Session Schedule Available
Choose from 20 breakout sessions in four time slots, plus five Special Interest Group (SIG) sessions. See the session descriptions below, and access the Official Program Schedule (PDF) to start planning your day.
Keynote Session
Kevin M. Yates, the L&D Detective™ | Bio
Find the Facts: The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing but the Truth about Measuring Impact
There’s what is idealistically true and then there’s what is actionably true for measuring impact for training and learning. Uncovering the facts about training and learning’s impact on human and business performance can be difficult but is also possible. Join Kevin M. Yates as he reveals the possibilities with his impact investigation techniques for measuring training and learning’s contribution to human and business performance.
You’ll work alongside the L&D Detective™ and solve a measurement mystery together in this immersive, unconventional keynote impact investigation. You will discover the performance-based approach for measuring impact, examine how to align training and learning with performance metrics for measurable outcomes, identify facts, clues, evidence, and data that reveal impact, examine how performance needs analysis replaces training needs analysis for measuring impact, and discover what is actionable verses aspirational for measuring impact.
Join Kevin as he shares fact-based strategies for measuring impact that are firmly rooted in the truth and most importantly, practices that are immediately actionable.
Educational Breakout Sessions
Artificial Intelligence
Garima Gupta, Founder & CEO, Artha Learning, Inc. | Bio
Putting AI to Work in Storyline: Integrating ChatGPT into eLearning Modules for Impactful Results
Curious about how generative AI can transform your eLearning modules? Join us in this fun, interactive session, where we'll dive into integrating ChatGPT with Articulate Storyline, putting the power of AI right in the hands of your learner. (You could use the same techniques with any other leading authoring software.)
We will also talk about critical do’s and don’ts while planning to use chatGPT integration in eLearning modules. Some experience playing with chatGPT will be helpful for attendees. Garima will showcase many interesting examples demonstrating how their team has used ChatGPT.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Understand the transformative power of AI-enabled eLearning and its potential to enhance learner engagement and critical thinking skills.
- Gain insights into integrating ChatGPT with Articulate Storyline and other authoring software to implement adaptive learning, expert access, and immersive role-play scenarios.
- Identify practical use cases for AI in eLearning modules, such as enhancing multiple-choice questions, providing instant access to expert knowledge, and offering meaningful feedback on open-text answers.
Level: Intermediate
James Manning, Communications & Training Specialist, Miller Welding Automation | Bio
Bridging the Gap: AI and Adaptive Learning in Instructional Design
Explore how small instructional design teams can leverage AI and adaptive learning to enhance training impact. You'll learn tactics to create personalized, highly engaging experiences tailored to learners' needs by utilizing LLMs and Low and No-Code tools. Gain insights into building a sustainable adaptive approach that maximizes learner engagement within your current constraints.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Understand the benefits and use cases of fine-tuning language models for tailored instructional content.
- Perform the steps to fine-tune a language model using proprietary data.
- Generate and evaluate instructional content outputs from the fine-tuned model to identify applications.
Level: Intermediate
Bring your own device: Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptop to get the most out of this session.
Ed Duffy, Assistant Director of Design, NIIT | Bio
Practical AI Use Cases for Creating Performance-Based Learning
In this interactive session, we will share our practical experience and lessons learned in creating performance-based learning using AI tools. We will begin by discussing how AI will disrupt both learning content development and learning design to become the medium for learning delivery. We will then demonstrate specific use cases to show how AI can be used to create a variety of performance-based elearning courses - - including scenario-based learning, and customer service role-plays.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Recognize how AI will disrupt learning content development and learning design to become the medium for learning delivery.
- Elicit how AI tools can be used to create performance-based elearning courses.
- Describe how AI will enable virtual tutors and coaches to be created to support learning performance in real time on the job.
Level: Beginner
Design
Destery Hildenbrand, XR Solution Architect, Intellezy | Bio
Supercharge Your Learning & Development with Augmented Reality
Have you ever wondered how Augmented Reality (AR) can transform your learning and development (L&D) initiatives, but you're unsure where to get started? This session will explore AR technology and how to use it in your blended learning solutions. We'll dive into real-world examples of where organizations are using AR today and how it improves knowledge retention. We'll discuss no-code/low-code AR creation tools, try out working AR examples, and discuss potential challenges you may encounter along the way. You will leave this session with a roadmap for integrating AR and the details needed to start your AR journey today!
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Explain the basic principles of AR and its applications in L&D.
- Explore user-friendly AR creation tools with minimal technical knowledge required.
- Identify real-world examples of successful AR integration in training.
