|
The eLearning Coach Newsletter
May Cause Excessive Thinking
|
|
|
|
November 5, 2026
Greetings Reader,
What's been on your mind lately? I've been thinking about learning professionals I know who are working below their level of competence or struggling to find a job in their field.
I think becoming more visible can help advance your career, but trying to be visible makes many people feel awkward. The first article shows you a way to replace self-promotion with contribution (creating value for others), so you can feel comfortable about letting your work be known. I think that approach resonates more closely with the values of learning professionals.
Next, I wanted to share some research I've been exploring. It's about the conditions under which the modality principle does not benefit learning. Recall that the modality principle states that spoken explanations are more beneficial than text in multimedia learning. However, this isn't always true, and it's important to know when to use narration and when to use text.
If you are looking for employment, check out the last item: a podcast episode on careers in Ed Tech.
|
|
|
Visibility can help your career, but you don't want to feel awkward or self-centered. You can replace self-promotion with contribution. Find out how.
|
|
|
The modality principle is not a universal law. There are several conditions when you should not use spoken explanations. See what they are.
|
|
|
Educational technology may be a lesser known way to enter the field of instructional design. Learn more about the roles in this field. Listen or download the transcript.
|
|
|
Now on to the goodies below.
|
|
|
Discover New Possibilities in Everyday Tools
Explore creative ways to use the tools you already have at the Everyday Tools in Learning Development Online Conference, December 9 &10. Discover practical approaches to combining familiar technologies, finding low-cost solutions, and addressing learning and performance challenges in new ways. Save your seat!
|
|
|
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.
MAKE ME THINK
MULTIMEDIA
- Mixkit: Free video, music, and sound effect assets
- Prompt Motion: A collection of motion videos made with Claude Opus 5.5, with the prompts and skills behind them.
- Motion: Another collection of motion graphics with prompts, both free and paid.
- New Old Stock: And for a change, vintage photos from public archives
COOL TOOLS
- The ID Toolbox: A pretty amazing collection of free tools for the boring half of instructional design.
- Luma: An events app for registration, invites, and payment wit a free plan
- Bitwarden: Low-cost password manager.
- Free APA Citation Generator. If you dislike creating citations as much as I do, you'll love this.
|
|
|
MORE WAYS TO LEARN:
MASTERING INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN (ONE-MONTH FREE TO NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIBERS)
Build your skills in a professional learning community, with 15+ self-paced courses and 50+ expert speaker recordings covering instructional design, AI, multimedia, and learning strategies. Learn what you need, when you need it. Get the free month offer.
BREAKING INTO INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN (FREE EMAIL COURSE)
Exploring a career in instructional design? This free 12-lesson email course introduces career paths, responsibilities, networking, and salaries. Get the lessons over six weeks or purchase the eBook for immediate access. Start the free course.
ELEVATE YOUR PROFILE AND VISIBILITY (FREE EMAIL COURSE)
Make your contributions more visible without self-promotion. This free 8-lesson email course will help you overcome visibility barriers, build credibility, and develop a sustainable visibility plan.
Start the free course.
|
|
|