You're aiming to lead in Digital Learning. How can you position yourself as a thought leader in the industry?

One thing I have found helpful over the years is to continue to cultivate new resources and network members. When you have a strong network, you have many voices to gain new perspective from and to add knowledge and experience too conversations. You Also have many ears ready to listen and engage back in constructive conversations from many experienced and diverse view points. Those connections and engagement with those connections can be personally enriching and professionally rewarding!

To position yourself as a thought leader in Digital Learning, you can follow these steps: 1. Share Knowledge: Write articles, blogs, or videos about trends and best practices in digital learning. 2. Network: Connect with other professionals in the field through social media, webinars, and conferences. 3. Stay Updated: Keep learning about new tools, technologies, and methods in digital education. 4. Speak at Events: Offer to give talks or presentations at industry events to share your insights. 5. Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments and questions on your content to build relationships with others in the field. 6. Develop Unique Ideas: Share innovative concepts or solutions that can improve digital learning experiences.

To become a Digital Learning thought leader, consistently create and share valuable content across platforms. Engage on social media and at industry events, offering unique insights on trends. Collaborate with experts, stay updated, and contribute to publications. Develop courses and a strong personal brand. Network strategically, leverage research, and engage with the community through mentoring and forums. Host webinars, write for industry blogs, and join panel discussions. Showcase successful case studies. Offer consulting services to organizations to improve their digital learning strategies. By demonstrating expertise and providing value, you'll establish yourself as a respected voice, driving innovation in digital education.

I engage often in employer networking events and on occasion host my own showcasing the amazing partnerships we have with employers.

Engagement should be regular and substantiative. When engaging with a digital audience we want to post thought-provoking questions that add to the body of knowledge. We want to share our personal experiences as we would in a classroom. Real world examples really stay with students. We should be sparking constructive dialogue among forum members while allowing the participants to share experiences, resources, and strategies, enriching the conversation. We also share our narratives, as we are doing here, so we can inspire others to engage thoughtfully and build a supportive network of professionals.

I currently post on social media platform and work with our communications team to post thought or reflective pieces highlighting the amazing opportunities we create for our students. I need to explore podcasts

Creativity is a must. Microlectures, interactive case studies, podcasts, videos...we must be innovative. Long gone are the days of discussion boards and PowerPoint presentations. Learning should be interesting and fun, especially in asynchronous environments.

As a college instructor, if I'm not creating valuable content that meets the needs of students, then I am not doing my job. I view the way I create and structure online and hybrid classes as a way to create meaningful content for students. This content can build relationships through engagement and encourage student learning.

Develop a content calendar to consistently publish blogs, podcasts, or videos. Focus on current trends, practical tips, and case studies. Tools like WordPress for blogging and YouTube for videos can help you reach a wider audience. I started a blog where I regularly publish articles on digital learning strategies and tools. My post on integrating gamification into online courses gained significant traction, leading to invitations to write guest posts on prominent educational websites. Additionally, I launched a YouTube channel with tutorial videos, which helped me reach a broader audience and establish myself as an authority in the field.

We have to innovate and test what works and what doesn't. I recently had my students use AI to create menus, analyze recipes and create images that can be used in the industry.

To innovate constantly in Digital Learning, embrace a mindset of continuous experimentation and learning. Stay attuned to emerging technologies and pedagogical approaches. Regularly explore new tools, platforms, and methodologies. Engage with diverse perspectives by collaborating across disciplines. Encourage feedback from learners and peers, using it to refine your approaches. Analyze data to identify trends and areas for improvement. Challenge assumptions and be willing to pivot quickly. Attend conferences and workshops to stay current. Create a personal learning network of forward-thinking educators. Set aside time for creative thinking and brainstorming. Be open to failure as a learning opportunity.

Digital innovation we embrace. I’m looking to collaborate further with industry recognised vendors to map certification into our T level curriculum similar to what we offer in apprenticeships

It may seem too obvious - but to be a thought leader you must lead thought in the field. This implies mastery of the digital, learning, and business concepts essential to effective digital learning. It also requires a solid understanding of assessment, statistics, and discipline knowledge. Determine where you need to be narrow and deep as well as wide and moderate depth in knowledge, skills, and techniques. Obviously, research, trial-and-error, collaboration, and continuous knowledge/skill currency are critical. Naturally, this also implies passion to do the work. Always keep your hand in the process - carefully delegate, but never abdicate in the process.

Dedicate time to research and experiment with new digital tools and teaching methods. Join beta programs of emerging edtech platforms and integrate successful innovations into your practice. Share your findings and results through webinars and articles. While working at a university, I piloted a project using virtual reality (VR) for immersive learning experiences. I collaborated with a tech company to develop a VR module for a history course, allowing students to explore ancient civilizations virtually. The success of this project was shared at a conference, and it sparked interest in further VR applications, reinforcing my position as an innovator in digital learning.

Identify key events and communities in digital learning and actively participate. Use LinkedIn to connect with thought leaders and engage in meaningful conversations. Follow up with contacts and seek opportunities for collaboration and joint ventures. I attended the annual EdTech conference and made a point to network strategically by attending workshops and networking events. I connected with industry leaders and followed up with personalized LinkedIn messages. One connection led to a collaborative research project, which resulted in a co-authored paper that was published in a reputable journal, expanding my professional network and credibility.

The world, to some extent, still operates in the boundaries of "it's who you know." To be successful, you must network. Having taught in nursing for years, I know nurses working in every state and in several countries. Forming relationships at conferences can lead to research partners or your next job. Be open. Say hello. Be brave and speak to people you do not know. Be intentional. It just may pay off in the long run.

As a digital learning professional, you must be a lifelong learner. Stay updated with the latest research, read widely within and outside your field, and take courses that enhance your skills. This ongoing education not only enriches your expertise but also fuels your ability to innovate and share fresh insights. Your dedication to learning demonstrates to your audience that you are committed to growth and are a reliable source for the latest knowledge in digital learning.

Enroll in relevant courses on platforms like Coursera or edX to stay updated. Read industry journals and attend webinars. Set aside dedicated time each week for professional development and share your learnings with your network. I regularly enroll in online courses to stay updated with the latest in digital learning. For instance, I completed a certification in Learning Experience Design from Coursera. This not only enhanced my skills but also provided fresh insights that I applied to my work. Sharing my learning journey on social media inspired others to pursue continuous education, further establishing my commitment to growth.

It is ok to fail. Your first failure is just a stepping-stone on your way to success. Try something new. If it does not work, that is ok! Take risks! Just try something different the next time. We all fail from time to time. The impact of digital technologies has created learning curves for all of us. If you are afraid of AI, just give it a try. Play with it. It is a wonderful tool. Teach you students how to use it appropriately, then you do not have to worry about them using it to cheat. Be a leader in tech learning; be a risk taker; share how you failed so the rest of us can learn!