Communications Expertise

My team created an interactive web feature for Afghans at http://www.ilsaa.acf.hhs.gov on the Afghan Arrivals page. To reach low-literacy populations, we also produced audio versions of these helpful FAQ conversations.

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Can I Travel Outside the United States? 

As an Afghan arrival, you may have questions about traveling back to Afghanistan (or to another country). You may also want to know how travel will impact your path to securing permanent residence in the United States. Traveling can have negative implications for your case, so it’s very important that you seek legal advice before making travel plans. 

There are some requirements all travelers should know about, but the risks you should consider depend on your situation. You may need to submit a Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document). Be sure to fill out the form correctly based on your immigration status. See this chart for more information.  Travelers who return to the United States with travel authorization will still be subject to inspection by Customs and Border Protection.  Additionally, having a travel document does not guarantee re-entry to the United States. Please consult the State Department’s travel guide for more information on visa requirements for various countries and the most up-to-date travel recommendations.

[Callout: See the travel chart to learn about your status.] 

[Tab 1]

Travel Without a Green Card

Bashir: Can I travel to another country?

Ali: I’m so glad you asked! Traveling may complicate a person’s journey towards securing permanent resident status in the United States. 

Bashir: Oh really? How so? 

Ali: Whether you should travel outside the United States depends on which applications you have submitted, whether those applications are approved, and which countries you plan to visit while traveling. 

Bashir: What should I do if I want to travel outside the United States?

Ali: If you want to travel outside the United States, speak to an immigration lawyer. Your lawyer will want to know which applications you have submitted to the U.S. government, whether any of those applications have been approved, and which documents you will need to show to officials in the country you’re visiting when you arrive. 

[Tab 2]

Travel with a Green Card 

Let’s see what Samir needs to consider when he wants to travel to Canada. 

Samir: Hi, my name is Samir. 

I was an interpreter who worked for the U.S. government in Afghanistan. I just got my green card based on my approved Special Immigrant Visa (SIV). I’d like to travel to Canada.

Ali: Congratulations on getting your green card!  Generally, after a person receives a green card, they may travel outside the United States. But remember, it is always recommended to check with the embassy of the country you’re visiting for their specific rules and regulations about entering the country.

Samir: Is there anything else I should keep in mind?

Ali: Every country has different requirements for crossing their borders. Some examples are vaccinations, travel documents, items to declare, and goods you can’t bring into the country. Check with the embassy of the country you’re visiting for their rules and regulations about entering the country. To re-enter the United States as a lawful permanent resident, you will need to present your unexpired green card, identity card (such as a passport), and any other documents requested by Customs and Border Patrol. If you have questions, please consult with a lawyer. 

[Tab 3]

Travel to Afghanistan

Now, let’s hear Sabria’s questions about traveling to Afghanistan. 

Sabria: Hi! My name is Sabria and I want to travel to Afghanistan to visit my family. 

Ali: Hi, Sabria. I understand your desire to visit your family. For your safety and security, traveling to Afghanistan is currently not recommended by the State Department. You can learn more about the State Department’s travel recommendations by consulting their travel guide on visiting Afghanistan. 

To understand how travel will impact your immigration application, status, and case, I need to know what immigration documents you have received from the U.S. government. Can you tell me more about them so I can assess your travel risks?

Sabria: My lawyer submitted an asylum application, but I haven’t received an approval for this application yet. 

Ali: Leaving the country as an asylum seeker carries risks. Traveling back to Afghanistan could prevent you from being able to obtain asylum in the United States. Generally, because asylum is an application based on fear of returning to your country of persecution, travel to Afghanistan could indicate that you would no longer experience or fear persecution and may make you ineligible for asylum. The U.S. government may assume you have abandoned your asylum application.  Always consult with a lawyer if you have questions about your circumstances.

Sabria: How about traveling to other countries while my asylum application is pending?

Ali: Since your application for asylum is pending, you must apply for and receive a travel document (also called an advance parole document*) by submitting Form I-131 prior to travel. Please keep in mind that advance parole does NOT replace your passport and does not guarantee reentry into the United States. A lawyer should verify applicable documents prior to any travel, and we recommend seeking legal advice prior to making plans. You should also confirm what visa or entry requirements may exist for the country that you intend to travel to prior to making any plans. 

Sabria: Is there anything else I should keep in mind?

Ali: It’s possible that you may not be able to re-enter the United States, even if you have the correct documents. You may have to petition a U.S. embassy in the country that you are visiting to re-apply for an alternative re-entry document, which could result in long wait times before you are able to return to the United States. The application may or may not be approved.

Seek advice from an immigration lawyer to evaluate your options prior to any travel outside the United States. 

