The Accidental Instructional Designer, 2nd Edition: Learning Design for the Digital Age

by Cammy Bean

Overview

Go From Accidental to Intentional

Filled with insights and tips, this updated edition of The Accidental Instructional Designer, by e-learning veteran Cammy Bean, covers nearly every aspect of the learning design process for those getting started or even for the experienced practitioner in need of new ideas.

Many trainers and instructional designers fall into the talent development profession by accident, often having been tasked by their organization to train others on a subject they are expert in. Whether they’re good at explaining technical concepts or have a way with PowerPoint, they have often have little to no formal education in instructional design. Many are looking for grounding in the core principles of instructional design so that they can design effective and engaging digital learning experiences.

Cammy explores instructional design basics such as working with subject matter experts, picking a design approach, and making your learning experiences better through storytelling, interactivity, and visuals. In this second edition, she goes deeper into the learning and development space (where instructional design happens at organizations), learning tools, the technology ecosystem, and assessment and evaluation frameworks. Along the way, you'll hear from a few other accidental instructional designers, get ideas for your own projects, and find resources and references to take your own practice to the next level.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781953946591
Publisher:	Association for Talent Development
Publication date:	04/25/2023
Pages:	288
Sales rank:	382,165
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Cammy Bean accidentally became an instructional designer in 1996 and has since collaborated with hundreds of organizations to design and deliver training programs. She’s worked at small startups, mid-sized training companies, boutique e-learning shops, and as a freelance instructional designer. An English and German studies major in college, Cammy found an affinity for writing and making complex ideas and concepts clear to an audience. In 2009, she helped start up US operations for Kineo, a global provider of learning solutions. Originally the VP of learning design for Kineo, Cammy is currently a senior solutions consultant. In this role she leads the North American sales team, supports clients through the initial discovery process, and manages custom client accounts to help organizations meet their strategic business objectives through better learning solutions. She’s into hiking, kayaking, trail running, swimming, the occasional triathlon, cooking, eating, reading, and photography. She’s also been a potter, a licensed massage therapist, a quilter, and more. Cammy lives in Massachusetts with her husband, Jon, and their three teenagers.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction: Once Upon a Time

Part I

Chapter 1. The Basics of Instructional Design

Chapter 2. On Learning Pie

Chapter 3. Why Design Matters

Part II

Chapter 4. Tools, Technology, and Platforms, Oh My!

Chapter 5. Working With Subject Matter Experts

Chapter 6. What’s Your Design Approach?

Chapter 7. Mixing It Up: Effect Blends and Marketing Strategies

Chapter 8. Finding Your Hook

Chapter 9. Interactivity That Counts

Chapter 10. Writing Better Learning Content

Chapter 11. It’s All in the Story

Chapter 12. Looking Good: On Visual Design

Chapter 13. Got Impact? Assessment and Evaluation

Part III

Chapter 14. Taking It Forward

My Favorite Resources

Discussion Guide

Selected Bibliography

Index

About the Author

About ATD

Editorial Reviews

Cammy Bean captures the essence of modern instructional design in this updated edition. Rich with stories, best practices, and guidance for anyone interested in the field, this volume will help you build an intentional instructional design practice.”

—Connie Malamed, Founder, Mastering Instructional Design

“The Accidental Instructional Designer speaks to the too often forgotten L&D professional—the subject matter experts who transitioned into instructional design. The book acknowledges the expertise these individuals bring to the table and supplements it with practical guidance upon which a successful L&D career can be built.”

—David Kelly, CEO, The Learning Guild

“If you find yourself ‘accidently’ designing instruction for a government, for-profit, or nonprofit organization, the first thing you need to do, after catching your breath, is  grab The Accidental Instructional Designer. This book will save you hours and hours of effort, frustration, and false starts. Read it cover to cover, dog-ear pages, underline passages, and make notes in the margins. It offers a practical, no-nonsense approach to the design, development, and delivery of instruction for anyone who didn't meticulously plan a career in instructional design.”

—Karl M. Kapp, Professor of Instructional Design and Technology, Bloomsburg University

From the Publisher