The Designer

Certificates

Learning Solutions

Development Projects

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  • Instructional Designer
  • Design + Technology
  • Virtually Everywhere
  • #thenerdysidekick

I’m TJ, an accomplished learning and development leader recognized for outstanding andragogy and instructional design capabilities. Armed with a master’s degree in education and having completed 75% of a doctoral program before life’s adventures redirected my path, I discovered my passion: developing e-learning experiences that are anything but ordinary!

 

Throughout my extensive 10+ years of collaborating with adult learners and organizational leaders spanning various industries, I’ve honed my expertise in strategic planning, influencing the adoption of process improvement initiatives, and aligning organizational learning strategies with business goals.

 

Learning should never be a snooze-fest, which is why I inject excitement into each learning opportunity. Say goodbye to monotonous training sessions and hello to captivating journeys! My formula blends creativity, technology, and unwavering commitment to human-centered innovation for compelling learning solutions.

 

I craft innovative e-learning and user experiences tailored to the unique needs and preferences of adult learners.

My Learning and Development Certificates

Articulate Storyline Essential Training, LinkedIn Learning

Fundamentals of Agile Project Management Badge, PMI

Project Management Bootcamp, Gener8tor

Fundamentals of Waterfall Project Management Badge, PMI

Camtasia 2020 Essential Training: The Basics, LinkedIn Learning

Certified in Cybersecurity, ISC2 (in progress)

Creative Cloud Crash Course, LinkedIn Learning

Become a Project Manager, LinkedIn Learning

Remote User Testing with UserTesting.com, LinkedIn Learning

LPI Linux Essentials, A Cloud Guru

Applied Learning 350 Related Workforce Experience Hours, Cybersecurity Workforce Alliance

Cybersecurity SOC Program Bootcamp, Generation USA

Cybersecurity Bootcamp for Women, International Cyber Threat Task Force

Secure Mobile Development, NowSecure Academy

AWS Cloud Practitioner, A Cloud Guru

Learning Solutions

Safety Training for Frontline Leader 

 

Problem: Inadequate Safety Training for Frontline Leaders 


Ineffective Strategies:

  • Generic Safety Training: Relying on generic safety training programs that fail to address the unique challenges and responsibilities of frontline leaders.
  • Lack of Interactivity: Providing passive, text-heavy training materials that do not engage or involve learners effectively.
  • One-Size-Fits-All: Using a uniform approach to training without considering the varying needs and experiences of different frontline leaders.

Solution: Interactive and Customizable Safety Training via Articulate Storyline

Benefits:

  • Customized Content: Tailored for frontline leaders’ unique roles.
  • Interactive Learning: Engages with simulations for active participation and retention.
  • Scalability & Accessibility: Available anywhere with internet access, making it adaptable and flexible.

Project Highlights:

  • Tailored Training Modules: Tailored modules that focus specifically on the safety challenges faced by frontline leaders, ensuring relevance and engagement.
  • Interactive Learning: Real-world simulations that immerse learners in safety situations while promoting better retention and application of knowledge.
  • Responsive Design: Training accessible on various devices for flexible learning.
  • Performance Evaluation: Incorporate knowledge checks to measure the effectiveness of the training and provide actionable insights for continual improvement.

Conclusion: Transition from generic and ineffective training to engaging, personalized safety education for frontline leaders with this Articulate Storyline-driven solution. Enhance safety awareness and decision-making, ultimately improving workplace safety.

Storyline

Explaining High Energy Bills to Customers – Clear Communication Solution 


Problem: Customer Complaints About High Energy Bills


Ineffective Strategies:

  • Generic Responses: Using highly technical explanations that create confusion instead of clarity, and offering unhelpful, standard responses to upset customers can exacerbate their discontent.
  • Insufficient Training: Failing to provide customer service representatives with the necessary information about bill explanations leaves them unprepared to offer assistance. Disregarding customer complaints without addressing their desire for transparency and comprehension.
  • Inadequate Communication Abilities: Neglecting to impart effective communication skills can intensify customer frustration. Holding customers responsible for high bills without providing guidance or educational support.