Regardless of immigration status, we recommend consulting with a lawyer before making travel plans. 

Need a lawyer? ILSAA provides free legal services to eligible Afghans. For more information, call us toll-free at 833-286-0864 or email ILSAAinfo@icf.com with your name, phone number, and preferred language.

Resources 

• USCIS Application for Travel Document

[Add link to chart] 

• Canadian Embassy

• U.S. State Department Travel Guide: Afghanistan

April 29, 2025

Lately, I’ve been training myself (again!) to adopt a mindset of gratitude. In a sea of uncertainty about what will happen next in my career, I'm choosing three specific moments, images, people, or connections to be grateful for every evening, and writing them down before I settle in for sleep.

Last night, my entries were:

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• My allium bulbs are close to blooming.

• A client at the food bank handed me a handwritten thank-you card after I helped her and her sweet father go home with a car full of groceries.

• My friend drove across town to have lunch with me.

Gratitude helps us hold space for what we’re leaving behind and what lies ahead.

The research is clear about gratitude. We know that practicing gratitude can lead to improved mental health, better sleep, reduced stress, and more joy. Even more importantly, perhaps, gratitude gives us something powerful to anchor on when it feels like rugs (or boats!) are being pulled from under our feet.

​

Headspace in particular does a great job of not only sharing this research, but also providing actionable everyday practices to harness its power.

Gratitude can feel natural when things are going well. But when we experience change, loss, unexpected upheaval, or a sudden challenge, gratitude becomes more than a nice-to-have; it becomes a strategy for resilience.

It reminds us:

• To recognize the lessons we've learned (especially from challenges!)

• To appreciate the people who have our backs, no matter what

• To trust in the skills, experiences, and inner strengths we carry forward, no matter what the future holds

​

Why Gratitude Matters During Transitions

Transitions are inevitable. Whether meticulously planned or completely unexpected, they push us to reflect, and, ideally, to grow. Gratitude can help.

Gratitude isn’t about ignoring hard feelings. It’s about anchoring ourselves to a deeper sense of purpose and optimism.

When we reflect with gratitude:

• We stay connected to the progress we've made.

• We build emotional resilience to face the unknown.

• We open ourselves to new opportunities with a clearer, lighter mindset.

Transitions can stir up uncertainty—but gratitude clears the way for hope, energy, and momentum.

​

A Personal Reflection

As I navigate my own professional transition, I find myself deeply grateful:

• For the colleagues and mentors who invested time, energy, and trust in me.

• For the teams I’ve had the privilege to lead and learn from.

• For the projects that challenged me to grow in ways I never expected.

• And for the exciting possibilities ahead—new ways to contribute, to create, and to serve.

Gratitude reframes the narrative from “ending” to “beginning.” It reminds me that every step forward is built on the foundation of everything that came before.

​

An Invitation

If you're in the midst of a transition—or anticipating one soon—I invite you to pause and ask:

• What am I grateful for from this chapter?

• What strengths am I carrying forward?

• Who can I acknowledge or thank today?

Gratitude won't eliminate the uncertainty of change. But it will make the path forward more meaningful, more connected, and a little bit brighter.

Here’s to honoring what was, embracing what is, and being hopeful for what’s to come.

✨

#Gratitude #Leadership #CareerGrowth #Transitions #Mindset

​

April 17, 2025

​

Why great training must be clear, human, and built with the learner in mind

We’ve all sat through forgettable training.

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You know the kind—dense slides, robotic narration, generic examples, and that sinking feeling of "I’m not learning anything here."

As someone who deeply cares about how people absorb information, I believe this happens not because we don’t have the right content, but because we often forget who we’re creating it for—the human on the other end of the screen.

​

That’s why I’m a firm believer in this:

👉 Content is king—but quality is queen.

​

And in the world of e-learning and training, they have to rule together.

​

It’s Not Just What You Say. It’s How You Say It.

​

You can have the most brilliant insights, frameworks, or skill-building tools ever—but if they’re buried in jargon, hard to follow, or completely disconnected from the learner’s reality? They’ll be forgotten.

Quality training isn’t just accurate—it’s:

• Tailored – Speaks directly to the learner’s role, needs, and pain points.

• Clear – Written in plain language, with zero fluff.

• Human – Feels like it was made by people, for people—not a machine.

• Engaging – Uses visuals, storytelling, and structure to actually hold attention.

The best content doesn’t just deliver information. It creates understanding.

​

Know Your Audience (No, Really)

​

This may sound obvious, but it’s often skipped in the rush to “get the training out.”

If you’re creating a module for overwhelmed parents, the language shouldn't sound like something for software engineers. If your team is remote, make sure your training reflects the reality of distributed workflows. If you're onboarding creatives, ditch the corporate buzzwords and give them something that inspires action.

