Instructional Design

Applying learning theory and design strategies to meet specific performance goals through the creation of instructional materials and formal learning experiences.





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  • Debunking L&D Myths: What DevLearn Attendees Want to Change in 2026

    Debunking L&D Myths: What DevLearn Attendees Want to Change in 2026

    At DevLearn, we asked attendees what L&D myths they’re ready to leave behind in 2026. Their answers reveal an industry eager to challenge assumptions and rethink how learning really works.  Learning isn’t easy to create  One of the most direct misconceptions attendees called out is the idea that creating learning is simple. There’s often a perception that anyone can quickly put together a course or training and call it effective, but in reality, impactful learning design requires intention, expertise, and a deep understanding of the audience.  Learning is more than slides and handouts  One attendee challenged the notion that learning is synonymous with PowerPoints or static handouts. While those tools still have their place, modern learning…

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  • Uncover Hidden Flaws: Red Teaming Your Training Plans

    Uncover Hidden Flaws: Red Teaming Your Training Plans

    Discover the transformative power of red teaming in training and development. A technique aimed at overcoming cognitive biases and groupthink, red teaming provides a systematic approach to challenge assumptions and improve strategic planning. This session will introduce you to the principles of red teaming and demonstrate how to apply them to your training plans. Learn to identify and address potential weaknesses, challenge assumptions, and enhance decision-making processes. Through a series of scenarios, we will provide diverse perspectives, challenge existing plans, and identify potential risks and weaknesses, as well as areas needing improvement. Join us to explore how red teaming fosters…

  • Virtual Training in 2026 & Beyond

    Virtual Training in 2026 & Beyond

    It’s been 5 years since most organizations abruptly moved all their training programs online. Virtual training is still a viable learning solution, and in many situations it’s the best option. At the same time, it’s a good idea to step back and consider if your strategy is still meeting organizational needs, achieving desired results, and will be sustainable for the future. This interactive session provides 5 specific questions that every organization should ask related to its learning strategy going into 2026. These questions will help you examine your current offerings to help you determine which programs should remain virtual, and…

  • Capes Optional: The Superpowers L&D is Dreaming About

    Capes Optional: The Superpowers L&D is Dreaming About

    At DevLearn 2025 we asked attendees: If you could have one L&D superpower what would it be? Their answers weren’t about flashy technology or unlimited budgets, but instead they pointed to where learning professionals feel friction, and what they believe would make the greatest difference in their work.  Strategic clarity and influence  Many attendees wished for the ability to quickly define strategy and, just as importantly, see their ideas fully implemented within their organizations. This reflects a common challenge: learning and performance improvement professionals often know what should be done but struggle with alignment, time constraints, and stakeholder buy-in. The real superpower they’re seeking isn’t just strategy, it’s influence and execution power.  Deeper impact  Another…

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  • Welcome, but Disconnected: When Onboarding Misses the Mark on Belonging

    Welcome, but Disconnected: When Onboarding Misses the Mark on Belonging

    Belonging, not bureaucracy, must become the new metric of success.

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  • Urgent Patience, Part 2: Disarming Resistance & Sustaining Change

    Urgent Patience, Part 2: Disarming Resistance & Sustaining Change

    Construct a narrative around your change initiatives. When stories of success outnumber stories of failure, cynicism loses its audience.

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  • How Position-Based Microlearning Aligns Learning with Workflow

    How Position-Based Microlearning Aligns Learning with Workflow

    A position-based approach notes that what we learn and how we learn it vary by role, experience level, environment, and context.

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  • Future-Proof Your Career: The L&D Strategic Roadmap for AI Readiness 

    Future-Proof Your Career: The L&D Strategic Roadmap for AI Readiness 

    This article outlines a strategic roadmap for L&D professionals to navigate the rise of artificial intelligence by proactively adapting their skills and pivoting into adjacent, integrated, or specialized AI roles to ensure long-term career resilience.

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  • Microlearning is a Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing

    Microlearning is a Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing

    Although microlearning and workflow learning are key members of the learning and job performance ecosystem, they aren’t the same.

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  • 5 Tips to Supercharge Your Microlearning

    5 Tips to Supercharge Your Microlearning

    Effective use of microlearning can lead to real behavior change on the job. But figuring out how to successfully build it can be tricky.  To help you dive into this important topic, we’ve asked our Micro- & Workflow Learning Online Conference speakers to share their top tips:  Want more valuable advice from these experienced pros? Attend the Micro- & Workflow Learning Online Conference on February 11 & 12, 2026. 

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