What are the most important resources for Digital Learning professionals?

Listen to podcasts like "The EdSurge Podcast," "The eLearning Coach," or "The Learning Innovations Podcast" for insights, interviews, and discussions on digital learning.

I've found podcasts extremely useful and insightful. The challenge is finding the right people with the time to act and implement ideas. Technology moves so fast, it is difficult to know which path to take. Taking small decisive steps in delivery; swapping a PowerPoint for an immersive VR experience, for example, might be the change that can open other opportunities that you never knew existed.

Digital Learning professionals must stay updated with the latest trends and techniques through online resources like blogs and podcasts. These resources provide a wealth of knowledge, spark new ideas, and offer solutions to common challenges. Engaging with online communities, attending webinars, and enrolling in continuous professional development courses are also valuable resources that complement the dynamic and rapidly evolving nature of Digital Learning.

One of the best uses for listening to Podcasts in my experience is while exercising. It seems as though my brain is focused and the movement of the body helps the concentration process to flow better. After listening, I do go back to it at the end of the day for writing down insights and seeing how they fit in my reality. I recommend these 2: The eLearning Coach Podcast: Interviews with experts in the e-learning and instructional design field & The EdSurge Podcast: Explores the intersection of technology, education, and the future of learning.

- Online Courses and Platforms: Utilize platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning for diverse courses in digital learning. - Professional Associations: Join groups like the eLearning Guild for networking and staying updated on industry trends. - Blogs and Websites: Follow key blogs such as eLearning Industry and EdSurge for the latest insights in digital learning. - Webinars and Conferences: Participate in webinars by industry experts and attend conferences like DevLearn for firsthand knowledge on emerging trends. - Educational Technology Tools: Stay current with tools such as VR, AR, and eLearning authoring platforms to create innovative learning experiences

When it comes to enrolling in a course, choose a format that works best for you. If you prefer to learn with a live instructor and other attendees, cohort-based learning is best. Look into Maven as a more modern alternative to Coursera, Udemy, and Skillshare. However, if your personality and availability are better suited for individual, self-paced learning, look for online courses you can enroll in and complete on your own schedule. You can find many self-paced courses on a platform like Gumroad. Alternatively, individual creators and businesses will make their self-paced courses accessible through their websites.

Enrolling in courses helps to add to your value and credibility. It also allows potential recruiters to know your familiarity with a subject.

Digital Learning professionals rely on courses and webinars for structured, comprehensive learning. These platforms offer flexibility, deep specialized subject delvement, and community networking. Platforms like Coursera, edX, Udemy, and Skillshare democratize education, making it accessible worldwide. It's crucial to choose courses that align with career goals and personal learning styles, while considering practical application of knowledge.

I would highly recommend joining some short courses or tutorials where you can identify the subjects you are passionate about and the skills you need to improve. Many providers, such as Coursera and Reed Courses, offer introductory courses that are free and accessible to anyone who wishes to start their career in digital learning.

I enjoy going into the Online Learning Platforms that are the most popular out here and looking for all the course range they offer. These platforms offer a wide range of online courses and specializations in digital learning, instructional design, e-learning technologies, and related areas, and they often offer extremely practical examples of theories, easy for one to evaluate for one's own professional perspective. I recommend: Coursera, edX and Udacity.

I couldn't agree more with the value of online communities and forums for Digital Learning professionals. These platforms provide an informal yet enriching environment where we can not only find answers and solutions but also build meaningful connections with like-minded individuals who share our passion. It's in these more laid-back interactions that we often form lasting friendships and collaborations, making the learning journey even more enjoyable and fulfilling. The opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and personal growth within these communities are truly invaluable.

As an Articulate user, it would be remiss of me to not give a shout out to the E-Learning Heroes community. As a forum hosted by Articulate, it obviously is a fantastic resource for collaboration, discussion, and support related to Articulate 360 products. BUT! It is also an incredible community of learning design professionals striving to develop and grow together. You can find low-tech templates for ppt or excel, fun challenges and prompts to build your skills and portfolio, and also forums to discuss the latest digital learning trends or tackle a tough topic with other perspectives. I can't recommend it enough!

Online communities and forums are crucial for Digital Learning professionals as they provide a platform for exchanging innovative ideas, solutions, and best practices. Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Reddit, and Slack host diverse communities catering to various interests and specializations. These forums enable meaningful discussions, peer reviews, and industry updates. The collective intelligence within these communities often leads to the discovery of new tools, methodologies, and career opportunities. Active participation fosters a shared learning culture and helps advance the field.

Digital Learning professionals can stay informed by subscribing to newsletters and magazines, engaging with professional communities, attending industry events, and taking online courses. Podcasts, video channels, blogs, research journals, vendor resources, book publications, analytics tools, and government and educational institution publications offer valuable insights and perspectives on eLearning. These resources help professionals blend practical knowledge with theoretical understanding, ensuring they have a comprehensive skill set for their field. By following these resources, professionals can stay updated on the latest digital learning tools and techniques.

Digital Learning professionals use online tools and templates to create immersive and interactive digital learning experiences. Platforms like Articulate, Adobe, Canva, and Google are recognized, but their creative and strategic use is crucial. Professionals infuse templates with innovation to meet the unique educational landscape, creating courses, modules, and assessments that are not only informative but also captivating and user-friendly. The ability to adapt to rapidly evolving technology is the most significant resource in the field, as it sets proficient professionals apart. This mindset of adaptive creativity is what truly sets them apart in the digital age.

Staying current in the rapidly changing digital learning landscape is crucial. Online resources like webinars, forums, and online communities offer real-time insights and collaborative learning. Podcasts and curated video content cater to modern professionals' lifestyles. Incorporating diverse and multimedia resources enriches the learning experience and mirrors the multifaceted nature of digital education. It's essential to broaden our horizons beyond traditional formats and embrace the full spectrum of digital learning resources available.

Sometimes, it's the simplest, most overlooked resources - the peripherals - that can be the most important. You may have an impressive set of VR headsets capable of allowing immersive learning experiences, but they are not much good if you don't have batteries for the handsets. And you may have 360-cameras to record content, but recording becomes rather difficult when you run out of SD cards.

The best way to learn is to roll up your sleeves and create your own digital learning course. Everyone has a skill they can educate others on. Consider some skills or experience you've accrued that others would be interested in learning. Then create several videos, templates/worksheets, and a written guide to help teach the topic. Finally, package it all up within an online education platform such as Podia, Teachable, or Thinkific. From there, you can choose to make your course free or charge a fee. Don't overthink your first course. As long as you focus on teaching one topic and making it as engaging and educational as you can, you will learn so much from the experience!