Too many training programs aim for everyone—and end up connecting with no one.

When you understand your audience, you can:

​

✅ Use examples that resonate

✅ Speak their language

✅ Anticipate confusion and address it

✅ Show real empathy

​

And that’s what turns information into impact.

​

Clarity Is Kindness

​

In my experience, the fastest way to lose a learner is by overwhelming them.

​

Walls of text. Complicated instructions. Unclear objectives. It doesn’t have to be this way.

​

Clear content respects the learner’s time. It boosts confidence. It actually helps people retain information (which, by the way, is the whole point).

​

Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do as a content creator is cut the clutter.

​

Human-Centered Design Isn’t Optional

​

Training should never feel like a punishment. And yet, so much of it still does.

​

We have the tools. We have the platforms. Now we need the intentionality to build learning experiences that are:

• Relatable

• Interactive

• Accessible

• Purpose-driven

When training feels human, it builds trust. When it feels relevant, it creates action.

​

The Takeaway

​

We’re not just creating content. We’re creating experiences that shape how people learn, grow, and show up in their work.

So yes, content is king—but quality is queen. And when they work together, everyone wins:

​

💡 Learners feel empowered.

📈 Organizations see real skill-building.

👏 And content creators get to make something that actually matters.

​

Let’s connect! If you’re passionate about building meaningful, human-centered learning experiences—or just want to swap ideas on better content and training—I’d love to hear from you.

Feel free to connect or drop a message here on LinkedIn.

Let’s build better learning, together.

​

#LearningAndDevelopment #InstructionalDesign #Elearning #Training #ContentStrategy #LXD #EdTech #ContentIsKing #ClarityIsKindness #HumanCenteredDesign

This is one of many briefs I prepared to inform the internal team and myStrength partners about our new content offerings.

Mindfulness and Meditation

(remodel)

January 2023

The basics

​

Content type & location: Program available to all myStrength members. Find it at Explore > Explore all > Mindfulness and meditation  

Title: Mindfulness and meditation 

(Re)Launch date: January 4, 2023

Target audience:

Mindfulness is a wellness skill that can benefit those who experience mental health concerns related to judgment, living in the past or the future, or a pattern of unhelpful thoughts.  Meditation is one popular and practical way to practice mindfulness.

User research indicates that the terms mindfulness and meditation are both unintimidating and well-understood. Both inspire interest, curiosity, and a desire to develop knowledge and skill, so the title of this program will remain as is.

Why we need this content:

MyStrength's mindfulness program has traditionally been among our most popular. Keeping the program inspiring, media rich and up-to-date is a critical part of maintaining our position in an increasingly competitive environment.

Mindfulness is the act of being fully awake, aware, and present of what is happening in and around us. MyStrength offers a particularly rich environment for mindfulness practice; the use of audio meditations, video, and skills practice brings the content to life. In remodeling this program along with our Spirituality program, we enlisted the help of Francesca Morfesis, MA, LPA, chaplain at Duke University, to record a fresh batch of meditations to support these foundational skills. In addition, we’ve included new practice activities designed to support specific mindfulness skills such as appreciate others’ joy and practice simple gratitude.

Clinical philosophy:

 Mindful awareness is a component of many clinical protocols including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, the Unified Protocol for the Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Cognitive Behavior Therapy. It should be noted that mindfulness does not constitute a treatment protocol in and of itself and may not be generally recommended for treatment of anxiety, trauma, PTSD, and more.

Mindfulness is a skill like any other that requires repetition and practice. In order to see benefit, members must go beyond understanding—they must actually practice it repeatedly in real life. The program has been developed to inspire engagement so members can experience benefits first-hand.

What the remodel includes

This remodel includes:

• Complete redevelopment of the two activities included in the main program to make them more concise, actionable, and practice oriented.  

• 11 remodeled activities.

• 1 remodel of a high visibility, outdated video on the platform (Mindfulness 101).

• 12 entirely new interactive and educational activities.

A total of 84 activities are included in the remodeled program.

The sequenced program includes two activities designed to be used in order:

• What is mindfulness?

• Practicing mindfulness

The redesigned channels and new activities cover a range of important topics, including:

• Breathing meditations in a variety of delivery methods

• Getting started with meditation   

• Uplifting mindfulness activities “to brighten the mind”

• Tips to expand meditation practice

• Active mindfulness 

• Visualizations

• Calming practices

• Everyday mindfulness

• Mindfulness for challenging times

This is one example of many infographics my team created at http://www.ilsaa.acf.hhs.gov to aid lawyers and Afghan Arrivals in the complex immigration process. 

