Sign up here to get Friday Finds in your inbox every Friday
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
― Margaret Mead
I’m looking forward to speaking at the Central Ohio ATD Annual Conference on September 12th! If you’re in or around Central Ohio, consider this your official invitation to join us. Not only will you get to hang out with me, but you’ll also have the chance to mingle with the brilliant Megan Torrance, the innovative Nick Floro, and a fantastic group of smart, fun-loving L&D professionals. It promises to be a day of insightful conversations and memorable moments. Hope to see you there!
Thanks for reading!
🎶 What I’m Listening To
This is another new discovery for me. Del Water Gap is “where soulful melodies meet poetic introspection.”
👆 Last Week’s Most Clicked
10 Ways an Instructional Designer Can Get in Trouble or Fired by Using ChatGPT or AI
📰 News & Notes
Cognitive Load Theory: Research you really need to understand
The “Cognitive Load Theory” explains how our brain processes and retains information, emphasizing that it can handle limited new data at once. Overburdening can impede learning, but with practice, recalling from long-term memory becomes easier. The theory, backed by numerous studies, advocates for clear teaching guidance and introduces techniques like the ‘worked example effect’ and ‘expertise reversal effect’.
🎯 Take away: Cognitive Load Theory underscores the importance of understanding the brain’s capacity limitations for effective teaching, emphasizing explicit instruction and practice for optimal learning.
From Brain to Business: Crafting Content That Captivates and Converts
In this webinar “From Brain to Business: Crafting Content that Captivates and Converts,” Dr. Carmen Simon, shares the neuroscience behind effective content. Drawing from her recent studies, she presents a practical 10-point checklist that aids in crafting content that not only stands out but also drives results. The session emphasizes the importance of creating memorable messages that capture sustained attention, reduce cognitive fatigue, and enhance trust and motivation.
Short on tie? Download the 1-pager on 10 science-backed principles to create content that captures attention, builds trust, and motivates action.
🎯 Take away: Crafting compelling content requires an understanding of neuroscience principles to ensure messages are memorable, trustworthy, and motivate action.
The Accessible & Inclusive Design Conference 2023 Recordings
The Accessible & Inclusive Design Conference 2023 (AIDC23) has wrapped and the recordings are posted. You’ll find a series of talks and panels focusing on the importance of accessibility, inclusivity, and equity in design and learning. Topics range from the power of inclusive quality standards, strategies for making in-person training and e-learning content more accessible, to the role of AI in the L&D domain with an emphasis on accessibility. Speakers such as Bela Gaytán, Gwen Navarrete Klapperich, and Cynthia Donahue share insights, actionable strategies, and best practices to foster a more inclusive environment.
🎯 Take away: These AIDC23 talks emphasize the transformative power of inclusive design and accessibility in reshaping learning and development experiences for all.
Visit and subscribe to the Neovation Learning Hub for free resources that cover all aspects of L&D, including eLearning development, instructional design, learning analytics, and other L&D superpowers in an approachable way!
Get smarter in 5 minutes with Morning Brew (it’s free)
There’s a reason over 4 million people start their day with Morning Brew – the daily email that delivers the latest news from Wall Street to Silicon Valley. Business news doesn’t have to be boring…make your mornings more enjoyable, for free.
Check it out!
🧰 Tech Tools & Tips
If tools are your jam, check out my new Work Smarter newsletter.
What is Airtable? And why you should stop using spreadsheets as databases
You could compare data in a spreadsheet, but databases are much more powerful and far less easy to mess up. Here’s how to use Airtable as your database.
zapier.com/blog/what-is-airtable
The best video chats are spontaneous.
Free video meetings for up to 12 people. No login. No software. Just do it.
This user-friendly guide offers a simple checklist of the key questions you should ask potential learning partners, plus tips for what to listen for to evaluate fit. Vet for key traits such as strategic capabilities, innovation, operational excellence, and values alignment. Download for free »
🎧 Podcast
This is the conversation that caught my ear this week. Check out previous episodes in the Friday Finds podcast playlist.
The Curious Advantage Podcast
Calum Chase, best-selling author, and AI expert and adviser, specializing in the future of AI and its impacts on our societies and economies talks about the future impacts of Artificial Intelligence and how it will affect the future of work, health, and economic sectors.
sponsored
Elevate Your Learning Experiences with Holly Owens
Join an inspiring session with renowned eLearning expert Holly Owens on “Creating Engaging Learning Experiences with iSpring Learn LMS.” Discover how iSpring Learn empowers you to craft personalized journeys with interactive content, adaptable pathways, and accessibility features.
Start creating more impactful and inclusive experiences. Reserve your spot now!
🧳 Where’s Mike?
- Central Ohio ATD Annual Conference, Sept 12, Columbus, Ohio
- CUNA Learning Live , October 16 San Antonio
If you or your event needs a speaker or workshop that is highly interactive and super practical we should talk.
Like this post? Share it with someone you love. Don’t like it? Share it with someone you don’t!
Friday Finds is an independent publication that I produce in my free time. You can support my work by sharing it with the world, booking an advertising spot, or by buying me a coffee.
Mike Taylor 