Instructional design is an ever-evolving field that requires practitioners to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. As new tools and resources emerge, instructional designers need to have access to the most current information to create effective learning experiences. In this article, we'll explore some of the best tools and resources available for staying up-to-date on the latest instructional design trends and technologies. ESSENTIAL TOOLS AND RESOURCES FOR INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNERS 1. Online Communities and Forums It's crucial to participate in online forums and communities where you can upgrade your skills. These platforms can offer a plethora of knowledge, tools, and networking opportunities that can help you become recognized as an authority in your profession and develop connections with potential customers. The eLearning Industry is a well-known online community that gives instructional designers access to forums, seminars, and articles about … [Read more...] about How Instructional Designers Can Stay Up-to-date With the Latest Trends and Technologies
Instructional Design and ELearning
How to Price Your Services as a Freelance Instructional Designer
Freelance instructional designers are often faced with the challenge of pricing their services effectively. While it may be tempting to undercharge to attract clients, this can lead to burnout, dissatisfaction, and ultimately, a lack of sustainability in your business. On the other hand, overcharging may result in difficulty attracting clients, creating tension with existing clients, and ultimately, limiting the growth of your business. Pricing your services correctly is a crucial part of building a successful freelance instructional design business. It involves not only determining your worth as a designer but also taking into account market trends, industry standards, and client expectations. Ultimately, the goal is to strike a balance between fair compensation for your work and reasonable prices for your clients. In this article, we will explore some effective strategies for pricing your services as a freelance instructional designer. We will delve into the various factors … [Read more...] about How to Price Your Services as a Freelance Instructional Designer
How to Negotiate Contracts as a Freelance Instructional Designer
As a freelance instructional designer, negotiating contracts with clients is an important part of running your business. Negotiations can be challenging, especially if you are new to freelancing or have little experience negotiating contracts. In this article, we'll explore some tips and strategies for negotiating contracts with clients as freelance instructional designers. Before you go over the guidelines, you first need to assess a few things like how much it takes to bridge gaps in your knowledge about what you intend to teach, how much time you can commit to projects, and do you have a convenient workspace to effectively carry out your responsibilities as an instructional designer. GUIDELINES IN NEGOTIATING A CONTRACT 1. Know Your Value The first step in negotiating contracts with clients is to know your value. You need to clearly understand the services you offer, your expertise, and your market value. Conduct market research to understand the going rates for … [Read more...] about How to Negotiate Contracts as a Freelance Instructional Designer
Blended learning methods: Combining eLearning with other approaches
Since its inception, back in the 1990s, eLearning has changed the shape of how we teach and learn. Not only has it become one of the most embraced learning modalities; but it has also increased learning engagement, improved knowledge retention and transference, and enhanced L&D team effectiveness. However, eLearning, as a stand-alone learning intervention, isn’t ideal for all learning needs. Often, a blend of learning approaches, together with eLearning, is a more effective learning solution. What is Blended Learning Often, you’ll hear the terms “blended learning” and “hybrid learning” used interchangeably. While this substituted use is “technically” understandable, there is a difference – they are different (though somewhat similar) learning modalities. Hybrid learning allows learners to attend their courses in person, while also enabling them to learn remotely via eLearning. So, if a learner does not wish to participate in today’s lecture in person, he/she may stay at home, … [Read more...] about Blended learning methods: Combining eLearning with other approaches
Top 11 eLearning Trends To Be On the Lookout For In 2023
The eLearning market has grown exponentially over the last few years. Many new skills emerged over time and many companies realized the importance of providing quality training to employees. With new technologies, companies are looking for ways to improve and modernize their training courses. Let’s look at the top 11 promising eLearning trends in 2023. 1. Hybrid Training and Blended Learning Blended learning is a hybrid approach to training, where on-demand learning and instructor-led teaching are fused together into a coherent and unified training strategy. Using the blended model requires a fine balance between traditional instructor-led teaching, autonomous self-study, and eLearning. There are many benefits to using this fusion of teaching approaches, the most important of which is that it adds flexibility to corporate training. However, blended learning only works if organizations get the mix of the “blend” right. Relying too heavily on online, self-study content could … [Read more...] about Top 11 eLearning Trends To Be On the Lookout For In 2023
A Complete Guide to Nano Learning: What it is, when, and how it’s used – and more
When learners initially immerse themselves in lengthy, 25 to 30-minute (or longer!), learning experiences, it’s unsurprising that significant chunks of the knowledge won’t “sink in”. That’s how our brain works – it absorbs only part of the information provided at first, especially if the content is new to the learner. That’s where Nano learning helps. Because it comprises of small, highly focused, chunked-down learning content, learners retain more of what they’re exposed to compared to traditional eLearning content. Profile of a Nano “Module” Because they are self-contained learning content (“modules”) in and by themselves, Nano learning typically embodies all the characteristics of their lengthier peers. In fact, Nano learning achieves what longer-formatted content seeks to accomplish – but in many compressed durations. The following main characteristics profile Nano learning: To be clear, readers mustn’t construe these characteristics of Nano learning as painting a … [Read more...] about A Complete Guide to Nano Learning: What it is, when, and how it’s used – and more
