it was to talk to Terry Godfrey in our latest Showcase episode. Terry's been an L&D professional for over thirty years and has been a trainer in diverse sectors such as chemicals, distribution, bio-diesel fuels, natural gas, and fertilizers. So needless to say, he's seen a lot. And interestingly, he mentioned he nearly canceled our showcase because he felt some impostor syndrome about coming on. I can tell you, not only was Terry probably over qualified to be on a TLDCast, he was one of the most delightful guests I've had a chance to speak to in the history of this series. Terry was just great. If you'd like to hear from a long time L&D veteran that still loves going to work every day, this is an episode for you. And be sure to connect with Terry; he's definitely someone that could enhance your network.