Here’s a summary of this week’s content:

• Why prioritizing professional development benefits your career growth
• How inclusive teaching strategies enhance online learner success
• What to include in a tailored e-learning QA checklist
• How to measure L&D’s long-term business impact
• What L&D challenges in 2025 require strategic solutions

5 Reasons to Make Professional Development a Priority
Barbara Lesniak highlights why making time for your own professional development isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. She explores how ongoing learning enhances your credibility, increases your value within an organization, prepares you for new opportunities, and strengthens emotional intelligence. Investing in yourself isn’t just about career growth; it also positions you as a role model, inspiring others to prioritize their own development.

Inclusive Online Teaching: A toolkit
Online learning can feel isolating, making inclusivity a crucial factor in learner success. In this article, Kelly McKenna, Leann Kaiser, Kayon Murray-Johnson, and Kalpana Gupta introduce an open-access toolkit designed to help online educators create more inclusive learning experiences. Covering course design, interactions, discussions, and assessments, the toolkit offers practical, ready-to-use strategies to foster equity and engagement in digital learning spaces.

What Should I Include in My E-Learning QA Checklist?
Quality assurance (QA) is key to delivering effective e-learning experiences, and a one-size-fits-all checklist won’t cut it. Raye Shilen provides a framework for building a QA checklist tailored to your organization’s needs, covering instructional design, visual appeal, functionality, and other critical factors. The article breaks down best practices to ensure your e-learning content meets high standards—every time.

Measuring the Long-Term Impact of L&D Initiatives on Business Performance
How do you know if your Learning & Development efforts are truly making a lasting impact? Ian Romero dives into strategies for measuring the long-term effectiveness of L&D initiatives on business performance. The article offers a structured approach to tracking outcomes, featuring real-world success stories and practical metrics that help organizations assess the sustained value of their L&D investments.

Top 10 L&D Challenges in 2025 – And How to Overcome Them
The future of L&D comes with big challenges—but also big opportunities. Paul Schneider explores key issues facing the industry in 2025, including the strategic use of AI, boosting learner engagement, and scaling personalized learning experiences. The article provides actionable solutions, from integrating AI into your tech stack to designing bite-sized, adaptable learning content that meets the evolving needs of modern learners.

The post David Kelly’s Curated Content for 2/10/2025 appeared first on Learning Guild.

Every year, DevLearn brings together a community of learning professionals eager to explore innovative strategies, emerging technologies, and practical solutions that advance workplace learning. The sessions on the agenda are carefully selected to ensure attendees walk away with actionable insights they can apply immediately.

So, what makes a proposal stand out? More importantly, how can you craft one that increases your chances of being selected—not just for DevLearn but for any conference you may be interested in speaking at?

Based on my experience reviewing session proposals, here are some key elements we look for when evaluating submissions, along with key tips to help yours stand out.

What Makes a Strong Conference Proposal?

A Problem-Solution Approach

One of the first things we look for in a proposal is a clear answer to these two questions:

• What challenge or pain point does your session address?
• How will your session assist attendees in resolving that issue?

A strong proposal doesn’t just describe a topic—it articulates why it matters and what attendees will be able to do differently because of it.

A proposal that simply states, “This session will discuss the benefits of gamification in learning” is too vague. Instead, a stronger submission would say:

“Many organizations struggle to keep learners engaged in compliance training. In this session, we’ll explore how gamification techniques like point systems, storytelling, and social competition can increase motivation and retention. Attendees will walk away with a step-by-step framework for incorporating gamification into their existing programs.”

A clear problem-solution approach ensures attendees know what they will gain from your session.

Clarity Over Cleverness in Your Title

Your session title is the first thing reviewers and attendees will see. While it’s tempting to get creative, a title that is clear and descriptive will serve you better than one that’s overly clever or vague.

Instead of: “Unlocking the Secrets of AI in Learning”, try: “How AI is Transforming Learning Design: Practical Strategies for L&D”

The goal is to help potential attendees instantly understand what they’ll gain from your session.

Specific, Actionable Takeaways

The best proposals don’t just promise insights—they clearly define what attendees will take away.

A great way to frame this is to complete the sentence: “In this session, you will learn…”, which we specifically ask speakers to do in our surveys.