This is one example of many infographics my team created at http://www.ilsaa.acf.hhs.gov to aid lawyers and Afghan Arrivals in the complex immigration process. 

This is a promotional flyer I created as part of a freelance project. 

This is one example of a one-page resource for Afghans created and revised during my time at ICF. It is published at http://www.ilsaa.acf.hhs.gov.

What Afghan Minors and Their Caregivers Need to Know

​

Do you teach, coach, know, or care for an Afghan minor? Please encourage them to keep their status up to date and, if applicable, to update their address with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

​

Keeping parole up to date

If you are from Afghanistan and were under 18 when you were paroled into the United States with an OAR or PAR class of admission, you should keep your parole up to date. If you are currently over 18 years old but were 18 or younger when you were paroled into the United States, you are eligible for benefits while your parole is active.

​

How to check your parole status

Check the date of your parole expiration on your Form I- 94 by visiting the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Form I-94 website to view and print a copy of your Form I-94. To access it, you will need to enter your first and last name, date of birth, document number or A- number (including the letter A), and your country of citizenship. CBP has instructions on how to complete this step in English (PDF), Dari (PDF), and Pashto (PDF).

​

Parole extensions

Parole may be automatically extended on a case-by-case basis. For example, minors under age 14 may be granted automatic extensions. Also, if you’ve filed for asylum or a green card since receiving your original parole, your parole may be extended while your application is pending. If you aren’t sure about your status, checking the I-94 form online is the best way to know for sure.

https://ilsaa.acf. hhs.gov ILSAAinfo@icf.com 833-286-0864

​

Asylum and green card applications

Afghan nationals aged 14-18 years who wish to extend their initial parole may have options. If you are eligible, you can file Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, or Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, before your initial parole period expires. Your parole will be automatically extended while your application is pending.

​

Applying for re-parole

​

• Each person must apply for re-parole individually, not as part of another person’s application.

Before applying for re-parole online, please complete the following steps:

1. If you don’t already have one, obtain an email address. Anyone can create a free email address using gmail.com or another free email service.

2. Create a free myUSCIS account by following the instructions on the USCIS webpage, “How to Create a USCIS Account”. Each person should have their own USCIS account, even babies and young children.

3. Follow the instructions available online at Re- Parole Process for Certain Afghans | USCIS.

4. ​Afghan minors who have not filed for asylum or

permanent residence can file Form I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records to request a new period of parole or re-parole. There is no application fee. Although the form may be submitted to USCIS by mail, you’re

encouraged to file it through an online account.

Starting 10/11/24 you must use the new edition

of form I-131 (06/17/24 edition). The previous

version will no longer be accepted by USCIS.

​

More information for Afghan minors

Change of address: When you move, you will need to update your address with USCIS within 10 days. This will help avoid issues with your immigration case. Learn how to update your address with USCIS by accessing ILSAA’s URGENT! Update Your Address with USCIS fact sheet.

​

Family reunification: Afghan minors may be eligible for family reunification services through the Department of State or USCIS. Visit the Department of State’s Family Reunification for Afghans webpage and USCIS’ Information for Afghan Nationals webpage to learn more.

​

Additional benefits: Afghan minors may be eligible for food stamps, English language classes, medical assistance, and more. You can find out more by visiting the Office of Refugee Resettlement’s (ORR) website and accessing their fact sheet. Individual states also offer benefits; learn more by visiting ORR's Key State Contacts page.

​

Guardianship/custody: If you are caring for an Afghan minor but are not their parent or legal guardian, you may need to take legal steps to support their needs in America. For example, if the minor in your care was initially listed as your child on an immigration document, it’s important to get legal help to get it corrected so the minor can qualify for the appropriate assistance and benefits. Access ILSAA’s Are You Caring for an Afghan Child but Are Not Their Legal Parent? fact sheet to learn more.

​

Questions?

If you have questions or need more information, please visit ILSAA’s website for additional resources. 

You can contact your state refugee coordinator’s office or consult our list of available resources for legal help.

​

This program was used as part of Claris' content delivery for seniors using their platform. 

​

It recommended daily practices to improve mindset, contentment, and enjoyment no matter what the circumstances. 

​

Below is an excerpt from the program. 

​

Well, chances are that you've been around long enough to know this:

There's plenty about life that’s out of your control.

​

If you're like most people, you think often about pain, loss, and disappointment.

This program will help you practice new ways of managing those thoughts.

​

Psychologists know that practicing mindful awareness, gratitude, and neutral or positive thinking makes people happier.

In fact, research has shown that these skills can also...

​

• Reduce stress

• Improve mood

• Strengthen relationships

• Lower blood pressure

• Improve sleep

• Help with pain management

• Boost brain power

So why not give them a try?

