In this episode, Holly Owens and Josephine Coco discuss the journey into the field of instructional design and technology. Josephine shares her personal story of returning to education later in life, the challenges she faced, and the importance of mentorship and networking in the industry.

They explore the value of pursuing a master's degree, the realities of freelancing, and the transition back to higher education. The conversation also covers practical advice for job seekers, including the importance of asking questions during interviews and maintaining confidence throughout the job search process.

Episode Takeaways

• The pandemic highlighted the need for instructional design in education.
• Networking is crucial in the learning and development field.
• Freelancing can be challenging but offers valuable experience.
• It's important to find a mentor who understands your journey.
• Job descriptions can vary greatly; read them carefully.
• Confidence and authenticity are key during interviews.
• Don't overwhelm yourself with job applications; take breaks.
• Utilize free resources and community support in your career.
• Believe in yourself and embrace the journey of learning.

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This fabulous episode is sponsored by Touro University's Graduate School of Technology. Go check out their MS in Instructional Design and Technology and learn how you can earn a scholarship today - https://gst.touro.edu/academics/instructional-technology/index.php

In this episode of EdUp Learning and Development, Holly Owens interviews Isaac Herskowitz, the Dean of the Graduate School of Technology at Touro University. Isaac shares his journey from working at IBM to becoming the Dean and highlights the importance of practical education in the field of instructional technology.

The Graduate School of Technology at Touro University stands out for its practical approach to teaching and its focus on preparing students for real-world careers in instructional design and distance learning. The program emphasizes the booming field of instructional technology and the strong support it provides to students beyond the classroom.

The conversation highlights the various job opportunities and career paths available in the field of instructional technology. It emphasizes the importance of connecting classroom learning to real-world applications and industry-level tools. The conversation also mentions the need for technologists in the K-12 and corporate sectors, as well as the role of instructional technology graduates in corporate training.

The conversation concludes with advice for individuals considering a degree in instructional technology, emphasizing the value of credentials and the student-centered approach of the program.

This fabulous episode is sponsored by Touro University's GST - go check out their website for more information on how you can acquire a scholarship when enrolling in their masters degree program in Instructional Technology.

Some might ask... What is L&D?

In this episode, hosts Holly Owens and Nadia Johnson discuss their experiences and expertise in the field of learning and development (L&D). They share their personal journeys from teaching to instructional design and highlight the transferable skills that teachers possess. The hosts emphasize the importance of creativity and dynamic approaches in education and discuss the evolution of instructional design. They define learning and development as a broad field that encompasses various roles and jobs aimed at helping people learn and develop in different contexts, including K-12, corporate, and higher education.

Learning and development (L&D) is a broad and evolving field that encompasses the development of learners in any setting and at any age. It is not limited to the corporate space or linked solely to employee goals or performance. L&D can be inclusive and applicable across different organizations and sectors. The definition of L&D varies across organizations, and it is important to align on how it is defined within a specific context. The future of L&D involves automation and adaptive learning, where processes are automated and learning experiences adapt to individual learners.

Tune in now to gain more valuable insights about L&D!

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@HollyOwens and @DaNadia Johnson, MSIDT

The tables have turned and our host, Holly Owens is being interviewed about her experience as an Instructional Designer and her love for teaching by guest host, Shriti Panda, Digital Marketing Specialist at Touro.

In this episode, Holly discusses her journey from being a high school teacher to working in higher education and corporate instructional design. She teaches courses on designing online instruction and emphasizes the importance of applying theories and knowledge in real-world projects. Holly incorporates her practical experience as an instructional designer into her teaching methods by sharing real-world challenges and successes.

She highlights the support and flexibility offered by the instructional design program and the focus on industry-standard tools and trends. Holly's transition from a practitioner to an educator is driven by her desire to give back and share her experiences.

She emphasizes the importance of understanding where one wants to be in instructional design and developing transferable skills. Holly incorporates technology and digital tools into her curriculum and measures student success through feedback and post-graduation support.

Episode Takeaways

• Instructional design involves applying theories and knowledge in real-world projects.
• Sharing real-world challenges and successes enhances the learning experience.
• Understanding where one wants to be in the field of instructional design is crucial.
• Developing transferable skills and updating professional materials are important for a career in instructional design.
• Incorporating technology and digital tools into the curriculum helps students become proficient in utilizing them effectively.
• Measuring student success through feedback and post-graduation support is essential.

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This fabulous episode is sponsored by Touro University's Graduate School of Technology.

Do you want to learn more about the ITP program at Touro AND how to earn a scholarship? Check out their informational page.