Here’s an example of strong, specific takeaways:

• What makes a good explainer video script, including brevity, pacing, and audience-appropriate language
• How to use AI-powered tools to personalize learning experiences at scale
• To apply checklist for selecting the right learning platform based on your organization’s needs

You can see how those are more practical than something generic like “You’ll learn about video creation, AI in learning, and choosing the right tools”. Vague takeaways lead to vague expectations—and that can reduce your chances of selection.

Engage the Audience in the Learning Process

Conference sessions aren’t just about what you share; they’re about how you share it.

Think about ways to make your session interactive—whether that’s through group discussions, live demos, hands-on activities, or real-world case studies. A strong proposal makes it clear how the session will engage attendees, not just present information.

For example: “Attendees will participate in a live role-play exercise to experience how different coaching techniques impact employee performance.”

Even if your session is presentation-based, find ways to make it discussion-driven and practical, and make that interactivity visible in your proposal.

Show What’s Unique About Your Perspective

Certain topics, like instructional design principles, AI, and learning strategy, often generate multiple proposals. That’s why it’s crucial to highlight what makes your take on the subject different and/or special.

• Are you sharing real-world case studies from your own experience?
• Are you presenting research-backed strategies with data?
• Are you offering a fresh perspective on a well-established topic?

Your proposal should answer: Why should this session be on the agenda? What makes this take on the topic uniquely valuable?

Final Tips on Submitting a Stronger Proposal

While this advice is tailored to DevLearn, these tips apply to any industry conference. Whether you’re submitting for the first time or refining a past proposal, keep these key points in mind:

• Focus on a specific problem and solution
• Keep your title clear and compelling
• Outline clear, actionable takeaways
• Make the session interactive and engaging
• Highlight what makes your perspective unique

Most importantly, take your time. A rushed proposal is often an unsuccessful one. Draft your responses offline, refine them, and make sure they clearly communicate the value of your session.

If you’re unsure about your topic or want feedback before submitting, don’t hesitate to reach out. The Learning Guild team is happy to provide guidance, and I look forward to seeing the ideas and insights that this year’s proposals bring.

Good luck, and I hope to see you at DevLearn this fall!

The post Crafting a Standout Conference Proposal: Tips for DevLearn and Beyond appeared first on Learning Guild.

Here’s a summary of this week’s content:

• How to design inclusive eLearning for all
• AI prompts that can enhance instructional design
• Why working with intention improves productivity
• Tips on engaging learners through live video
• Why performance shortcuts can hinder deep learning

Not All Learners Love Tech: 4 Ways to Create More Inclusive eLearning
Katie Belle Nelson explores how learners’ varying comfort levels with technology can impact engagement and success in eLearning environments. She offers practical strategies for designing inclusive experiences that accommodate diverse digital skills, ensuring all participants can access and benefit from learning opportunities without frustration or disengagement.

7 Useful Prompts for Instructional Designers
Christy Tucker provides a set of AI prompts that support instructional designers in creating more effective learning experiences, from structuring content to improving learner engagement. By leveraging these prompts, designers can streamline their workflow, enhance creativity, and ensure their solutions are both learner-centered and strategically aligned with organizational goals.

How to Work With Greater Intention This Year
Connie Malamed discusses how working with greater intention can enhance focus, productivity, and creativity in professional settings. It offers practical strategies to align daily actions with long-term goals, helping individuals and teams cultivate a more mindful and purpose-driven approach to their work.

Mastering the Art of Live Video: Top Tips for Keeping Learners Engaged
Jennifer Hofmann examines how using live video goes beyond technical skills to create engaging and meaningful connections in virtual environments. The article provides practical techniques to enhance your presence, foster interaction, and ensure your delivery captivates and resonates with audiences, helping you build confidence and effectiveness in online settings.

What’s Good for Performance Often Isn’t Good for Learning
Paul Kirschner explores the tension between optimizing performance and fostering deep learning, highlighting how shortcuts that enhance immediate results can hinder long-term understanding. By examining key differences between performance support and true learning experiences, Kirschner provides actionable insights into designing interventions that balance both needs effectively, ensuring sustainable skill development rather than just quick fixes.

The post David Kelly’s Curated Content for 1/27/2025 appeared first on Learning Guild.