Level: Beginner
Bring your own device: Participants are encouraged to bring their own mobile devices to get the most out of this session.
Sarah Phillips, Program Manager, Hemsley Fraser | Bio
Promoting Inclusivity and Accessibility in eLearning Design
When constructing an elearning experience, we often focus on the aesthetics, application of knowledge, use of interactivity, and learning objectives as the arbiters of quality and effectiveness. However, the method of delivery is just as important. If learners struggle with accessibility, language, or the learning environment, it can impact their ability to enjoy the elearning experience. In this session, we'll introduce strategies to help you create accessible content, design for diverse learners, and foster an inclusive environment.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Evaluate elearning content for accessibility and inclusivity.
- Apply four methods for promoting inclusivity in elearning design.
- Utilize tools to check elearning accessibility.
Level: Intermediate
Peter Hybert, PRH Consulting Inc. | Bio
The Shortest Path to Performance
“eLearning” often means learners slogging through a bunch of slides, then guessing their way through a multiple choice test. Boring at best. But, authors can create a structure that allows learners to jump right into the application exercises. (If they fail, they have options.) This approach offers several benefits – it is efficient for learners and addresses job-relevant situations (i.e., it teaches capability, not just recall). It also ensures that your content experts view the work from the learner’s perspective. And, this approach could be used to reduce future training development and revision work.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Summarize how to design a learning architecture promoting learner-directed choices while meeting pre-defined objectives.
- Describe how to use Storyline capabilities (e.g., links and variables) to enable more complex paths through an eLearning program.
- Describe the benefits of challenging learners to target higher-level learning objectives (i.e., going beyond “recall”).
Level: Beginner
Danielle Wallace, Chief Learning Strategist, Beyond the Sky Custom Learning | Bio
Can’t Get You Outta My Head: Engagement Techniques for Effective Digital Learning
In this interactive and practical session, you’ll learn the four key techniques that marketers use to make their messages stick and how you can apply them in eLearning. You’ll see how to use visuals to depict your training message. You'll explore how to use emotions to leave a lasting training impact. You’ll see an easy approach to create compelling text. You’ll examine the pitfalls of humor and how to successfully use it for effectiveness. You’ll examine both marketing and training examples in order to apply the concepts to your own digital learning solutions. You’ll leave with relevant, action-oriented steps!
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Discern how to use humor and emotion in digital learning solutions.
- Evaluate effective visuals to depict the training message.
- Write concisely for eLearning impact.
Level: Beginner
Amy O'Donnell Lueth, Design Director, Maestro | Bio
Kendra Hutchings, Graphic Designer, Maestro | Bio
Design Hacks: Five Tips to Do More in Articulate Rise
Articulate Rise is our favorite authoring tool to create responsive eLearning. While Rise makes it easy for anyone to develop their own courses, we’ve found ways to push the limits and enhance the visual design. In this immersive session, we’re stretching the capabilities of Rise and teaching you to do the same! Two of Maestro’s learning designers will bring an eLearning course to life in real-time transforming a canned, cookie-cutter course into an elevated, on-brand, visually beautiful learning experience.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Wow your team and engage your learners by eliminating the same old same course design.
- Build enviable courses in Articulate Rise using functionality not available in traditional Rise blocks (think new hacks and tools!)
- Understand how to create beautiful block transitions, incorporate custom fonts, utilize custom images, and more to enhance the visual design of your learning experience!
Level: Intermediate
Bring your own device: Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptop or mobile device to get the most out of this session.
Kassy LaBorie, Principal Consultant, Kassy LaBorie Consulting, LLC | Bio
Virtual Victors: Navigating the Toughest Virtual Training Scenarios
Become equipped with the skills and strategies needed to conquer the most challenging situations that arise in virtual training environments. From technological mishaps to disruptive participants and large audience management, this workshop will empower you to emerge as a “virtual victor,” capable of navigating any scenario with confidence and ease. Throughout this dynamic workshop, through real-life examples, captivating stories, and interactive group discussions, we’ll deepen your understanding and application of the strategies presented. Let’s unlock the secrets to virtual training success and empower you to lead impactful and engaging sessions, no matter the challenge.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Overcome "Terrible Tech” situations, managing failures with confidence and Neutralize troublemakers using an empathetic “Disruptor Disarmed” approach.
- Maintain engagement by facilitating using “Interactive Integrity” and Design with “Breakout Brilliance,” keeping participants engaged and preventing exodus.
- Tame the “Massive Mayhem" that large virtual audiences sometimes create.
