A Million Little Ways

May 2022

My new role as a Learning and Instructional Designer is great.  I am doing while acclimating, expanding what I know about project management, working with SMEs and connecting learning to data.  But it is a season of change and life is scattered ('controlled chaos' is the term I believe). As a result, my reading/listening has turned to more funsie books such as The Maid by Nita Prose and Run Rose Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson. Both are excellent! I am reading the hard copy of The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien, but only get a few pages in each night before falling asleep.

Professional reading has taken a back seat for the moment, but I still continue to purchase L&D books that sound interesting (why do I do that to myself?). The stacks around the house continue to grow and the books are there to be read when I'm mentally ready.

I still love to listen to Podcasts, especially because listening fits the kid-chauffer life I currently lead.  I listen to professional ones (the eLearning coach) and unprofessional ones (Dateline). Two additional podcasts that help me filter and focus life are: The Next Right Thing by Emily P Freeman and Lazy Genius with Kendra Adachi.  

Emily P Freeman has a strong but soft approach to life and her writing his clear. In her latest podcast episode, she mentions her early book A Million Little Ways. It is about living the life you are supposed to live.  Appealing! I ordered it (of course, right?! Ha).

A new job!

March 2022

My kids started new grades at new schools in August after a year of pandemic-induced virtual learning. As I watched them go after big goals this Fall, I thought "You are doing great. It's my turn now!"  I start my new role as a Learning Designer in April.  More to come! Meanwhile, I added new books to my reading list.  I have only glanced through them so far, but already:

• In The First 90 Days, I noticed a list of actions to avoid when transitioning into a new role (applicable to many situations) such as setting unrealistic expectations and attempting to do too much too fast. This aligns with my leadership studies in my undergraduate program.

• In Using Social Media in the Classroom, I immediately noticed a chart correlating possible social media tools and their corresponding educational purposes. It is so helpful!

May edit:

The Inclusive Design for a Digital World has been a go-to source. I have not read from cover to cover but used to skim and get ideas. And - finally - I have found a clearly written description of the various types of color blindness, as well as the how and why to design for these types. Worth the purchase!

Strategic Education

December 2021

Why did I wait so long to read this book? It is basically a handbook for ensuring the education given will provide the desired results and support the original goal.  I do have a business mind as well as a heart for wanting to do a job that matters, so I am in love with the idea that education can save time and resources AND contribute to what matters most in each situation. 

Application: I was called into an interdisciplinary group that is tasked with providing an education plan to address both knowledge and behavior gaps. With Moore on my side, I have asked repeatedly, what is the goal? What is the measurable goal? How will we know that the goal(s) have been met?

This task force and plan will span the next year. I am thankful to have Map It as a resource. 

Application

October 2021

These books were added to my library in the last 3 months. Dr. Luke Hobson reminded me in his book What I wish I knew before becoming an Instructional Designer that it does little good to read instructional tips without application. Oof! An obvious statement when developing learning, but easy to forget when learning in your own life. I appreciated the imaginary slap in the head. 

2022 Goal: less buying of books, more applying new knowledge.

Inspiration from unlikely places

September 2021

At a recent work event, I sat next to one of our organization's volunteers. We engaged in small talk and I learned that she was an adjunct professor at a local university.  I am passionate about continuing education - I would be a permanent student if given the choice - so I was curious about what classes she teaches.  We discussed her social justice class, the different levels of students and her experiences with teaching before, during and after (or whatever you call our current state) the pandemic. It was a delightful morning!

She recommended reading The Impossible Will Take a While by Paul Loeb.  I am excited to get started!