“Making a difference. . . watching people learn . . . seeing light bulbs go off . . .”

>> by Jane Smith, SIG Manager <<

Greetings SIG Members,

I seem to spend most of my time communicating business news and needs to you, and that's not how I like to operate. Some of you in the SIG are practicing instructional designers, and others of you are curious on-lookers or hopefuls. For those of you who have little experience or knowledge about the field of instructional design, I thought I'd share why I like being an instructional designer.

Many years ago, I was teaching part-time at a local community college and not totally content with my situation. For various reasons, I sought out a career counselor who put together my love of clothing design (I'm an accomplished seamstress of kids' clothes and swimming suits) with my love of teaching to come up with the field of instructional design as a possible good fit for me. I tried it, and it was. Although my road was not always smooth, I have never regretted my decision to become an instructional designer.

First, I love instructional design, because I am never bored. I always have, or create, the opportunity to learn new businesses, new aspects of a business, or new systems as well as new tools, methods, and techniques. In more than 18 years, I have not outgrown this field and have been able to grow successfully in it to meet my needs as well as build new skills, and expand my horizons in so many ways. When I decided to join the forces of independent folks, I found that I had even greater opportunities to choose my directions and skills. How wonderful to have found something that I can grow with, not out of.

Second, I love instructional design for the front-end analysis part. I'm extremely analytical and love to organize almost anything. When I needed to be alone as a mom, I'd organize my sewing projects! But doing the job task analysis and organizing the content into meaningful, job-related bits is extremely satisfying to me. I am learning, sorting, analyzing, and making order out of what might seem like chaos.

Third, I love instructional design because I find it far more creative than writing documentation. Not only do I get to create the most effective, efficient sequence to teach folks, but I also get to make up stories, make business assumptions (I'm usually right), and generally get into another space where left-field scenarios and ideas assist rather than hinder me. Yet I'm so grounded, I never get lost up there.

One drawback of instructional design, especially of e-learning, is that I do my "thing," then give it to a facilitator or burn CDs, and off it goes to Never Never Land. I wonder if it makes a difference, but I rarely get feedback on e-learning courses. Except once. I was on-site to research a new project, and I was interviewing someone who was about to go to another department at her location. When she mentioned the other department, I told her that there were some good training tapes available to help her with her job. She immediately responded, "Yes, and they're great!" Imagine my joy at finding someone who had actually benefited from my work. At this stage in my career, to meet my need to know if my work made a difference I try to connect through giving presentations, workshops, and classes. From those, I know if someone learned something or benefited. Giving back, through these means, completes the circle and brings me in touch with people — people like you who can also go out there, create quality instructional materials, and change lives.

That's what it's about, isn't it? Making a difference . . . watching people learn . . . seeing light bulbs go off . . .

Thanks to all of you who have contributed to the world through our profession! I hope it means as much to you as it does to me. Now, let us hear what instructional design means to you.

With respect and best wishes,

Jane

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