Level: Beginner
Development
Mark Lassoff, Chief Skills Officer, Skillprints | Bio
The Video Producer's Primer
The session begins by demystifying the role of a video producer, elucidating key responsibilities, workflows, and skillsets required. The workshop continues with a comprehensive review of the three critical stages of video creation: Pre-production, production, and post-production. Participants are familiarized with the nuts and bolts of learning video producer's job, from initial concept development and planning to filming and editing. This well-rounded approach provides a holistic view of the entire video production process, preparing instructional designers for the multifaceted role they often have to undertake.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Describe the fundamentals of the video producer's role in instructional design, encompassing key responsibilities and workflows.
- Use techniques to weave educational content into compelling narratives that engage and educate your audience.
- Explain the best practices for the preproduction, production and postproduction phases of the video production process.
Level: Beginner
Samuel Apata, Senior eLearning Developer, Starbucks | Bio
Storyline and Vyond: A Winning Combination
This session will help you learn how to combine Storyline and Vyond for eLearning development. In 50 minutes you’ll learn one way to build custom videos for use in Articulate Storyline. This presentation will also highlight Vyond and Storyline's new AI tools.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Create animations in Vyond with ease.
- Make videos interactive in Articulate Storyline 360.
- Build an interactive quiz in Articulate Storyline 360.
Level: Beginner
Brandon Schawel, eLearning Developer, The American College of Surgeons | Bio
Julie Cwik, Manager of Instructional Design, The American College of Surgeons | Bio
Dynamic Interactions Using Variables in Storyline 360
In this presentation, we delve into the powerful world of variables and their application in crafting dynamic and engaging elearning interactions in Articulate Storyline 360. Through practical examples, attendees will gain insights into using variables to provide personalized feedback and guide learner progress, creating adaptive scenarios that respond dynamically to learner decisions, and utilizing variables to incentivize, or “gamify”, elearning content. By the end of the presentation, participants will have a solid understanding of how variables can be leveraged to transform static elearning content into interactive and immersive experiences that drive engagement, retention, and learning outcomes.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Explain how variables can make elearning interactive and support immersive learning experiences.
- Design and implement personalized feedback mechanisms in elearning content using variables.
- Create gamified elearning experiences and develop adaptive scenarios using variables within Storyline 360.
Level: Intermediate
Bring your own device: Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptops to get the most out of this session.
Elizabeth (Pawlicki) Kuhlmann, Senior Learning Consultant, Yukon Learning | Bio
Ten Common Accessability Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
In this session, we'll dissect ten common mistakes in accessible course development, highlighting the needs of learners and exploring challenges and barriers learners encounter when taking courses. You'll learn practical strategies to ensure inclusivity while gaining valuable insights to refine your eLearning approach and create courses that cater to every learner.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Identify different types of learner disabilities and how accessible eLearning benefits specific learners.
- Identify errors even experienced eLearning designers make when creating courses.
- Build courses that avoid these common mistakes.
Level: Beginner
Ron Price, Chief Learning Officer, Yukon Learning | Bio
Getting the Most Out of Storyline 360: Time- and Effort-Saving Secrets
In this session, you'll be introduced to many of the best tips that will help you use Storyline more effectively. You'll look at new features that have been added to help speed up your development processes without making your content look blandly identical. We'll explore custom default settings, format and animation painters, media library, team slides, and other time savers that can reduce the number of steps in creating new slides and interactions. Even if you've been using Storyline for years, by the end of this session you'll be able to use this familiar tool more efficiently.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Apply new features to build complex animations and slides.
- Edit Screen Capture graphics to protect sensitive information.
- Build triggers and variables more efficiently.
Level: Intermediate
Bring your own device: Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptop to get the most out of this session.
Strategy
Betty Dannewitz, Founder, CEO, ifyouaskbetty, LLC | Bio
Start the Podcast! A Low-Cost, Efficient, Portable, and Personalized Way to Deliver Training
Podcasting provides a simple, low-investment option for informal or casual learning. Podcasting is an easy way to provide and consume content, because the format easily fits into our busy lives. Organizations are adopting podcasts every day to deliver important information to their employees. In this session, we will discuss podcasting in learning development. We will explore how podcasts are being used today and what the benefits of podcasting are for your organization. We will recognize popular podcast formats and brainstorm podcast ideas for your organization. You will leave with steps to get started with your podcast in your organization, today.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Explore how podcasts are being used today and what the benefits of podcasting are for your organization.
- Recognize popular podcast formats and brainstorm podcast ideas for your organization.
- Implement the steps you need to start your podcast, today.
