|
"That which we persist in doing becomes easier to do, not that the nature of the thing has changed but that our power to do has increased." — Ralph Waldo Emerson
What a great week it's been in this part of the world! The sun has been the perfect backdrop for cheering from the bleachers at softball games and simply soaking in the outdoors. I'm currently playing a spirited game of dodge-the-bug with whatever little illness is making its rounds through our house. Fingers crossed it decides to pack its bags before finding its way to me! What are you doing more of now that the seasons are shifting?
Thanks for reading!
✨ Share YOUR Best Finds
Find something share-worthy. Drop it here 👇
|
|
|
👆 Last Week’s Most Clicked
SessionLab is a platform that helps users design workshops
🎶 What I’m Listening To
Thievery Corporation is a captivating blend of downtempo electronica and unique global rhythms
|
|
|
sponsored
While many companies invest a great deal of resources in new employee onboarding, they often forget the importance of handling employees’ departure. Whether they’re resigning, retiring, or being let go, it’s essential to ensure a smooth transition that safeguards company knowledge, maintains morale, and protects your HR brand.
Use this simple checklist to deal with employee departures effectively, turning goodbyes into opportunities for growth and positive relationships.
|
|
|
📰 News & Notes
Instructional Design Isn't Dying -- It's Specialising
The Rundown: Dr. Philippa Hardman argues that instructional design is not being replaced by AI but is instead evolving into a more specialized and strategic role.
The Context:
- AI is automating routine tasks like content creation and assessment, freeing instructional designers to focus on higher-level functions.
- The role is shifting towards designing learning experiences that are adaptive, personalized, and aligned with organizational goals.
- Instructional designers are increasingly collaborating with AI tools, acting as orchestrators of learning ecosystems rather than sole content creators.
Why it Matters: As AI continues to transform the learning landscape, instructional designers have the opportunity to redefine their roles, focusing on strategic design and learner engagement. This evolution positions them as critical contributors to effective, AI-enhanced education systems.
|
|
|
Writing With AI for Instructional Design
Rundown: As AI tools like ChatGPT surge in use, instructional designers are navigating new territory — balancing creativity, productivity, and ethics in course design.
The Context:
- AI can rapidly draft outlines, quizzes, and scripts, saving time on repetitive tasks.
- Tools like Grammarly and ChatGPT assist with grammar checks, style, and tone adjustments — and even act as idea sparring partners.
- But there’s a catch: these tools can introduce bias, factual errors, and stifle original thinking if overused.
- The article encourages using AI thoughtfully — as a starting point, not a crutch — and to always verify its outputs.
Why it Matters: AI is reshaping how we work — fast. For instructional designers, it’s both a time-saver and a test of judgment. Leveraging AI smartly can supercharge creativity and productivity, but misuse could dilute the craft. The key? Stay curious, critical, and in control.
|
|
|
Readability: More Than Just Words
The Rundown: Readability isn't just about short sentences and simple words. It's about making content clear, engaging, and accessible to all readers, regardless of their background or abilities.
The Context:
- Traditional readability tools focus on sentence length and word complexity.
- True readability also considers context, relevance, and the reader's experience.
- Personal anecdotes highlight how even well-educated individuals can struggle with dense, academic writing.
Why It Matters: In an age of information overload, clear writing is essential. It's not just about making content easier to read; it's about ensuring that messages are understood and actionable. By focusing on the reader's needs and experiences, writers can create content that resonates and informs.
|
|
|
sponsored
Get knowledge management that you can rely on!
Accessible, searchable knowledge isn’t just a convenience—it’s a strategy. It’s how leading organizations remove barriers, unlock their people’s potential, and stay ahead of the curve.
|
|
|
🧰 Tech Tools & Tips
If tools are your jam, check out my Work Smarter newsletter.
Tubetracker
Stay in the loop with bite-sized YouTube summaries sent straight to your inbox.
|
|
v0 by Vercel
v0 by Vercel turns plain English into production-ready web apps — no coding required.
|
|
|
|
sponsored
How do you design learning experiences that truly stick?
Learning Experience Design (LXD) offers a fresh approach to creating engaging and effective training that boosts retention. In this free masterclass, aNewSpring dives into LXD with Niels Floor, the father of LXD, and shares practical tips to apply to your own courses. You’ll reflect, experiment, and get access to pre-work, exclusive materials, and a certificate to top it off.
📅 May 15, 9–10 AM (ET)
|
|
|
🎧 Podcast of the Week
This is the conversation that caught my ear this week. Check out previous episodes in the Friday Finds podcast playlist.
Why Traditional Training Fails: Learning Science Secrets with Will Thalheimer
Listen in to Will Thalheimer, a leading voice in learning science, to uncover the biggest flaws in traditional corporate training and what actually drives real learning impact.
|
|
|
|
|
|
🧳 Where’s Mike?
If you or your event needs a speaker or workshop that is highly interactive and super practical, we should talk.
|
|
|
Like this newsletter? 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 buying me a coffee.
|
|
|
