ATD Footer Logo

ATD Videos

Videos

Google Ad #1 - desktop - 970x90

Google Ad #1 - mobile - 300x200

Ad #1 for Generic Pages

Featured Videos

Video

Latest Videos

Game On! Action-Based Training Designs for Better Learning Passive learning just doesn’t cut it in today’s evolving, competitive workplace. Research demonstrates that action-first learning works because it engages the mind immediately and makes sure that knowledge and skills will stick. With a more diverse array of action-based training designs, organizations can motivate learners, provide hands-on, collaborative practice, and drive behavioral change. In Action-First Learning, educator and tech expert Karl Kapp covers nine distinct types of learning experiences in one volume—from card and board games, escape rooms, and branching scenarios to augmented reality and AI-powered coaching. He explains why each design works and how to choose, plan, and execute the right kind of project for your goals.The book includes a chapter by instructional designer Amy Pape about how to improve action-first learning through accessibility and another by L&D expert Kevin Thorn on the use of comics in action-first learning. Each chapter includes a detailed case study, a design checklist, and tips on how to leverage AI in the creation of action-first learning.

Action-First Learning

Get the Toolbox You Need to Design for All LearnersDesign for All Learners empowers instructional designers, trainers, and all talent development professionals to create learning experiences that are accessible to and inclusive of all people. Learn from practitioners’ vulnerable lived experiences, moving stories, and practical advice. Written with accessibility, inclusion, and L&D experts and edited by Sarah Mercier, this book will help you ensure that individuals can fully participate in the talent development and training programs you offer.Adopt a progress-over-perfection approach, and take steps to build momentum toward accessible, inclusive design. Start with shifting your mindset to consider that all learners are people who have unique experiences, perspectives, backgrounds, and abilities—and that learning design should be built for people, not just to compliance standards. Find what you need to know about designing for the modality you’re using to reach learners—from e-learning and job aids to training in the physical and virtual classroom. Gain a clearer understanding of requirements and standards, and then explore strategic tactics to foster an inclusive mindset throughout your organization.Anyone involved with the practice of design in the learning and development will benefit from the wide range of perspectives and techniques offered, whether you’re a team of one or work in an organization with a variety of resources. If your goal is to become a better designer, developer, teacher, and leader, this book presents a packed toolbox to do so. It will change everything you think you know. Use it as a guide in your journey to accessible, inclusive design for all.

Design for All Learners

Use all the implements in your toolbox to design training that is accessible to learners with disabilities, have low literacy skills, or speak a different language.

Accommodating Learners

E-learning is a transformative force reshaping the landscape of education and training. It opens a world of possibilities, propelling organizations toward greater efficiency, agility, and success.

The Potential of E-Learning Solutions

October 2024 - TD Magazine

A mystery whodunit experience teaches clinicians about a widespread virus.

Raising Awareness Through Gamified Learning

Does your next instructional design project deserve a gold, silver, or bronze level of effort?

Add Color to Work Priorities

L&D practitioners share their views on training and development.

Tell Us What You Want, What You Really, Really Want

Train the Trainer Volume 1, second edition: Foundations and Delivery: Become a Successful Trainer, delivers practical wisdom and essential tools designed to address the immediate needs of new trainers or serves as a refresher for more seasoned trainers.

Train the Trainer, Second Edition, Volume 1: Foundations and Delivery: Become a Successful Trainer

Volume 2 of Train the Trainer, Instructional Design: Captivate Your Audience, helps you design and deliver training that sticks by using fundamental adult learning techniques.

Train the Trainer, Second Edition, Volume 2: Instructional Design: Captivate Your Learners

Volume 4 of Train the Trainer, Measurement and Evaluation: Demonstrate Your Program’s Impact and Value, features essential new issues, along with evergreen material from TD at Work’s most popular issues.

Train the Trainer, Second Edition, Volume 4: Measurement and Evaluation: Demonstrate Your Program’s Impact and Value

Processes and tools to implement today and tomorrow.

Tips for What’s Top of Mind for Talent Development Leaders Today 

The Definitive A-to-Z Guidebook on Virtual TrainingIs your virtual training getting the results you want? The ability to deliver training at any time and to any location allows maximum flexibility for organizations and learners, which ultimately means more training opportunities than in-person classes could ever provide. As more organizations switch to or increase virtual training programs, learning how to excel in designing and delivering those programs is critical. The Virtual Training Guidebook, second edition, is a resource that will make the difference for beginners and veterans alike. It is a comprehensive and accessible manual for anyone who needs to create robust employee training solutions that solve real-world business challenges. Novices and experienced training professionals will find field-tested advice on choosing the right technology for their organization’s training needs, designing and facilitating classes that help all participants level up their skills, developing more engaging activities for learners, measuring success, and turning virtual training programs into valuable contributors to talent development and the bottom line.The new edition includes:Step-by-step instructions for designers, facilitators, producers, administrators, and participants on how to enhance their efficiency and effectivenessDozens of new and updated case studies and practical checklists, templates, and worksheetsExpanded coverage of accessibility, hybrid learning, and immersive technologiesA look at what’s trending in global classrooms and mobile technologyLooking for a workbook on implementing key lessons from the guidebook? Be sure to check out the companion volume, Virtual Training Tools and Templates, featuring 185 checklists, questionnaires, templates, and other practical tools. These two volumes combined cover what you need to know to design and deliver successful virtual training. 