Solution: Clear and Customer-Focused Communication

 

Benefits:

  • Tailored Content: Customized training addressing energy bills and customer interactions.
  • Interactive Learning: Engaging modules with realistic scenarios for practical experience.
  • Communication Skills: Teaches effective communication techniques to diffuse frustration.
 
Project Highlights:
  • Simplified Explanations: Translated intricate energy billing concepts into straightforward, everyday language that customers can readily comprehend.
  • Engaging Scenarios: Replicated real-life bill disputes for practical learning, enhancing accessibility and understanding. Moreover, offering customers interactive utilities for exploring their energy consumption and uncovering money-saving advice, empowering them to manage their bills effectively.
  • Simulation-Based Evaluations: Representatives engage in role-playing exercises with constructive feedback to improve their skills.
  • Comprehensive Invoice Analysis: Providing lucid explanations of typical bill elements to enhance comprehension.
  • Continuous Feedback Cycle: Actively solicit customer input and utilize it to consistently enhance our communication and support, fostering trust and satisfaction.
 
Conclusion: A customer-focus approach to explaining high energy bills is the solution to addressing customer complaints effectively. By simplifying information, providing visual aids, and offering interactive tools, we empower customers to make informed decisions and reduce their energy costs. Say goodbye to frustrated customers and hello to satisfied, informed consumers who better manage their energy expenses.

Safety Training for Frontline Leaders – Empowering Excellence

 

Problem: Inadequate Safety Training for Frontline Leaders

 

Ineffective Strategies:

  • One-Size-Fits-All: Relying on one-size-fits-all safety training programs that do not address the unique challenges and responsibilities of frontline leaders.
  • Lack of Interaction: Relying solely on lectures or presentations without engagement.
  • Time-Consuming Programs: Overly lengthy training sessions without focus on practical application. 
 

Solution: Effective Instructor-Led Training

 

Benefits:

  • Customized Content: Tailored to address the specific needs and responsibilities of frontline leaders.
  • Interactive Learning: Real-life scenarios, role plays, and group discussions for active participation.
  • Practical Application: Focus on skills that leaders can immediately apply on the frontline.

 

Project Highlights:

  • Role-Play Workshops: Simulations to enhance decision-making skills.
  • Peer Learning Groups: Collaborative sessions for knowledge sharing.
  • Certification Assessment: Measuring proficiency in safety procedures.

 

Conclusion: Frontline leaders benefit from a personalized, interactive, and hands-on approach to safety training, led by instructors who effectively address their specific safety needs and concerns.

Change Readiness SharePoint UI Template

 

Problem: Inadequate User Interface for Change Readiness SharePoint Site

 

Ineffective Strategies:

  • Generic SharePoint Templates: Using off-the-shelf designs that lack customization for change readiness initiatives.
  • Complex Customization: Overly intricate, time-consuming designs that hinder user adoption.
  • Neglecting Figma Wireframes: Neglecting the use of wireframes for streamlined design preparation. Dismissing the significance of a well-designed user interface and concentrating solely on content, resulting in a website that is leading to a less engaging and less user-friendly site.


Solution: Custom SharePoint Design Utilizing Figma Wireframe


Benefits:

  • Customization: Tailored SharePoint template to address change readiness needs effectively.
  • Simplicity & Clarity: Streamlined design for user-friendly navigation.
  • Figma Wireframes: Precise planning and collaboration through the entire design process.


Project Highlights:

  • Clear Information Hierarchy: Intuitive layout for easy access to change resources.
  • Visual Consistency: Seamless integration with SharePoint’s core features and aesthetics.
  • Responsive Design: Ensures optimal viewing across various devices for broader accessibility. This template is responsive across various devices, ensuring a consistent and accessible user experience for all team members. 


