My Instructional Design Journey
Let's make learning an adventure together!
The Story
Hola! I am Jica Nava, a bilingual professional passionate about instructional design, eLearning, and creating engaging learning experiences. My journey into instructional design is a blend of diverse experiences and a relentless desire to understand how people think and learn, creating engaging learner-centered experiences that deliver measurable results.
I have extensive knowledge of instructional design processes, adult learning theory, evaluation methods, and agile methodology. I am proficient in using tools such as Articulate Storyline 360, Camtasia, and Vyond.
I've become well-versed in the ADDIE instructional design model, enabling me to create results-driven training programs. Guided by my passion for creation, I began exploring adult learning theories and consistently applying them to my eLearning design.
I quickly learned the power of developing prototypes, collecting feedback, and iterating based on user feedback to ensure customer and learner satisfaction.
My background
With a background in business management and supply chain operations, my career initially led me to logistics and purchasing roles for leading companies. It was during this time that I realized the power of effective training and its impact on individuals and organizations.
As my career evolves, I continuously stay updated on current learning trends by creating, designing, and developing self-led, in-person, virtual, and blended training programs for over 1500 professionals. Using e-learning software and multiple Learning Management Software (LMS), I learned how to shape content into a clear, concise, and understandable format.
My mission was to design training that not only educated but inspired individuals on their job search journey. This endeavor included developing content dedicated to job resume writing, human resources, and recruiting best practices. The challenge of delivering this content under tight timelines and rapid turnaround fueled my creativity and innovative spirit.
My passion for authoring tools
I quickly learned the power of Articulate Storyline and Vyond allowing me to bring interactivity and engagement to my instructional materials. Working with authoring tools has allowed me to channel my passion to bring a fresh wave of creativity to any project.
Their versatility allows me to intricate technical and complex narratives into animated storytelling that resonate, engage, and leave a lasting impact.
I don't get along with static PowerPoint presentations where learners just click "Next" to be done with a mandatory training. I find meaning in creating an immersive journey where the learners are active participants in their own learning adventure.
Mastering Learning Management Systems (LMS)
My journey has also included the exciting world of Learning Management Systems (LMS). I've learned how to navigate multiple LMS platforms, including WordPress, Thinkific, Pathwright, CodeisCode, and GoHighLevel.
I currently use Pathwright, a cohort-based LMS, transforming educational content, lessons, and modules into digital formats tailored for adult learners, ensuring alignment with brand standards and organizational objectives.
Join me on the journey
With the skills, experience, and portfolio I developed along my journey, I reached the summit by joining Amazon Web Services, a company that aligns with my dedication to customer satisfaction and driving innovation.
In my current role as a Curriculum Developer within the Global Learning department, I play a pivotal role in training our global support workforce.
This entails collaborating with subject matter experts and stakeholders to create high-quality, data-driven, innovative learning solutions aimed at enhancing workplace performance.
I’m ready to start the climb toward long-term success.
Overall, my path into instructional design has been a journey of continual learning and growth. I'm excited about each new project, each challenge, and each opportunity to make a meaningful impact on individuals and organizations. I'm passionate about creating learning experiences that not only convey knowledge but also inspire personal and professional growth.
I’ve packed a dedication to high performance, a knack for problem-solving, a passion for lifelong learning, and a love of design.
I'm seeking a remote role with a company that practices a learner-centric, innovative, and collaborative approach to crafting engaging learning experiences.
Join me on this journey, and let's make learning an adventure together!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
What inspired you to pursue a career in instructional design?
I firmly believe that understanding how adults learn is crucial in creating effective eLearning experiences. I apply adult learning theories, such as Andragogy, by acknowledging that adult learners have unique needs and characteristics. I incorporate elements like self-directed learning, relevancy, and practicality into my designs.
Q:
Tell us about a situation where you had to work closely with subject matter experts (SMEs) to meet specific skill enhancement needs.
For a project for a healthcare organization, I collaborated closely with subject matter experts, including medical professionals and trainers, to design a series of training modules. The goal was to enhance the customer service skills of cosmetic surgery staff. This collaboration was essential because the SMEs had the expertise required to create accurate and impactful training.
To achieve our objectives, I initiated regular meetings and established open lines of communication with the SMEs. I encouraged them to share their knowledge and insights, which I translated into interactive eLearning modules. By involving the SMEs in the design process, we ensured the content was accurate and practical. The result was a set of training modules that significantly improved the clinical skills of the staff, leading to better patient care and outcomes.
Q:
How do you apply adult learning theories to your eLearning design?
My inspiration to pursue instructional design stems from a desire to make a meaningful impact through education. During my work in supply chain and logistics, I observed the importance of effective training in improving performance and reducing errors. This realization ignited my passion for helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential.
Q:
Tell us about a situation you've assessed your training programs, and what improvements you made based on feedback and evaluation results?
In a project for a logistics company, I developed an onboarding program for new employees. After the initial rollout, we conducted assessments and collected feedback from the learners. The feedback indicated that while the content was informative, it lacked interactivity, and some segments were lengthy, affecting learner engagement.
To address this, I analyzed the feedback and decided to restructure the training by incorporating more interactive elements, such as simulations and scenario-based learning. We also created 30-60-90 assessments and follow-ups for better retention. These improvements led to a 20% increase in completion rates and a positive shift in learner satisfaction. The feedback and evaluation results served as valuable guides for enhancing the training program and ensuring it aligned more closely with the needs and preferences of the learners.
Get in touch with me!
Reach out soon. I'm fully prepared to assist you with your training needs!
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