Blog - Training design

Can we use scenarios to teach concepts?

“You can’t just throw people into an activity without first teaching them the concepts.” Yes, we can. Check out this simple example. Learn more.

Action mapping book now available

Dig deep into action mapping and activity design with my new book, and find out the lessons I learned while writing it. Learn more.

How to get everyone to write like Ernest Hemingway

Text in elearning should be concise and lively. But what does “concise and lively” actually look like? Use a simple readability formula to make sure you’re writing in the best style. Learn more.

How to respond to requests for one course for everyone

How to respond to “Make one course for everyone”

Your client wants “one course for everyone.” You know this means “one generic info dump that everyone will forget.” How can you steer the project in the right direction? Learn more.

How to really involve learners

Create a stream of self-contained activities, let people pull information as they need it, slowly increase the challenge with scaffolding, and be a hero. All in one blog post. Learn more.

What’s the real cost of eye candy?

“We need eye candy!” But at what cost? If we spend too much time on images, we don’t have time to create challenging activities. Will people really reject a text-only activity? Learn more.

5 ways to become an L&D hero

“I vow to become a hero to my learners and clients. I’ll save the world from boring training!” How can we achieve this resolution? Here are five steps you can take now. Learn more.

7 ways to make dialog sound natural in your training scenario

Do your scenario characters sound like robots? Try these 7 powerful tips to write natural dialog and give your characters some character. Learn more.

Elearning scenario example: Chainsaw training!

Your new client wants you to design training for chainsaw users. But what does he really need? And could I possibly be serious about this scenario? Learn more.