Here’s a summary of this week’s content:

• Why peer connections foster growth and resilience
• How reflection aligns actions with broader values
• Why human judgment complements AI-driven decisions
• What accessibility innovations improve gaming experiences
• How storyboarding ensures effective eLearning design

Together We Thrive: The Importance of Peer Connections in L&D
Paige Yousey examines the transformative power of peer connections in fostering professional growth and resilience. This article highlights how cultivating a sense of belonging and shared learning through these connections not only enhances individual performance but also strengthens the collective success of teams and organizations.

Why reflection and reflexivity matter in a complex world
Will Allen explores the importance of reflection and reflexivity as tools for navigating complexity and fostering more intentional decision-making. This article highlights how cultivating critical self-awareness enables individuals and teams to align their actions with broader values and goals, ultimately enhancing their effectiveness in addressing challenges.

The Irreplaceable Value of Human Decision-Making in the Age of AI
Martin Reeves, Mihnea Moldoveanu, and Adam Job challenge the belief that AI and data alone can lead to superior decision-making, emphasizing the irreplaceable role of human judgment in areas like imagination, ethics, and contextual interpretation. The article provides actionable insights on how organizations can cultivate these human strengths, illustrating how they complement AI to create more effective and strategic decision-making processes.

The Best Accessible Games of 2024
Grant Stoner highlights how the gaming industry is pushing the boundaries of accessibility in “The Best Accessible Games of 2024,” showcasing innovative features that make games more inclusive for players with disabilities. These examples of thoughtful design not only improve player experiences but also offer inspiration for creating more inclusive environments in other fields.

Storyboarding In eLearning: A Blueprint For Success
Satyabrata Das explains how storyboarding is the foundation for creating intuitive and engaging eLearning experiences, aligning content, multimedia, and learner interactions with clear objectives. This article offers actionable insights into how storyboarding fosters collaboration, saves time and costs, and ensures a cohesive course design that enhances learner engagement and retention.

The post David Kelly’s Curated Content for 1/13/2025 appeared first on Learning Guild.

Here’s a summary of this week’s content:

• How enhancing AI fluency supports workforce adaptability
• Visual design tools that can optimize L&D effectiveness
• Why agentic AI transforms collaboration and innovation
• How compliance training evolves through technology trends
• Why Bluesky fosters meaningful L&D professional connections

Increasing AI Fluency Among Enterprise Employees, Senior Management & Executives
Bill Brandon’s article explores the importance of enhancing AI fluency across all organizational levels by integrating AI skills into competency frameworks and providing practical, hands-on training with AI-enabled applications. He emphasizes the need to support a culture of continuous learning to keep pace with the rapidly evolving AI landscape, ensuring employees are equipped with the most current and relevant AI skills.

Ultimate List of Visual Design Tools for L&D
Connie Malamed outlines a structured approach to visual design, detailing each phase from ideation to image selection. The article offers a curated selection of both free and premium tools tailored for each stage, serving as a comprehensive resource for creating effective learning materials.

What Is Agentic AI, and How Will It Change Work?
Mark Purdy explores how agentic AI, with its ability to act autonomously toward specific goals, represents a transformative leap in human-AI collaboration. The article examines how its decision-making and execution powers enable greater workforce specialization, trustworthiness in information handling, and innovation, while emphasizing the managerial imperatives required to navigate its challenges responsibly.

The Future of Compliance Training: Trends and Innovations
As regulatory requirements become increasingly complex, organizations are adopting innovative compliance training methods that leverage technology and modern learning principles. Viren Kapadia explores key trends including personalized learning experiences, microlearning, and the integration of virtual and augmented reality, offering insights into how these approaches enhance regulatory adherence.

From Chaos to Community: How Bluesky is Reshaping L&D Networking
Mike Taylor explores how Bluesky is emerging as a valuable platform for professionals to share insights, build meaningful connections, and engage in thoughtful discussions. He provides practical guidance on setting up a compelling profile, creating a network, and utilizing features like “Starter Packs” and lists to enhance the user experience.

The post David Kelly’s Curated Content for 12/16/2024 appeared first on Learning Guild.