Summary

In this episode, Holly Owens covers navigating the learning and development job market, emphasizing networking, authentic connections, and the skills needed for success as an instructional designer. She advises job seekers to be selective and find their niche. Holly also compares instructional design in corporate vs. educational settings, noting differences in innovation pace and audience.

She offers guidance on the value of a master's degree or certificate, suggests relevant programs, and shares job search strategies, including showcasing freelance work, negotiating salary, and maintaining mental well-being.

Resources Mentioned:

• Curated ID Resources for Transitioning Roles
• Luke Hobson's Instructional Design Institute
• Tim Slade's eLearning Designer's Academy
• Robin Sargetnt's IDOL Courses Academy

Payam Bina, the chair of the instructional technology program at Touro University, discusses the unique offerings of the program and its focus on integrating technology into educational and corporate settings. The program emphasizes small class sizes, strong teacher-student relationships, and hands-on experience. It prepares students for the evolving demands of the technology and education sectors, including the use of artificial intelligence. The program also offers scholarships and financial support to help students pursue their education. Payam advises students to stay curious, open-minded, and passionate about the impact of technology on education.

takeaways

• The instructional technology program at Touro University focuses on integrating technology into educational and corporate settings.
• The program offers small class sizes and strong teacher-student relationships.
• Students gain hands-on experience and practical skills that prepare them for the evolving demands of the technology and education sectors.
• The program emphasizes the use of artificial intelligence and incorporates the latest advancements in educational technology.
• Touro University offers scholarships and financial support to help students pursue their education.
• Students are advised to stay curious, open-minded, and passionate about the impact of technology on education.

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This amazing episode was sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠iSpring Solutions ⁠⁠⁠

Go check out all their products ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and use the code HOLLY-OWENS-SUITE for 10% off your purchase.

Summary

In this episode of EdUp Learning and Development, host Holly Owens and Nadia Johnson interview Nicole L'Etoile, the founder and CEO of L'Etoile Education, about accessibility in learning management systems (LMS). Nicole shares her journey from being a classroom teacher to becoming a business owner and consultant in the field of L&D. She emphasizes the importance of creating a proactive culture of accessibility in organizations and provides practical tips for incorporating accessibility into LMS design. Nicole also discusses common misconceptions about accessibility and recommends resources such as WebAIM and LinkedIn for further learning.

Takeaways

• Create a proactive culture of accessibility in organizations by incorporating accessibility into the design of learning management systems (LMS).

• Start with the basics of accessibility, such as color contrast, headings, and alt text, and gradually incorporate more advanced techniques.

• Consider the barriers that learners may face and strive to create a learning experience that eliminates those barriers.

• Consult resources such as WebAIM, LinkedIn, and the UDL framework by Katie Novak for guidance on accessibility.

• Join communities and engage with thought partners to learn and practice accessibility principles.

Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn!

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This amazing episode was sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠iSpring Solutions ⁠⁠⁠

Go check out all their products ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and use the code HOLLY-OWENS-SUITE for 10% off your purchase.

Summary

In this episode, Holly Owens and Nadia Johnson interview Jean-Claude Brizard, the CEO and President of Digital Promise. They discuss Brizard's journey in education and his role at Digital Promise. They also explore the challenges facing educators today, such as teacher shortages and the need for support and career growth opportunities. Brizard offers advice for teachers who are considering leaving the profession and emphasizes the importance of creating a career ladder in education. The conversation then shifts to Digital Promise and its work in research, technology innovation, and practice. Brizard explains how Digital Promise supports educators and educational institutions in transforming teaching and learning through technology. They also discuss the concept of powerful learning, which encompasses deeper learning, standards-based learning, and the use of technology to enhance learning experiences. The episode concludes with Brizard encouraging educators to join Digital Promise and be part of the collective effort to make education work for all students.

Takeaways

• Educators are leaving the profession due to various challenges, and it is important to provide support and career growth opportunities to retain them.

• Digital Promise is a national center that supports research, technology innovation, and practice in education.

• Technology can transform teaching and learning by providing access to resources, personalizing instruction, and creating engaging learning experiences.

• Powerful learning encompasses deeper learning, standards-based learning, and the use of technology to enhance learning experiences.

• It is crucial to focus on non-academic competencies, such as perseverance and leadership, to prepare students for lifelong success.

This amazing episode was sponsored by ⁠⁠iSpring Solutions ⁠⁠

Go check out all their products ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and use the code HOLLY-OWENS-SUITE for 10% off your purchase.