I became interested in instructional design before I knew it was something I could actually build a career around. While I was studying education at the University of Houston, a professor mentioned a fully online high school, and I immediately wanted to know how that worked. That curiosity eventually led me to online learning, course development, and a master’s degree in Learning and Technology.
The part of instructional design I enjoy most is figuring things out. If something isn’t working, I want to know why. Is the content confusing? Is the technology getting in the way? Are learners missing information they need? Is there a simpler way to do this?
Sometimes the answer is a course. Sometimes it’s a quick-reference guide, a better process, an accessibility fix, or a resource someone can pull up when they actually need it. I’m much more interested in solving the problem than forcing every problem to become training.
My approach is practical and learner-centered. I believe effective learning should respect people’s time, give them opportunities to apply what they’re learning, and provide support they can actually use when they need it.
My experience includes eLearning, scenario-based learning, digital accessibility, course design and revision, performance support, LMS-based learning, and evaluation. I work with tools including Articulate Storyline 360, Canvas LMS, Cidi Labs, Canva, and Microsoft and Google productivity tools.
I’m bringing that experience into corporate learning and development, but the question I’m most interested in answering hasn’t changed:
What do people need to be able to do, and how can I make it easier for them to do it well?