​

We'll introduce these skills one by one, and you can practice them each day on your own. It will only take a few minutes.

If you stick with us, we think you'll notice a difference.

Our first skill is:

Mindful presence.

As poet May Angelou once said...

​

"Be present in all things and thankful for all things."  - Maya Angelou

​

So, what is mindful presence?

You can think of mindful presence as "being here, now."

This means that your mind is in the present moment.

​

You might have heard the term “mindfulness.” Think of mindful presence as one small practice, a little step toward mindfulness.

​

Take Mina, for example.

Mina sits to eat her breakfast. She notices the way her toast looks. She smells the ripe fruit on her plate and tastes every bite.

​

​Now let's visit Ada. She seems to be doing the same thing as Mina: eating breakfast. But her experience is different.

This is one example of many resources I created with my team at http://www.ilsaa.acf.hhs.gov to aid lawyers and Afghan Arrivals in the complex immigration process. 

This is the final "action plan" created by a crisis intervention activity for suicidality that I wrote for myStrength. 

A gratitude meditation I wrote for publication as an audio at myStrength.com.

Gratitude for every season

{Voice meditation)

{Set to music and read slowly. Include some pauses in between phrases.}

​

Close your eyes gently and breathe in deeply. As you exhale, bring yourself to the present moment. Notice your body, how it feels now, then bring your awareness to your mind and try to let go of any lingering thoughts.

​

In this moment, here and now, notice the season you are in. Maybe the serenity of winter is lifting, maybe spring is on the way. Are the days long now, or short? Maybe you are in a busy season of life, or perhaps this is a quieter time. Are you starting something new? Are you approaching a milestone?

​

Now consider what makes you grateful for this season. Focus on one thing or one image to symbolize your gratitude. Maybe it’s the shadows of leaves dancing on your porch or the smell of autumn in the air. Maybe it’s some recent good news. Focus on a sweet moment with a loved

one, or the kind words of a friend. Bring to mind something you are working on, or something that you simply accept, without trying to change it.

​

Focus on this one thing, and let gratitude for it fill your heart. Imagine gratitude filling your lungs as you breathe in and out. Picture it and notice what you are grateful for. Notice how the world is opening to receive it. Imagine its goodness touching everything, like a warm breeze.

Be thankful for what has brought you to this place, here where you are grateful, where so much comes to you without effort. Be thankful for what or who has helped you land here, in the beauty of this moment.

​

When you're ready, slowly open your eyes, letting your gratitude light your path now and throughout your day.

This is a brief about one of hundreds of activities I created with my team as part of myStrength.com (proprietary content). This is part of our Pregnancy and Early Parenting mental health series.

We created a series of unique illustrations for this program with a graphic designer. 

[Writing sample from activity]

Before they have children, parents often have an unrealistic vision of what is possible. Hear more about the "good enough environment" and how it might help your family. (a clinical expert interview follows)

​

[Notes about the program]

This program began as "Maternal Mental Health" with a focus on postpartum mental health issues for women. We worked with a team of clinicians focused on new parents and an author and  former board member of Postpartum Support International.  As the topic evolved, our subject matter experts encouraged us to include fathers, same sex couples, and adoptive parents as part of the primary audience. Rather than a focus on infant development, the program was designed to care for parents as they enter a new, daunting, and overwhelming phase of life. The program included topics related to mental health for pregnant people, their partners, expectant adoptive parents, and new parents. 

​

​

This is one example of many resources I created with my team at http://www.ilsaa.acf.hhs.gov to aid lawyers and Afghan Arrivals in the complex immigration process. This became an 18-page list of resources for Afghans to get assistance after the close of the ILSAA government project.

This is one of many social media posts I created as part of a freelance project. 

This is a video script for a short animation piece produced for myStrength.com and published on the proprietary members only site.

Values 

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What do you really care about?

Your values are like a compass pointing you toward what’s right for you.

For example, you might value relationships…

Working hard at your career…

Having fun....

Or staying in shape.

When you are clear about what matters most to you, it’s easier to know who you are and which way to go,

You’re less concerned about how others see you and your decisions.

Remember, values are not fixed.

They change over time.

So take a moment once in a while to reflect.

When your life is aligned with your values, decisions are easier.

You’ll get more satisfaction from your relationships, work, and leisure time.

Just follow your compass.

​

May 8, 2025

By Alissa Norton

Recently, I was asked to transform a complex clinical article written by a psychiatrist into a more interactive educational design. As I began asking questions, moving ideas around, and posing possibilities, the SME looked at me and said:

“You’re not just making this look pretty—you’re actually making it make sense.”

That stuck with me, because that’s exactly what instructional design is about.