Conclusion: This user interface template for the Change Readiness SharePoint site resolves design inadequacies. It delivers a personalized, user-centered, and adaptable solution that elevates user experience, bolsters engagement, and improves change readiness. Transition to a purpose-built, user-friendly SharePoint site for change readiness success.

Learning and Development Department Logo Design – Crafting an Identity

 Problem: Lack of Identity for Learning and Development Department

Ineffective Strategies:

  • Generic Logos: Using stock or generic logos that fail to represent the department’s unique identity.
  • No Logo: Neglecting the need for a departmental logo, resulting in a lack of recognition and unity.
  • Unprofessional Design: Relying on amateur or unprofessional designers for a crucial departmental logo.


Solution: A Custom Logo Design for Enhanced Departmental Recognition

Benefits:

  • Customization: Tailored logo design reflects the department’s core values and mission.
  • Professional Aesthetics: Engaging, polished logo enhances credibility and recognition.
  • Visual Cohesion: Fosters a sense of unity and purpose within the Learning and Development department.


Project Highlights:

  • Distinct Identity: Logo symbolizes the department’s commitment to growth and knowledge.
  • Scalability: Design adaptable for various materials and contexts, ensuring consistency.
  • Positive Impact: Improved recognition, fostering a sense of pride and belonging among department members.


Conclusion: Elevate the Learning and Development department’s identity with a unique, versatile, and visually consistent custom logo design. Distinguish the department, convey its values, and establish a strong, distinctive identity, bidding anonymity farewell.

Learning and Development LMS Badging System – Elevating Skill Verification 

Problem: Inadequate Skill Verification and Low Motivation in Learning and Development

Ineffective Strategies:

  • No Verification: Neglecting skill verification, leading to doubts about learners’ abilities and motivation.
  • Static Training: Offering traditional training without recognition, diminishing motivation and engagement.

Solution: Integration of Online Badges into Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Benefits:

  • Confidence Boost: Enhancing learners’ confidence through skill validation.
  • Motivation Drive: Encouraging ongoing motivation for improvement.
  • Engagement Tailored: Crafting personalized learning paths for enhanced engagement.

Project Highlights:

  • Skill Verification: Introduction of badges for credible skills validation.
  • Motivation Recognition: Recognition of achievements for ongoing motivation.
  • Custom Learning Paths: Integration of badges with personalized learning paths.
  • Real-Time Progress: Continuous feedback and progress tracking support.

Conclusion: Integrating online badges into the Learning and Development LMS effectively tackles the challenges of skill verification and motivation. This solution verifies skills and simultaneously enhances motivation, engagement, and personal growth, fostering a recognized and continuously improving workforce.

Rebranding of Presentation Design Templates

 

Problem: Outdated, Inconsistent, and Ineffective Presentation Templates

 

Ineffective Strategies: 

  • Neglecting Templates: Overlooking the significance of presentation templates in conveying brand identity and quality.
  • Ad Hoc Designs: Creating presentations haphazardly, resulting in inconsistency and loss of brand recognition.
  • Overly Complex Templates: Overdoing templates, making them overwhelming and detracting from the message.


Solution: Revamped, Unified, and Engaging Design Templates

 

Benefits:

  • Unified Aesthetics: Templates designed to align with brand identity, ensuring consistency and recognition.
  • User-Centered Design: Templates cater to presenters’ needs, enhancing ease of use and engagement.
  • Clear Communication: Emphasis on effective visual communication to convey messages efficiently.


Project Highlights:

  • Modern, Consistent Look: Templates reflect the brand’s contemporary image, reinforcing brand recognition.
  • User-Friendly Structure: Intuitive layout and elements that make it easy for presenters to craft compelling presentations.
  • Engagement-Boosting Visuals: Templates incorporate design elements that enhance audience engagement, conveying information more effectively.


Conclusion: A redesigned presentation template offers a clear solution to outdated, inconsistent designs. It focuses on user needs and effective communication, delivering a modern, user-friendly, and engaging solution for compelling presentations and brand recognition.

