March came in like a lion this year, with constant news in the headlines about the next wave of layoffs on the horizon. With so much uncertainty and change, those of us in the learning and development field can stay relevant and ready to adapt to unexpected changing circumstances by taking a proactive approach.
March presented us with 44,640 minutes of potential learning time, the challenge isn’t finding time to learn; it’s choosing the most effective ways to integrate continuous learning into our busy schedules.
Here are 6 alternatives to time-intensive conferences and webinars that help ensure we remain relevant and innovative in our field:
1. Listen and Learn
The digital age offers a treasure trove of resources that cater to your learning preferences. Podcasts, for instance, have emerged as a powerful medium for professional development. They offer the flexibility of learning on the go, be it during your daily commute, workout sessions, or while completing household chores. These auditory experiences can range from in-depth discussions on the latest instructional design theories to interviews with industry leaders sharing their insights and experiences. Similarly, platforms like LinkedIn Learning provide an extensive library of courses with audio that covers a wide spectrum of topics relevant to instructional designers, from foundational theories to advanced technological tools.
2. Find Professional Inspiration
Have 15 minutes between meetings? Browsing the libraries of content offered by leading professional organizations in the field can also be a game-changer. These organizations often curate the most current and impactful research, case studies, and best practices. Access to such a wealth of knowledge can inspire new ideas, refine existing methodologies, and keep you abreast of what’s shaping the future of instructional design.
3. Learn in the Flow of Work
The tools we use daily in our instructional design practices are not just instruments for creating content but also platforms for learning and growth. Many of these tools feature vibrant communities in the form of discussion boards and forums where professionals share challenges, solutions, and innovative ideas. Engaging with these communities can provide practical insights and real-world problem-solving skills that are immediately applicable to your work. Additionally, these platforms often host challenges and publish articles aimed at enhancing your skills and pushing the boundaries of what you can achieve with their tools.
4. Become a Microlearning Consumer
Beyond these resources, consider the power of microlearning—a strategy that instructional designers often advocate for but may forget to apply to their own learning. Microlearning involves short, focused learning activities that can fit into the smallest of gaps in your schedule. This approach can involve reading an article, watching a short tutorial video, or even participating in a quick online quiz or game related to instructional design. The key is to make learning a consistent, daily habit that doesn’t require large blocks of time but rather integrates seamlessly into your routine.
5. Embrace Networking
Networking with peers and mentors in the field is another invaluable avenue for continuous learning. Engaging in online forums, social media groups, or virtual meetups can provide diverse perspectives and expose you to new ideas and approaches. These interactions not only broaden your professional network but also offer a platform for collaborative learning and knowledge exchange.
6. Reflect to Perfect
Lastly, practicing reflective learning can significantly enhance your professional growth. Take time to reflect on your projects and experiences. What worked well? What could be improved? Documenting these reflections and revisiting them can provide personal insights that contribute to your professional development.
Whether March goes out like a lamb, or it roars up again for an uncertain spring, you can take the reins over your professional relevance and position yourself to thrive. Every one of those 44,640 minutes has been an opportunity to choose to grow.