The Virtual Training Guidebook, 2nd Edition

A Complete & Practical Toolkit for Successful Virtual Training Create the most effective virtual training solutions for your organization by using the right tools for the right learning situation. In this updated edition of Virtual Training Tools and Templates, online learning pioneer Cindy Huggett expands on her first edition by adding more than 80 new tools and sharing her most powerful ones to help training professionals create engaging virtual learning that leads to results. Whether you’re a training program manager, designer, facilitator, or producer, you’ll find expert guidance on selecting the right technology, working with IT colleagues, designing creative programs, developing activities, and facilitating experiences to engage and inspire learners.The new edition includes:185 checklists, worksheets, questionnaires, templates, and other training and learning aids that provide accessible, effective virtual learning for everyoneTips on incorporating the latest trends in hybrid, immersive, and global classroomsMore than a dozen tools for measuring your program’s success so you can move forward with confidenceResources to make the behind-the-scenes work of producers and administrators more effectiveFor a complete reference on virtual training, see Cindy’s companion volume, The Virtual Training Guidebook, second edition, which offers step-by-step advice for planning, designing, and building high-impact programs. These two volumes combined cover what you need to know to design and deliver successful virtual training.

Virtual Training Tools and Templates, 2nd Edition

In today’s fast-paced world, effective educational content is crucial for professional development on an employee and business level. As an organization looking to train or upskill your employees, the decision between using curated or custom educational content can influence your outcomes. This blog post aims to help you navigate this choice by exploring the benefits of both approaches and offering guidance on when to choose each.Understanding Curated Educational ContentCurated educational content consists of resources that can come from various learning organizations or training providers and is collected and organized to provide valuable learning experiences. Think of it as a carefully selected assortment of courses, programs, or certificates that are relevant to a particular career path, emerging industry, or company.Examples of curated educational content include online learning platforms that aggregate courses from different providers. Experienced upskilling platforms will even be able to match their offerings to individual users to create a personalized learning experience, or help companies fill skill gaps by identifying content within their network to best upskill employees.Benefits of Curated Educational ContentTo help you weigh your options, here are some benefits of curated content:Time Efficiency: Instead of creating courses or programs from scratch, with curated content, you can quickly access educational resources that have already been vetted.Expertise: By drawing from a diverse range of sources, curated educational content often brings together insights from various experts and institutions, providing a well-rounded perspective.Cost-Effectiveness: Generally, curated content has lower upfront costs than developing custom content because it doesn’t require extensive creation or development costs.Understanding Custom Educational ContentCustom educational content is tailored specifically to meet the unique needs and objectives of an audience or organization. This can include training programs, specially designed courses, and exclusive workshops created from in-house expertise.Examples include a learning company designing an internal training module for a new software tool, or an educational institution developing a specialized curriculum for a niche subject.Benefits of Custom Educational Content Here are a few perks associated with custom content:Relevance: Custom content is crafted to address specific learning objectives, organizational goals, or personal interests, making it highly relevant to the audience.Engagement: Tailored content is often more engaging because it resonates with the unique needs and contexts of the learners.True to You: Custom content can reflect your organization’s values, culture, and branding, providing a cohesive and tailored learning experience.Choosing Between Curated and Custom ContentWhen deciding between curated and custom educational content, consider these factors:Learning Objectives If your goal is to provide a broad overview or introductory material, curated content may be sufficient. For learning objectives that require knowledge unique to your organization, custom content might be necessary to provide the depth and detail required.Audience Needs and Preferences Assess your audience’s familiarity with the topic and their learning preferences. If they need foundational knowledge or diverse perspectives, curated content might work well. For specialized needs or specific use cases, custom content can be tailored to address those requirements if the curated content doesn’t exist.Budget and TimeCurated content is often more budget friendly and can be implemented quickly. If resources are limited, leveraging existing materials might be the practical choice. Custom content may be more resource intensive and require longer development time but can be a worthwhile investment for high-impact training or specialized knowledge.Making the Right ChoiceIt doesn’t have to be one or the other—it can be both. In many cases, a hybrid approach that combines both content types can be effective. For instance, you might use curated resources to provide a foundational understanding and then develop custom content for advanced topics or specific applications.Deciding which type of educational content is right for your business depends on various factors including learning objectives, audience needs, budget, and time constraints. By carefully assessing these elements, you can select the approach that best fits your situation and maximizes the effectiveness of your educational initiatives.

Comparing Curated and Custom Educational Content

Don’t just solve problems—look for opportunities as well.