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Become an IDOL 86: IDOL Success Story with Michael Shackleton

Guest: Michael Shackleton

This episode of the Become an IDOL podcast features Michael Shackleton, an instructional designer who transitioned into the field after 14 years of teaching. Michael shares his journey of discovering instructional design, enrolling in the IDOL Academy, and building his portfolio and skills. He discusses his application process, interviews he went through, and how he landed his first job as a learning content designer at a large company in Manchester. Michael offers advice to others looking to make a career change, emphasizing the importance of being yourself, accepting feedback, and pursuing your passions.

Listen to this episode below: 

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Enjoy the Episode Transcript below:   

 

Robin Sargent 
Welcome to Become an IDOL. I'm Dr. Robin Sargent, owner of IDOL courses. This is the place...

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Perfection Paralysis

 Many people strive to be perfect. Social norms push people to have this belief that we are less than if everything isn't perfect. Trying to reach perfection can be paralyzing, and most of the time, we do nothing.

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:

  1. Primarily the Inability to start
  2. Fear of putting your work...
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How to Use Any Technology

 Here’s something funny: 6 months ago, when I enrolled with the IDOL courses Academy, I didn’t know what HTML was. It’s funny, because, looking back, I still can’t believe how little I knew about technology. 

Two months later, I didn’t only fill that gaping hole about HTML, but I was copying CSS and Javascript codes to modify things on my website and add special functions to my Storyboard course. 

In two short, but very busy months, I built two websites with Google Sites, created videos with Powtoon, Camtasia, Biteable, and Vyond and I developed interactive courses with Genial.ly, Rise, and Storyline. None of which I had known much about before. I had not even heard of Canva, Visme, or Snagit either, yet I was now effortlessly designing images for my assets.

I am not here to boast. My point is that if I could do that, anyone can and I am happy to share some tips.

 

FIND SOME TIME

I think the best way to learn any tech is to find...

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Bookmark This! 5 Useful Websites for New Instructional Designers & e-Learning Developers

Six months ago, I took a bit of a career pivot and entered the world of Instructional Design and e-Learning. As a newbie, the industry seemed vast and at times overwhelming. Almost every day, I had some form of information overload. There was much to learn and many resources to learn from. 

My ID world has gotten smaller and smaller with each passing week. Often times, blogs, podcasts, and YouTube pages are suggested by Instructional Designers again and again. It's hard to find information that starts at the most basic level - 100% green. As a newbie, it’s helpful to have a few go-to resources that are simple, user-friendly and easy to navigate.

When I came across a website that I knew would be a resource to me, I bookmarked that bad boy immediately! Around month three, I ran out of bookmark space and started a Word Doc that was ALWAYS open for my go-to websites. Don’t worry, I won’t list them all.

Here is a list of my 5 Useful Websites for New...

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