Creating Engaging Learning Experiences

eLearning • Instructional Design • Multimedia • Social Media

 

Around The Track Again: A Runner’s Tale

A showcase of my storytelling experience with DS106.

 

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Biography

 

I am an instructional designer based out of Grand Rapids, MI where I work at X-Rite Pantone, a leader in color technology. I began at X-Rite by growing their eLearning platform to more than 50,000 customers worldwide. I am now the Global Technical Marketing and Sales Engagement Manager, focusing on new and innovative ways of educating X-Rite’s customers on products and services.

I have a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Communications from Western Michigan University and I’m finishing my Master of Arts at the University of Colorado Denver in Information & Learning Technologies, with a focus on instructional design and adult learning.

This site is a place for me to share my academic and professional work. I’m extremely passionate about multimedia and making learning interactive. As an instructional designer, I spend a lot of time exploring new skills and staying up to date on industry trends through my personal learning networks such as Reddit (r/InstructionalDesign).  When I’m not designing learning experiences I enjoy photography and building computers. Feel free to connect with me on social!

Philosophy

ENGAGE THE LEARNER
If I’m not interested in the content I’m creating, then the leaner won’t be either. I use tools such as software simulations, games, and quizzes to help reinforce content. I find visuals and interactivity far more effective than plain text.


DESIGN FOR UNDERSTANDING
I’ve developed content for learners of all skill levels, from the production floor to management. When writing scripts, It’s important to empathize with my audience and keep content clear and concise so anyone can understand it.


MEASURE RESULTS
I never consider a course 100% complete; I always continue to evaluate quiz results and survey feedback to make any needed course improvements. If learners keep missing the same questions, then either the question or the content needs to be adjusted. It learners aren’t completing a course, it’s important to understand why.

Skills

Adobe Creative Cloud

Adobe Creative Cloud

After Effects, Audition, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and Premiere.

eLearning

eLearning

Well-versed in creating software simulations and adding interactivity. Expertise in Adobe Captivate.

Web

Web

Basic knowledge of HTML5 and CSS. Experience working with databases and PHP. IT background working with Window Server and administering WordPress and Moodle (LMS).

Technology

Technology

Comfortable exploring and learning new tools. Industry experience developing training around brand new software and hardware solutions.

Technical Marketing

Technical Marketing

Sales guides, manuals, quick start guides, white papers, and webinars.

Social Media

Social Media

Analytics, marketing strategy, and technical support.

Experience

Global Technical Marketing & Sales Engagement Manager

July 2018 – Present | Grand Rapids, MI

  • Manage global onboarding sales program for training new associates.
  • Produce marketing videos focused on acquiring new customers.
  • Organize and facilitate sales and educational customer webinars.
  • Write sales guides and white papers for new products and technical topics.

Project Leader / Color Services Analyst

February 2011 – July 2018 | Grand Rapids, MI

  • Supported the launch of Moodle-based eLearning site and grew it to more than 50,000 customers worldwide.
  • Worked with subject matter experts to develop and produce training for new products and services.
  • Ensured technical execution of service offerings including device measurements, on demand print production, and portal administration.
  • Developed educational content for social media channels.

Printing Internship

– | Tucson, AZ

  • Worked in all departments of a print shop including digital, graphics/prepress, pressroom, estimating, & business.
  • Performed preflighting and prepress functions including typesetting, layout, and color separations.
  • Worked on a six-color Heidelberg Speedmaster SM 74 press.

IT Support Specialist & Lab Assistant

– | Kalamazoo, M

  • IT Support Specialist for the College of Arts & Sciences:
    • Assisted instructors with the use of classroom technology.
    • Maintained and developed the College of Arts & Sciences Technology website.
    • Created and maintained instructor wikis containing student resources.
  • Office/Lab Assistant for the Department of Chemical & Paper Engineering:
    • Designed a new brochure for the Graphics & Printing Science program aimed at recruiting prospective students.
    • Created fliers and posters for events and instructional purposes.
    • Assisted students with projects in computer lab and print lab. 

My Work

  • Design
  • eLearning
  • Multimedia
  • Websites
  • Writing

Professional Reflections

Mapping Out Your Flow

October 12, 2018

Mapping Out Your Flow

When building a new eLearning course it’s important to map out the flow of the course before getting too far into development. This allows you to understand what the navigational experience will be like for your learners and can help determine whether there are any ...
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Journey Map – Learning Solution

July 5, 2018

Journey Map – Learning Solution

When developing a learning solution, understanding the end goal and objectives are critical components. The following journey map lays out the journey for a potential food education program.
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Redesigned Course Homepage

June 22, 2018

Redesigned Course Homepage

In this exercise, I took this boring eLearning course home page and livened it up to make it more interesting. I used Photoshop to create my layout along with free photos from Pexels (great resource). Since this is a redesigned homepage, I removed 99% of text since I thou...
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Resources

These are sites I find useful and think you will too!

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