Instructional Design Is Not Just Software

Yes, tools like Articulate, Captivate, and Canva are useful. Anyone who is technically adept, and has access, can learn these tools relatively quickly. Resources for learning these tools are easy to come by.

But knowing how to use them is not what makes you an instructional designer. What separates someone who builds content from someone who designs learning is this:

✅ Critical thought

✅ Human-centered experience design

✅ The ability to simplify complexity

These skills aren’t plug-and-play. They’re developed over time, through experience, curiosity, and deep listening.

What Instructional Designers Really Do

🔍 We Think Critically

We analyze the root problem, not just the request. We ask:

• What does success look like for the learner?

• What’s the performance gap?

• How can we measure real outcomes?

We design backwards from results, meaning we know the learning objectives we are reaching for, and we find a path from where the learner is now to where they need to go.

👥 We Design for Humans

We build learning for real people—not personas in theory. We account for:

• Attention spans

• Accessibility needs

• Emotional and cognitive load

Learning should feel empowering, not overwhelming.

🧩 We Simplify Complexity

One of our greatest strengths is making hard things easier to understand. Whether it’s clinical protocols, legal guidelines, or messy workflows, we bring clarity, structure, and logic—without losing depth.

When we do our jobs well, learners leave saying:

“I finally get it.”

So Why Does This Matter?

Organizations that view instructional design as “making information pretty" miss out on the strategic impacts of real learning. When real learning happens:

• Performance improves

• Onboarding and upskilling becomes more accessible

• Teams retain more—and apply it better

• Business goals get met faster

That doesn’t come from nice visuals. It comes from intentional, learner-focused, outcomes-driven design.

Final Thought

If you’re hiring instructional designers, look beyond the resume’s software section.

If you’re entering the field, don’t just master tools—master thinking.

Instructional design is not decoration. It’s transformation.

#InstructionalDesign #LearningExperienceDesign #LXD #ContentStrategy #DigitalLearning #EdTech #Elearning #AdultLearning

I wrote this article for Noomii.com.

Go Online! 6 Tips for Using E-Learning and Video in Your Coaching Practice ​

​​

Technology in e-learning and video creation has taken huge leaps in recent years and I believe it’s time for coaches to take advantage! In early 2011, I took a new job as a video producer at an online education startup in Denver and at that time there weren’t many platforms available. Now there are so MANY choices for getting content out into the world easily, with unbelievable support for entrepreneurs.

​

If you’re a coach with a specific niche and you’ve gained some following with your methods, I recommend that you begin to create and organize your online content now. Developing an online class or program might sound daunting at first, but the benefits of investing in the process are plentiful.

​

Reshape your coaching practice with online classes and programs

Imagine what it would be like if you could coach several of your favorite clients at once and still see amazing results. Imagine your day as an online class instructor: conducting a live webinar, filming and posting a video coaching tip, uploading a worksheet, and posting a discussion prompt.

The result of re-directing your coaching time to business activities like these? Hundreds, even thousands of present and future clients can engage with your content long after you’ve created it, saving you hundreds of hours of free consultations and one-on-one meetings.

This isn’t to say that online programs will replace one-on-one coaching completely - I’m still a believer in personal meetings - it just means you’ll have more to offer your clients and the time you spend developing your ideas will have greater reach and generate more revenue. And, you’ll find that you have more clients.

​

How to incorporate e-learning and video into your coaching

So let’s take a look at what it means to incorporate e-learning and video into your coaching practice. First, a quick disclaimer. As a professional video producer and online class creator, I’ve helped hundreds of teachers, artists, coaches and chefs make online video classes to sell, so my bias is toward making paid content. Also, I just love video when it’s done well, so I always recommend using video (featuring you, yes, you!) to express your big ideas. It keeps things personal. That said, your online class can be entirely without video if you so choose and you can certainly make content to offer for free - there are some very good reasons to do so.

Here are a few insider tips about the process of making your first online class or program: 

1. Use a platform (rather than re-inventing the wheel)

You can spend hundreds of hours pasting together and maintaining pieces and parts on social media outlets, your website, and an email service, but this will be disjointed and confusing. For a seamless experience, I recommend investing in a subscription to a platform that can not only handle your customer service issues but also house all your content in one place. Payments will go directly through your PayPal or Stripe account, and your website or social media post will simply direct clients to the platform.

2. Get help with content/do what you do best

If you can, hire an experienced Producer who understands coaching and can help you with logistics, deadlines, and tailoring your content to your chosen audience. If you can’t afford a professional, enlist a friend or family member to give you feedback on your course outline and be in the room with you while you shoot your video or conduct your live webinar. It may be tempting, especially if your coaching business is less established, to do all the work yourself, and to spend hours training yourself in all the necessary skills. Remember that hiring out those parts of the process that are daunting to you, like shooting and editing video, and handling the technical aspects of content delivery, could save you money in the end.