Here’s a summary of this week’s content:

• What strategies address enterprise skills gaps
• How AI is transforming people analytics
• Why print outperforms screens for comprehension
• What supports new managers’ development success
• How productivity insights improve work alignment

Addressing Skills Gaps in Enterprise L&D: A High-Level Overview
Bill Brandon explores strategies for identifying and addressing skills gaps within organizations, highlighting the importance of aligning employee capabilities with business objectives. The article examines methods ranging from self-assessments and manager evaluations to advanced tools like skills inference and predictive analytics, offering actionable insights for building a more agile and skilled workforce.

People Analytics, A Complex Domain, Is About To Be Transformed by AI.
Josh Bersin discusses how AI is set to revolutionize people analytics, enabling organizations to seamlessly integrate human capital data with business outcomes. By leveraging AI-powered tools, companies can swiftly analyze complex datasets, uncovering insights that inform strategic decisions and enhance overall performance.

This is your brain. This is your brain on screens.
Jill Barshay examines the neuroscientific differences in how our brains process information when reading on screens versus paper, highlighting the cognitive advantages of print for comprehension and retention. The article provides interesting insights into how the medium of learning materials can influence the effectiveness of knowledge acquisition and application.

Deep Dive: Skilling New Managers
Clark Quinn emphasizes the importance of a cohesive approach to developing new managers by aligning training, coaching, and ongoing support with real-world application. This strategy fosters a culture of continuous learning, ensuring that new managers are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of their roles and drive sustained performance.

The Key Lessons from 10 Important Books on Productivity
Scott H. Young’s article distills key insights from ten popular productivity books, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal energy and motivation with effective work habits. By integrating strategies such as full-capture systems, energy management, and cognitive scaffolding, the piece offers actionable guidance for enhancing both individual and organizational performance. 

The post David Kelly’s Curated Content for 12/2/2024 appeared first on Learning Guild.

Here’s a summary of this week’s content:

• How emerging technologies enhance learning journeys
• Why AI voice agents will personalize real-time performance support
• Important changes in ADA compliance requirements
• How remote learning trends connect virtual teams
• Why balancing creativity and technology sustains relevance

5 Key EdTech Innovations to Watch
Paige Yousey highlights emerging technologies reshaping the learning landscape, from AI-driven personalization to immersive VR experiences. By examining how each innovation can enhance engagement and deepen learning outcomes, the piece offers practical insights into adapting to new tools that support meaningful learning journeys.

Enter the ‘Whisperverse’: How AI voice agents will guide us through our days
Louis Rosenberg introduces the “Whisperverse,” a world where AI voice agents provide seamless, conversational guidance throughout daily tasks. His insights into personalized, voice-driven interactions reveal the potential for creating adaptive learning experiences that respond to individual needs, simplify complex tasks, and support work in real-time.

ADA Compliance Requirements: What Do I Need to Know?
ADA compliance in digital learning isn’t just about meeting legal standards; it’s about designing learning experiences that are accessible and empowering for all participants. This article provides an overview of essential ADA requirements, offering guidance on how to ensure that your content reaches every learner and emphasizes an inclusive, learner-centered design approach from the outset.

2024 Trends in Remote Learning & Virtual Teams: AI, Micro-Learning & More
Jennifer Lindsay-Finan highlights emerging trends in remote learning that are transforming how virtual teams stay engaged and effective. By integrating AI-driven personalization, micro-learning, and immersive virtual reality experiences, she illustrates how organizations can create flexible, meaningful learning that keeps remote teams connected and ready to tackle digital-age challenges.

Embrace the Valuable Friction Between Creativity and Technology
Robert Rose cautions against AI complacency, urging leaders to stay proactive as technology evolves. Though directed at marketing professionals, the insights reveal how a critical, adaptable approach to AI implementation can help ensure that solutions remain relevant, ethical, and aligned with the values and goals of any organization.

The post David Kelly’s Curated Content for 11/18/2024 appeared first on Learning Guild.

During the keynote, you will examine pivotal advancements and strategies in learning technologies that professionals must adopt to thrive in an ever-evolving workplace. You will gain actionable insights on how to leverage innovative tools and practices to enhance organizational learning and performance, as well as trends that can inform your organization’s learning strategies. Prepare to transform your approach to learning and development with cutting-edge insights from the forefront of the industry.

