When I starting writing this blog, I posted ' Why I like doing what I do '. Every other juncture in my life, I continue to reflect on why I like doing what I do and surprising my list only grows longer. Understanding the inner workings for the learner I think the importance of learner analysis is understated. There is so much we can learn by talking to the people we are designing the training for. The more obvious results are training needs, but what interests me more is the psyche of the learner. The management knew that they wanted training on time management. was in for a pleasant surprise. MORE >>

How can an ID add value to an ILT? ILT requires as much instructional design as an eLearning does. Even if PPT is the backbone of your presentation, an ID can do a lot. Make sure the course is real. Give your slides character: You can do this using a template or interface for your presentation. Define a theme for your ILT. Think of adjectives (vibrant, cool, fun, strong) that help define the character of your ILT. Visual Look and Feel : Use placeholders for images. Rather than screens than look flat, introduce elements that give more depth to your slides. Avoid too much text. Hello! MORE >>

The first few minutes of any interaction is crucial because the people involved are all judging what they are experiencing. This is true for face to face interaction, the first few pages of a book or movie, a phone conversation, and so on. First impressions. Have you ever picked up a novel and found it difficult to complete it? Have you sat in class and starting doodling or passing notes because you couldn't care less what the lecturer had to say? Have you formed an opinion to not like a movie just by looking at its trailer? First impressions. In learning also, first impressions are crucial. MORE >>

Is professionalism going extinct? The more I interact with people outside my organization, the more I realize that professionalism is becoming the thing of the past. For those of you who are professional, the following list may seem very obvious. But, trust me, the people who are not need to read this: 1) It is not OK to take credit for another person's work. Whether you are a vendor, a senior, a junior, a stakeholder, SME, client, you have no right to take away credit from hard work done. Always give credit where it's due. If you see good work/manners/attitude, appreciate it openly. MORE >>

I know I have already blogged about how most people outside the industry frown on eLearning. am ready to crib about something else now. :) Why do people think instructional design is easy? Case 1: Acquaintance (who happens to be a software engineer): So, what do you do? Me: I am an instructional design. design learning programs for corporates. Acquaintance: Really? am usually free during weekends, give me some work. would like to do something. Me: Yeah ok. Thinking to myself: Do you know that you need to learn how to do my work? You think you can master this task over the weekend? Read it. MORE >>