3. Be patient

Your coaching practice wasn’t built in a day, and your online class will require a creative process to come together, too. Map out 2-4 months for course development, filming, editing, and upload.

4. Don’t be afraid to be yourself

Your current clients appreciate you for how you coach and what you offer that no one else can; be confident that your future clients will feel the same way. Make content that resonates with your true beliefs and speaks to your ideal clientele, and you will attract them to you.

5. Bigger is not always better

A focused course will feel more comfortable and manageable to your client than one that tries to communicate everything! Make multiple short classes instead of one mega class.

6. Price for quality or quantity

Do some market research to determine how broad an audience your particular topic has, and price your class or program accordingly. If it’s fairly popular and easier to produce, price your class a bit lower; if it’s a real niche topic with lots of minutae and some challenging production needs, you’ll need to attract a higher price to make your work profitable.

When you create a program that effectively communicates your coaching expertise without your physical presence, you free yourself up to get paid while you sleep, take your dog on a long walk, or spend time with your family. To me, that’s flat out smart business.

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Part of my role at Teladoc Health involved keeping our content guidelines up to date. Here is an excerpt from that "living, breathing" document.

Content Guidelines

Voice and Tone

Our consumer brand voice is compassionate, caring and confident. We are passionate about helping people improve their health, and do so by being inclusive and empowering. We rely on our expertise, experience, and commitment to quality to instill trust and create a deep and meaningful relationship with our members.

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We should:

● Be short and straightforward.

● Come across as warm, approachable and helpful.

● Use plain, common speech, like getting care vs. accessing care. Write how people naturally talk.

Voice Traits

● Confident. We’re the leader in virtual care for a reason. We consistently provide quality care that people can count on. We’re not arrogant but passionate and steadfast.

● Trustworthy. Fact-, evidence- and experience-based. Honest. Reliable.

● Confident because we’re proven. Deep knowledge developed over time.

● Optimistic. We believe we can help people live healthier lives by taking care of their needs at the right time. Whenever they receive a communication, they should feel a sense of positivity and hopefulness.

● Caring. Compassionate and warm. Respectful and inclusive.

● Strength-based, non-judgmental, and free from stigma. We’re here for people in their moment of need.

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General Recommendations

● 3rd person is a good go-to option. “You” and “we” are good, too. We want to avoid putting users on the defensive or take an accusatory tone.

● Create a connection with the user vs. relaying the facts

● We want activities to be more like a conversation, less like a lecture. Like a knowledgeable friend helping out a friend.

● End each activity with a call to action, a supportive sentiment, or some kind of encouraging instruction.

● Stories work well

● Speak to the POV of patients. In what situation will this concept come up? What does this feel like? What emotions, thoughts may be going through their head? What pre-existing attitudes may they have toward the

topic or concept?

● Structure: set up a problem, offer a solution

● Flow- make sure a clear thread is driving the story from step to step. Each section should build on the last. Use transitional language.

● Metaphors can help

Less of this ...

● School homework/textbook

● Doctor advice

● Expert

● Comprehensive resource

● “Do this.” “myStrength suggests you do this.”

● Diagnosing someone

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This is a promotional piece that I wrote as part of a freelance project.

Front Range, Colorado – October 26, 2023

New! Holiday Cheesemaking Classes and Wine Tastings to Benefit Charity, brought to you by Cheese for Change. 

The Art of Cheese introduces its Cheese for Change tour, a series of tasty, entertaining educational events benefiting charities across the front range for the holiday season. 

November 20, 2023 – Kate Johnson, owner of The Art of Cheese, an artisan cheesemaking school located in Longmont, Colorado, is pleased to announce a partnership with Blanchard Family Wines for an educational cheesemaking event and wine tasting at The Dairy Block at 1800 Wazee Street, Denver, to kick off the holiday season. As part of an effort to give back to worthy charities on the front range, a percentage of the proceeds will benefit the Food Bank of the Rockies. 

Tickets are $48 and are available here. 

Kate Johnson, founder of The Art of Cheese and author of Say Cheese! will teach guests how to make Chevre & Fromage Blanc cheeses in an interactive presentation. While learning the art and science behind cheesemaking, guests will sample 4 different cheeses paired with wines selected and explained by James Blanchard, owner of Blanchard Family Wines. 

Purchase wines for your holiday meals and a portion of sales, as well as your ticket price, will go directly to the Food Bank. After the cheese and wine warm-up, you may wish to stay and enjoy some of the other culinary delights available at the Dairy Block.