The post Navigating the Future: Harnessing Learning Technologies in the 2024 Workplace appeared first on Learning Guild.

Here’s a summary of this week’s content:

• How to leverage Twine for immersive learning
• Why commitment tools surpass willpower for habit change
• How AI can support instructional design workflows
• Why color contrast enhances accessible learning experiences
• How compliance training fosters organizational responsibility

Use Twine to Easily Create Engaging, Immersive Scenario-Based Learning
Bill Brandon explains how to leverage Twine, an open-source tool, to build interactive learning scenarios that immerse learners in real-world decision-making. The article highlights practical steps and examples, illustrating how Twine’s adaptable, branching structures can help create meaningful, context-rich experiences that go beyond passive learning.

We Have Better Ways to Break Habits Than Willpower. Why Don’t We Use Them?
Michael Blanding presents research by Julian Zlatev, revealing that commitment tools—such as accountability partners or digital blockers—are often more effective for breaking habits than sheer willpower. Zlatev’s insights challenge traditional views on self-control, offering leaders actionable ways to create supportive environments that promote sustainable change and resilient behaviors without the stigma attached to using such strategies.

AI in Instructional Design
John Curran explores AI’s potential to support instructional designers with tasks like summarizing content, addressing audience needs, and building learning frameworks. He emphasizes that while AI tools can enhance efficiency, the strategic insight and creative abilities of instructional designers remain indispensable for crafting meaningful learning experiences.

How Do I Develop With Color Contrast in Mind?
Raye Shilen highlights the importance of thoughtful color contrast in creating inclusive learning experiences that are accessible to all. This article unpacks essential strategies for selecting color pairings that enhance readability and engagement, offering actionable insights for crafting content that resonates with diverse audiences.

The Ultimate Guide to Compliance Training for Employees
Elena Koumparaki explores how compliance training can be more than a regulatory obligation, highlighting its potential to foster a culture of responsibility and safety within an organization. The article offers strategies to craft engaging compliance programs that resonate with employees, ultimately strengthening accountability and reducing risk.

The post David Kelly’s Curated Content for 11/4/2024 appeared first on Learning Guild.

Here’s a summary of this week’s content:

• How AI enhances xAPI for personalized learning
• Why inclusive scenarios benefit nonbinary learners
• How NotebookLM streamlines instructional design workflows
• Why learning from mistakes improves decision-making
• Why employee development aligns growth with success

2 Ways You Can Use AI with xAPI
Jason Haag and Chad Udell discuss two practical ways to use AI with xAPI: for learning analytics and content generation. They demonstrate how generative AI tools can help visualize xAPI data for deeper insights, and how AI-driven personalization can leverage organizational data to create more targeted learning experiences—ultimately enhancing the impact of data-driven initiatives.

Nonbinary Characters in Scenarios
In this article, Christy Tucker highlights the importance of representing nonbinary characters in learning scenarios, emphasizing how inclusive design can create more relatable and engaging learning experiences. The article illustrates how thoughtful scenario development can foster a sense of belonging and relevance for all learners by incorporating diverse characters.

Five Easy Ways Instructional Designers Can Use Google NotebookLM
Using NotebookLM, an AI-powered note-taking tool, offers a unique way to enhance instructional design by organizing information and generating ideas. In this article, Connie Malamed demonstrates how the tool can support designers by streamlining workflows, making it easier to synthesize research and develop creative solutions for complex learning challenges.

How to Learn from Your Mistakes and Make Better Decisions
Cheryl Strauss Einhorn highlights how reflecting on past missteps can unlock powerful insights for improving future decision-making. She explores an example of how a nonprofit leader reexamined hiring failures and adjusted her process by asking the right questions and confronting assumptions, ultimately leading to more effective hires.

Why Employee Development Should Be A Core Focus For HR And L&D
Sarita Chand highlights how aligning employee development with both personal aspirations and business needs can significantly improve engagement, retention, and performance. By fostering a culture of continuous growth and clear communication of career paths, organizations create a development process that benefits both employees and the business, driving sustainable success.

Which Conference is Best for You and Your Goals?

Click the image above to learn more about DevLearn

Click the image above to learn more about Learning 2024: The Learning Leaders Conference

The post David Kelly’s Curated Content for 10/21/2024 appeared first on Learning Guild.