profile

The eLearning Coach Newsletter

Are animations effective? Also, overcome the challenges of remote work.

Published 15 days ago • 3 min read

The eLearning Coach Newsletter

For Curious Learning Professionals

October 2, 2025

Hi Reader,

I hope you are well. Did you know that moving pictures, like animations, are one of the basic visual features that capture our attention? However, animations are not always the most effective choice for learning. Read the first article to find out more.

One of the significant challenges of remote work is missing out on great opportunities or higher pay. Out of sight, out of mind. The second article will provide you with lots of strategies to help you overcome the challenges of remote work.

Finally, learn how to write stories that meet the needs of our story-loving brains. An interview with the author of Wired for Story: Lisa Cron.

Now, on to the articles.

​Create Animations That Are Good for Learning
​When compared to static graphics, animations get mixed reviews as an effective learning medium. Here are some ways to make them better.Read Article.

​How can remote learning designers be more visible at work?​​
​What happens when your best work goes unseen? Discover how remote learning designers can stay visible and get the recognition they deserve. Read Article.​

​How to Write Compelling Stories​
In this interview with the author of Wired for Story, Lisa Cron explains how to write stories attuned to how our brain works. (I've just been too busy to record and edit a podcast these days, but I hope to start soon. Until then, I hope you enjoy some of the past episodes!) Listen to podcast.​

Check out the goodies below.

$400 DevLearn Savings Ends Soon
Join us at DevLearn 2025 (November 12-14 in Las Vegas) to gain proven strategies to confidently navigate AI disruption straight from those already doing it. Plus, you’ll feel understood as you connect with peers who share your challenges and goals. Register by October 10th to save $400.

GOOD FINDS

Before downloading files, please be sure to check that they are virus and spam-free. Note that freebies often require some form of registration.

FEED YOUR MIND

MULTIMEDIA

  • ​Illustration.app: Low-cost AI illustration tool that creates vector graphics
  • ​Storymate: Interactive story creation tool that helps you write branching and linear stories.
  • ​NanoBanana: AI image generator and editor

COOL TOOLS

  • ​Parta.io: A reasonably priced authoring tool that creates web pages (similar to Articulate Rise) where you can pay by the month instead of the year.
  • ​Anxiety Toolkit: A variety of tools for calming down. We need it right now!
  • ​Riffusion: Create music using AI
  • Codepen.io: A playground for learning HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

MY COMMUNITY AND FREE EMAIL COURSES

​MASTERING INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN​

A welcoming learning community for instructional designers who seek professional development. Discover 15+ self-paced courses on ID, media, and strategies. Also: 50+ recorded monthly guest speakers who are industry leaders. Choose from an array of topics and learn at your own pace.

​ELEVATE YOUR PROFILE AND VISIBILITY​

My free 8-lesson email course about becoming more visible as a learning professional. This course will help you develop a visibility plan that feels genuine, overcome hesitation, and share your work with confidence. You’ll receive one lesson every few days to build consistency without feeling overwhelmed.

​BREAKING INTO INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN​

A free 12-lesson email course to help you transition to a career in instructional design. You’ll learn about the variety of ID career paths, typical tasks, where to network, salary ranges, and more. You’ll receive two lessons a week for six weeks, or you can get all the lessons at once by purchasing the eBook.

MY UPCOMING PRESENTATIONS

  • From Boring to Bold: Visual Design Skills for Trainers on Oct 28th. This is one of a 3-part series for nonprofit & social sector educators who want to create more inclusive, engaging, and effective learning experiences. Check out the whole series here: Design Better Learning Series.
    ​
  • Elevate Your Visibility for Better Opportunities (While Being Authentic). Free webinar. Learn strategies for standing out without selling out. November 20th @ 3:00PM Eastern/12:00PM Pacific. Register at the Training Magazine Network.

Stay inspired!

Connie Malamed

P.S. Learn how to stand out without selling out in my free email course Elevate Your Profile and Visibility.
Know someone who'd like this newsletter? They can sign up here: The eLearning Coach Newsletter. I'd love to connect with you on LinkedIn!

PO Box 1623, Frederick, MD 21702
​Unsubscribe · Preferences​

The eLearning Coach Newsletter

Connie Malamed

I help learning professionals build skills and visibility to advance their careers. Join 15,000 readers who enjoy articles on learning design, visual design, and cognitive psychology every month.. Subscribe for practical guidance, resources, and freebies.

Read more from The eLearning Coach Newsletter

The eLearning Coach Newsletter For Curious Learning Professionals September 1, 2025 Greetings Reader, Do you ever struggle when working with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)? Maybe they don’t fully understand your role or what you actually do. Maybe you don't get their perspective. In the first and third items this month, you’ll find strategies based on research and practice to make SME collaboration easier and less frustrating. The second article continues my visibility series. This one is for...

about 2 months ago • 3 min read

The eLearning Coach Newsletter For Curious Learning Professionals August 1, 2025 Greetings Reader, It’s peak heat season for much of the Northern Hemisphere, and every day can feel like a slog through humidity and high temps. Still, garden tomatoes, breezy summer nights, and fireflies make it all worthwhile. I hope you’re having a good season, wherever you are. Now, on to the articles. 7 Books That Will Make You a Better Writer Many people—myself included—didn’t realize just how much writing...

3 months ago • 3 min read

The eLearning Coach Newsletter For Curious Learning Professionals Hi Reader, Good to be with you for a few moments (telepathically, anyway). This newsletter may have a few items of interest for you. But first, I wanted to let you know that I'm giving a free webinar on video scripting with We Are Learning (they make a 3D authoring tool) this Tuesday June 10th @10AM EDT. You can register at Write the Script. If you can't make it, you'll get the recording. Back to the newsletter. If you're an...

4 months ago • 2 min read