Thursday, December 14, 2023 – For those in the Boulder/Longmont area, The Firehouse Art Center in Longmont will host a similar event to benefit its art outreach programs.  

Tickets are $45 and are available here. [ADD LINK]

“We are thrilled to offer these fun and tasty events just in time for the holidays," says Johnson, who has been teaching cheesemaking along the Front Range for many years. "We're thrilled to be partnering with Blanchard Family Wines and the Dairy Block (such a perfect venue for a cheesy event). We're also excited to support art outreach in the Longmont area, since it's close to home. This is a great way to enjoy a delicious evening out and give back to the community." 

Who should attend?

Johnson explains that these events are open to the public with no expectation for prior knowledge. "This is a perfect date night idea and great for anyone with an interest in cheese and wine," she says. "Foodies and novices alike can bring some friends and learn something new while tasting delicious wines and cheeses. They may even want to grab a great bottle or two of wine for their holiday table."

What's in it for guests?

Alissa Norton, founder of Art & Soul creative retreats, has hosted Kate as a presenter. She explains Kate's teaching style like this: " Kate is wildly passionate about cheesemaking and a deeply inspiring presenter. Even if you have hardly given cheese a thought when you arrive, you'll be captured by Kate's passion, and you'll definitely learn something. Even better, when you leave you'll be ready to translate what you learn to actually giving cheesemaking at home a try. I made a batch of chevre the next day!"  

In addition to these two events, The Art of Cheese will be hosting additional educational tastings across the front range. If interested in hosting a charity event or for more details, contact Alissa Norton, Program Director of Cheese for Change, at 720-394-3591. 

The Art of Cheese is an artisan cheesemaking school and goat farm located in Longmont, Colorado. Whether you just want to make great cheese at home or you have dreams of becoming a professional cheesemaker, The Art of Cheese is the place to learn! Goat milk, cow milk, sheep milk cheeses – we’ve got you covered with our huge selection of classes, in person and online! 

We donate 10% of the registration fees from our virtual classes to charities addressing social, racial, economic, and environmental injustices and concerns through our “Cheese for Change” Program.​

Video script with notes on visuals and graphics 

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VO: This unique program will help you build machine quilting skills and confidence through simple daily exercises, even when you can’t be at your sewing machine. 

Visuals: B-roll Day 9 2:38 

Day 11 4:47

7:36 Day 9, maybe show transitions (Tracing, Drawing) 

Graphics: L3: simple exercises

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VO: My 25 years as a piano teacher inspired this simple, effective system. Through a graduated series of tracing, drawing, and quilting exercises, you’ll build skill upon skill, pattern upon pattern as you embed the muscle memory and eye-hand coordination to quilt comfortably and confidently.  

Visuals: B-roll of Instructor teaching, looking pleasant… from 

9:22 Day 11 

7:21 Day 20

3:54 Day 11 (Tracing) 

7:11 Day 11 (Drawing) 

Graphics: L3: develop muscle memory & eye-hand coordination

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VO: 

Quilting one block at a time, there’s no bulk to manage, no special sewing machine table needed and no risk of ruining a precious quilt top. 

Visuals: 6:37 Day 15 (RaNae teaching, then quilting) 

7:19 Day 15 

4:33 Day 21 

Graphics: L3: machine quilt without risk or special tools 

VO: Quilt a block a day, join the pre-quilted blocks, and you have a completed quilt. But more importantly, you’ve developed a solid base of muscle memory that will enable you to quilt any pattern. 

Visuals: 

8:18 Day 29 (Assembling) 

12:26 Day 29 (Assembling) 

10:35 Day 18 

12:30 Day 30 

Graphics: L3:  learn to quilt any pattern

VO: Whether you use a domestic machine or a longarm, Free Motion Mastery in a Month will build your free motion quilting skills and give you the tools to easily learn new quilting patterns anytime, anywhere.  

Visuals: Instructor talking? Or B- roll, your call 

5:32 Day 21 

Graphics: L3: for domestic or longarm machine quilters

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VO: So join me for my online class and prepare to master Free Motion Quilting… in a month! 

Visuals: Instructor talking 

Graphics: L3: Enroll now! 

End with end card and same music as used in class 

I contributed to myStrength as an individual contributor and a team leader. This a sampling of some of our subclinical mental health projects.*

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*Please note that direct content from these programs can't be shared since it is proprietary content. 

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• Life Changes

• Thriving While Aging

• Breakup or Divorce

• Healthy Relationships

• Thoughts of Suicide

• Support with Caregiving 

• Work-life Balance

• Processing Grief

• First Responder's Mental Fitness

• LGBTQ+ Allies

• LGBTQ+ Emotional Health

• Coping with Racism

• Pregnancy and Early Parenting

• Teen Mental Health

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