Level: Beginner
Hadiya Nuriddin, Author, Founder, Duets Training | Bio
Quality by Design: Integrating Quality Management into L&D
Design a proactive quality management system and integrate in L&D workflow that supports everything from setting standards to stakeholder engagement and utilizing resources for continuous improvement. Gain insights into defining organizational quality standards and ensuring stakeholder support. Develop a blueprint for a quality management system that promotes excellence.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Integrate quality management practices proactively into L&D design and development, establishing a quality-first approach from the outset.
- Define and support high organizational quality standards throughout the lifecycle of learning projects, ensuring consistent excellence.
- Utilize tools, templates, and resources effectively to meet quality standards and spearhead continuous improvement in learning initiatives.
Level: Intermediate
Jazmin Webster, President-Elect, ATD St. Louis Chapter | Bio
Applying Communities of Practice in eLearning
eLearning is often thought of as an individualized activity. When individuals interact with eLearning content, having support can supplement the learning experience, allowing the individuals to connect with others that are also learning the information. A format for fostering connection is via the communities of practice model. This session will provide attendees with the foundational elements of building communities of practice in support of eLearning activities. Attendees will identify opportunities to incorporate communities of practice into real-world examples of eLearning experiences.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Describe the characteristics of communities of practice and elearning.
- Differentiate communities of practice from other support systems for eLearning.
- Practice incorporating communities of practice into real-world eLearning examples.
Level: Beginner
Bring your own device: Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptop to get the most out of this session.
Amanda Archer, Director, Learning Experience, Advocate Health | Bio
How LMS Governance Can Help You Clean Up Your LMMess
An LMS can become a dumping ground for anything that needs to be tracked. Subject Matter Experts want their content for their audience, even when similar content already exists. They want the learning assigned to a specific group of people with no communication plan. This creates an LMMess! In this session, you will learn how creating, implementing and getting buy-in for LMS governance can ensure you have the right content that is up to date and relevant, can be found by your learners, and will be assigned to the appropriate audience with clear communications.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Explain the benefits of having LMS governance in place for their team and their learners.
- Build an LMS governance plan for their organization based on their needs.
- Get buy in for their LMS governance and track its success.
Level: Beginner
Ana Maria Barella, Instructional Designer and L&D Specialist | Bio
Navigating Leadership Dynamics: Systemic Team Coaching in Instructional Design Collaboration
Struggling with navigating complex stakeholder dynamics in instructional design and development collaboration? Discover the power of systemic coaching principles in this transformative session. Learn practical strategies for building trust, aligning goals, fostering innovation with stakeholders, and overcoming challenges. Through real-world case studies and interactive activities, gain actionable insights to tackle project complexities effectively. Whether you're a seasoned instructional designer or just starting out, this session equips you with the tools and techniques to elevate your leadership skills and drive project success. Join us to unlock the secrets of effective leadership and achieve greater impact in your instructional design endeavors.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Understand the key principles of systemic coaching and how they can be applied to leadership roles within instructional design collaboration.
- Gain practical strategies for building collaborative partnerships, navigating stakeholder dynamics, and aligning goals and expectations in instructional design projects.
- Develop the skills necessary to foster a culture of trust, learning, and innovation within project teams, ultimately driving positive outcomes and achieving greater impact in instructional design initiatives.
Level: Beginner
Bring your own device: Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptop or mobile device to get the most out of this session.
Jenny Fedullo, Director, Learning Experience, d’Vinici Interactive | Bio
Beth Buchanan, Senior Instructional Designer, d’Vinici Interactive | Bio
Nicholas Strozza, CEO, Interpro Translation Solutions | Bio
eLearning Translation: Creating Linguistically Inclusive eLearning
Many organizations struggle to navigate accessibility and inclusivity in eLearning, especially for linguistically diverse audiences. Learn the critical aspects of localizing eLearning content, such as translation, cultural adaptation, multimedia localization, technical compatibility, and quality assurance. Also gain the best tips on designing courses with translation in mind and cover the entire translation process with best practices to help ensure cultural appropriateness. The crucial message to take away is prioritizing accurate translation and localization will not only enhance accessibility but also foster a more inclusive learning environment for all learners.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Explain the difference between translation and localization, and the process of localizing eLearning content, including translation, cultural adaptation, multimedia localization, technical compatibility, user interface (UI) localization.
- Cover tips for designing with the intent to translate, such as ensuring cultural appropriateness, minimizing colloquialisms and text length, discussing style guides, avoiding text in images or graphics, researching local laws, and partnering with eLearning learning solutions providers.
- Review the translation process steps, such as establishing assets for translation, identifying reviewers, preparing files, translating the course, voice-over recording, eLearning course engineering, and final quality assurance and validation.
Level: Beginner