read the blog

If you are a parent of a young child right now, then you probably know all about Bluey. There was a recent episode of Bluey called “The Sign” (be prepared to cry if you haven’t watched it, yet). I won’t give away all of the amazing pieces of the episode, but the main premise of […]

Teacher at Heart

read the blog

Yes, I’m aware at how dramatic that sounds. While I would never change anything about going through the process, I learned quite a lot. And it has honestly taken me just over a year to really see all of the different areas this process impacted my life. Getting a doctoral degree is traumatic to your […]

The Trauma of a Doctoral Degree

read the blog

One of my goals this year is to read 42 books. It is a lofty goal, but after meeting my goal of 36 books last year, I knew I could do it. How do I do it, you ask? Well, apparently I became one of those people who reads multiple books at a time. A […]

What I’m Reading Wednesday – January 17

read the blog

A Quick Story I have no phonemic awareness. Zero. I have no idea what letters are supposed to sound like in words. I can’t sound out words. In fact, I was saying ‘Hermione’ from Harry Potter wrong for years before I met someone else who read the books and said her name correctly. I’m not […]

They Should Already Know How to Do That

frustrated student sitting in front of their computer
A stack of books covering a variety of topics with a coffee cup on top that says "Boss lady."

read the blog

I have been thinking a lot lately about burn out, but perhaps not in the sense we are used to hearing. Yes, we are all burnt out. But, the term “burn out” has become one of those educational buzz words thrown around with solutions of meditation, go for a walk, talk to a colleague or […]

Moving from Reactive to Proactive Burn Out for Instructional Designers

read the blog

This past Friday, I was honored with the University of Michigan-Dearborn’s 2023 College of Education, Health, and Human Services Alumnus of the Year award. This award honors a graduate of the College of Education, Health, and Human Services who has shown outstanding professional accomplishments in their field, and demonstrated public service, and leadership. I was […]

CEHHS Alumnus of the Year

read the blog

Whenever I lack knowledge in a certain area, my instinct is to find ways to learn. It is one of the main characteristics of a lifelong learner that I embody. I love learning from other experts and furthering my knowledge to be a better instructional designer and professor and have a better mindset. So, it […]

I am IDLance Certified!

read the blog

Whenever I think of reflection, I visualize a Disney movie scene where the main character has this major breakthrough. They stare at themselves in a body of water, a mirror, or some other reflective object. And then, all of a sudden, everything makes sense. As a facilitator and professor, I often use reflection in my […]

Making Things Clear Through Reflection

read the blog

It is always interesting bringing the perspective as an instructional designer, a professor, and a student to online learning. It has led me to a love/hate relationship with discussion boards. As an instructional designer, I recognize the need to incorporate student-to-student interactions to help build an online community of learners. As a professor, I witness […]

Not Another Discussion Board

read the blog

In Season 3 of “Be an Instructional Design Rockstar,” I have the unique opportunity to chat with other online learning professionals. This season is all about learning from each other. The goal for this season is to inspire, empower, and connect within the online learning field. Episode 3.6 of “Be an Instructional Design Rockstar” Interview […]

Interview with Sam Gist

I consistently share my thoughts, knowledge and updates on all things career growth, industry changes, tips and tricks, etc. It's content you don't want to miss!

Free knowledge and nuggets of gold in your inbox!

subscribe to our blog!

Subscribe

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Listen Today

THE PODCAST

Be An Instructional Design Rockstar!

Instructional design, best practices, cool tech tools, and interviews with experts in the field.


LISTEN ON YOUR PREFERRED APP