Quick Reference Guide 1
Quick Reference Guide 1
Quick Reference Guide 2

QRG: Preparing a course for the TMS/LMS

 

Problem: Inefficient course preparation for the Training Management System (TMS) or Learning Management System (LMS) leading to confusion and delays.

 

Ineffective Strategies:

  • Lack of Clear Guidance: Failing to provide concise and understandable instructions, resulting in user confusion.
  • Complex Technical Manuals: Presenting intricate, challenging-to-follow manuals that only worsen the state of confusion.
  • Neglecting User-Centric Design: Ignoring the significance of user experience in the design process.


Solution: A Quick Reference Guide for Effortless Course Preparation


Benefits:

  • Time-Saving Resource: The guide minimizes the time and effort required for TMS/LMS course preparation, helping teams focus on quality content.
  • Error Reduction: Streamline efficiency by minimizing the risk of errors and inconsistencies in course materials.


Project Highlights:

  • Empowering Team: A Quick Reference Guide empowers teams to take control of their course preparation, allowing them to focus on designing rather than technical intricacies.
  • Seamless Integration: This guide integrates with existing workflows and TMS/LMS platforms, alleviating implementation obstacles and ensures a consistent learning experience for all stakeholders involved.


Conclusion: Embracing user-centered design, this guide offers training resources and a streamlined process, enhancing efficiency, uniformity, and adaptability. Welcome a standardized solution, bidding confusion farewell.

Animation on Vyond – Introducing a Versatile Designer

 

Problem: Employers often struggle to identify skilled and adaptable designers during the hiring process, resulting in mismatches between job requirements and candidate capabilities.

 

Ineffective Strategy:

  • Static Resumes: Relying solely on traditional resumes, which often fail to convey a designer’s creativity, versatility, and storytelling abilities.


Solution: A dynamic animation created on Vyond introducing the designer, providing a unique, engaging, and comprehensive overview of skills and capabilities.

 

Project Highlights:

  • Creativity in Motion: The Vyond animation brings the designer’s work to life, emphasizing creativity, design thinking, and problem-solving in a visually captivating manner.
  • Versatility on Display: Versatility shines through with diverse animation styles and storytelling approaches, confirming adaptability to various project needs.
  • Engagement and Memorability: An animated introduction is more engaging and memorable than a static resume, leaving a lasting impression on potential employers.
  • Saves Time and Enhances Understanding: Time-saving and informative, enabling quick understanding of core competencies, streamlining the hiring process.


Conclusion: Vyond animation resolves the challenge of showcasing designers’ skills and adaptability to employers, streamlining hiring. Embrace dynamic, unforgettable introductions to foster fruitful collaboration, leaving lackluster resumes behind.

Development Project

  • Current State: The organization has a significant global presence, but the demand for training far surpasses the capacity of its Learning and Development (L&D) team. To meet the learning needs, individual contributors throughout the organization have taken the initiative to independently create and manage their own learning resources and projects.
  • Opportunity: An opportunity exists to provide resources and formal guidance on best practices in Learning and Development. This initiative aims to establish a consistent approach to development and implementation across the organization. These resources and guidance also create professional development opportunities for independent practitioners at multiple skill levels.
  • Barriers: Barriers include the identification and establishment of best practices and learning expectations within the organization. Additionally, the utilization of organization-approved technical tools with limited features has created constraints. Creating and maintaining the site with limited staffing availability.
  • Solution: Based on feedback from the instructional designers, clients, and industry trends, a list of resources has been identified and prioritized. A SharePoint resource site was developed as the community space for distribution of templates, articles, training calendar and other learning resources.
  • Outcome: The level of interest in the site exceeded expectations. An ongoing comprehensive evaluation will be conducted on a quarterly basis to assess the site’s effectiveness. Results, TBD.

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Together, we’ll compose a masterpiece that inspires, enlightens, and sets the stage for remarkable learning outcomes.

  • THE NERDY SIDEKICK 2024
  • SEAMLESSLY BLENDING THEORY WITH PRACTICAL REAL-WORLD EXPERTISE