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The eLearning Coach Newsletter
For Nerdy Fun
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July 7, 2026
Greetings Reader,
What's been on your mind lately? Have you been wondering how you can use AI to become better at what you do, not just faster? That's great because that's what Phillipa Hardman, PhD, discusses in my latest podcast episode (link below).
Or have you been thinking about the cognitive characteristics of experts? I knew it! You'll enjoy the second article below. The cognitive differences between experts and novices are fascinating. You'll love nerding out on this one.
If I was wrong about the first two, then I'm absolutely certain you stay awake at night pondering how you can design for the audience's mental models. Right? Got you covered in the third article below.
Enjoy!
How can AI make you better at what you do, not just faster? In this episode, I speak with Phillipa Hardman, PhD, an AI and learning specialist who shares her
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Understanding the characteristics of expert thinking can help you enable and support them. You can apply this knowledge to helping novices gain competency.
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Mental models are the internal representations people form of how things work. By understanding a learner's mental models, you can improve user interfaces, instructional interventions and overall learning experiences.
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Now on to the goodies below.
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Optimize AI Without Losing the Human Touch
Explore practical approaches to integrating AI into learning design and how to apply automation thoughtfully across your workflow. Join us August 26–27 for the AI & Learning Design Online Conference. Save your seat today! |
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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
- Lumen Tool: Free browser tool for photographers to plan portrait lighting visually before setting up a single light.
- Leonardo.ai: Generative AI app for creating and editing high-quality images, textures, and short videos.
- Recraft.ai: Generates video, images and vector graphics.
- Camo: Improves the quality of your camera video for online meetings for a more professional look.
COOL TOOLS
- The Last Museum: Search engine for artworks with over 5 million entries.
- SHRTCTS: Learn an app's keyboard shortcuts using a visual keyboard. (Choose app, roll over shortcut, see the keys.)
- Humata: AI tool that summarizes long documents and answers questions about them.
- Language Tool: AI-based grammar checker in multiple languages.
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WAYS TO GROW YOUR SKILLS, VISIBILITY, AND ADVANCE YOUR CAREER
Thoughtful programs and courses to help you build skills, stay current, and move your career forward.
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(FREE EMAIL COURSE) For people exploring or transitioning into instructional design. A 12-lesson introduction to the field, covering career paths, responsibilities, networking, and salary ranges. Delivered over six weeks or available immediately as an eBook for purchase. Start the free course.
ELEVATE YOUR PROFILE AND VISIBILITY
(FREE EMAIL COURSE)
For learning professionals who want to stand out without self-promotion. An 8-lesson email course on overcoming visibility barriers, contributing with confidence, and building a sustainable visibility plan. Lessons arrive every few days to support steady momentum without overwhelm. Start the free course. |
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