Peer Review: Make It Work For Everyone
I have used peer review in all kinds of professional contexts, from teaching in higher education to my work consulting with clients on instructional design projects now. My many experiences with peer review have included teaching others how to use it, as well as giving and receiving peer review from others. From these experiences, I have learned that peer review can be a rewarding experience for all involved, but only if it is practiced with the intention and care it deserves. These are my tips for effective peer review for everyone.
Tip #1: Peer Reviewers Are Expert Reviewers
Peer review is the process of peers giving structured, focused feedback on in-progress work. In this context,...
First Time Using Storyline?
Then, the Storyline for IDOLS® course came out and let me tell you! It was like the heavens were shining light on my self-doubt. It came equipped with several modules and a practice file. It was just what I needed to relieve my stress. And earning a...
Diving In to the ID Culture
I felt like a clumsy, awkward teenager trying to learn a new dance, a new style, and even a new language. I was attempting to blend in with a new culture, but in looking around, realized how much I still needed to learn before I could become a genuine part of this IDOL culture.
It was not long before I discovered...
Working Full Time and Managing the IDOL courses Academy
My goal is to share the lessons I learned during the 8-week cohort and how I managed my time while working a full-time job along with several side jobs and a family. It’s not a one size fits all approach by any means.
- Prioritize your time and figure out your WHY.
I knew when I signed up for the IDOL courses Academy, the 8-week cohort would fly by quickly. But I didn’t realize how much I needed to prioritize my time in the Academy. My schedule was already jammed packed before I started the cohort, and trying to figure out how to fit it all in was a challenge.
I needed to focus on WHY I joined the ...
Perfection Paralysis
Do you know what perfection paralysis is?
A defense mechanism. It protects you from being seen as less than or not seen as entirely perfect. Feelings are complex, and perfectionism paralysis could be similar to the fear of rejection. Don't expect to win the first prize trophy the first time you do something. Practice doesn't make you perfect. Practice makes you better. Better than you were the first day you started. The work you produce the first year you are an instructional designer will probably be a little embarrassing the fifth year in your career (keep a copy to compare). This is called growth, and it's the best part of life.
Perfectionism paralysis comes in many forms for instructional designers:
- Primarily the Inability to start
- Fear of putting your work...
Spill The Tax Tea To New ID Contractors & Freelancers
Currently, it’s Tax Season 2021. During this time of the year, some are ecstatic to anticipate a nice tax refund, while others dread paying a balance due to the IRS. Nonetheless, most people will prepare and file their annual income tax returns by the traditional due date of April 15. However, if you are new to instructional design (ID) and you are an independent contractor or freelancer, there are several important things you must consider when filing your income tax this year. Let me “spill some tax tea'' to you.
As previously shared on this Become an IDOL podcast, during my transitional period of becoming an IDOL, I worked as a tax professional for one of the major tax prep companies (and I still do as a side hustle...shhhhh!). When I filed my tax return recently, even with the increased earned income thanks to my current ID contractual job I gained...
Am I Doing This Right?: IDOL Lessons Learned
Starting IDOL courses Academy was the best decision I made to start my career transition journey. But it has not been the most of smooth ride for me. Working full time, parenting full time, and squeezing in the IDOL coursework is not...
The Importance of Accountability Groups & Peer Review
Accountability is the glue that bonds commitment with results. ~ Will Craig
Starting out in instructional design a person may feel overwhelmed and lost. But there are secret weapons you can employ to help you reach your goal: Accountability Groups & Peer Review.
I was part of the the IDOL courses Academy's 4th cohort (June 2020). While I received lots of support and encouragement from the IDOL courses community and my peers, I would have not made much progress without my IDOL accountability group. They were divinely-sent as we all journeyed together to become IDOLs. They became a part of my success and I was to theirs. Even now, we still remain in contact with each other regularly.
So, I want to share four benefits I’ve gained from being a part of an accountability group in the IDOL courses Academy:
1. Similar Starting Point - My IDOL accountability group consists of myself and four other ladies from different parts of the country. We all had little to no...
Soft Skills: Important to an Instructional Designer
Soft skills, which can also be called emotional intelligence (EQ), are important to instructional designers because even though we may feel as though we are in a silo, we actually work with various people across different departments. Instructional designers are constantly collaborating, giving or getting feedback, checking in with stakeholders, and communicating a message. This means a level of comfort and skill is required when interacting and working with others.
Here are my top 3 soft skills important to the instructional designer role.
Empathy
One reason why educators make great instructional designers is because they are empathic. In fact, the first step an educator takes when teaching a class is to fully understand where their students are. An instructional designer is not any different. Knowing where the learners are starting from and understanding their...
Surprises During My First ID Job
Of course every job, company, and person will have a different experience. But I will share my own experience so you can get a glimpse into what you might expect in your job from my perspective. For more experiences, check out Gretchen Johanson’s blog post Lessons Learned During My First Big ID Project or check out the IDOL series: Diary of a New IDOL by Kristi and Veronica.
Some things I expected or assumed going into my first Instructional Design job. However, some things surprised me.
The Top 3 Things that Surprised Me:
1. You might be the only instructional designer on your team....
