In this episode of The Learning + Performance Podcast, I speak with Connie Malamed, a learning experience designer, consultant, author, speaker, and mentor to L&Ders around the world, about how to create interesting and impactful online learning experiences to promote learning and performance.

In our conversation, we discuss a number of topics related to enhancing learning and performance, including:

Myths and misconceptions about eLearning
Why scenario-based e-learning can be so powerful
Connie’s key elements of effective e-learning
Simple visual design principles that anyone can use to design more digestible learning experiences
Common struggles instructional designers and developers face
The importance of evaluation and empathizing with your learners
Several techniques for learning effectively
And more!

About the Guest:

Known as the eLearning coach, Connie has spent over two decades studying and practicing the art and science of designing engaging e-learning and teaching others how to do it too. Her website, The eLearning Coach, shares actionable strategies, practical content, product reviews, and resources to help professionals design, develop, and understand learning, instructional design, and visual design. Connie's authored of two books on visual design, hosts a podcast on e-learning, has a free e-mail course on Breaking into Instructional Design, and runs a membership community, MasteringID, for people wanting to learn and build instructional design skills. Connie has a masters in Instructional Design and Technology from UT-Austin and a BA in Art Education from Penn State. She lives and works in the DC-Baltimore area and enjoys reading about all things learning, design, and the brain.

Connect with Connie:

Website: The eLearning Coach
Consulting Site: www.ConnieMalamed.com
LinkedIn
Twitter/X

Topics, Mentions, References, and Resources:

Connie's Books: https://theelearningcoach.com/my-book/ AND ⁠https://amzn.to/3EMQxDH⁠
Connie's MasteringID Community
Connie's newsletter
Connie's podcast
Connie's big List of ID programs
Assimilation vs. accommodation
Levels of knowledge and understanding: facts, concepts, processes, principles, theories, applications
User experience (UX) design
Myths and misconceptions about eLearning - the brain is a recorder, eLearning needs to be boring, learning is a one-time event
Scenario-based learning and the importance of leveraging imagination, stories, personalization, relevance
Clark Quinn on the importance of having learners make decisions
Importance of empathizing with learners
Key principles of effective online learning - interactivity, discussion/social learning after, follow-up/reinforcement, evaluation and feedback
Visual design for e-learning - the importance of white space, visual hierarchy
Connie on Why less is more in designing learning
Richard Mayer's 12 principles of multimedia design
ID vs. UI/UX vs. LXD
Differences between ID, elearning development, and training
LinkedIn group for freelance IDers
Struggles IDers face - not having a seat at the table, leaders not knowing how people develop skills, not being an order taker
Connie on What to do if you CAN'T speak with your audience
Root cause analysis
Julie Dirksen on the Importance of evaluating AI outputs
Using AI tools in ID - ChatGPT, Grammarly, Feedly
Connie on Agile ID and the importance of developing e-learning prototypes
The importance of incorporating the language of learners
Connie on Talent Stacking
Techniques for more effective learning - spacing learning, learning in short bursts/microlearning, reflection, studying things you care about, elaboration, discussion
Connie on elaboration
Connie's Breaking into ID site and email course: https://breakingintoid.com