About Me

One of my favorite Christmas presents was my mom's old manual typewriter and a "how to type" book - in third grade. I've been writing and typing ever since.

My Latest Work

Your Go-To Guide to the Top Technical Writing Authoring Tools

Technical writing requires precision, clarity, and effective communication. To achieve these goals, technical writers rely on a range of authoring tools to streamline their processes and enhance their productivity. Here’s a detailed look at some of the most popular and useful tools in the industry, including their standout features, best use cases, and the benefits and challenges associated with each.Microsoft Word is a staple in technical writing due to its widespread availability and robust fe...

Elevate Your Designs: Visual Principles Meet Modern Tech

The world of instructional design (ID) is evolving at a rapid rate. Due to ever-changing technology, today’s instructional designers (IDs) have an overwhelming number of tools and ideas at their disposal. It’s easy to get lost in the fun of new and shiny objects, forgetting their objective: creating engaging and effective learning experiences. No matter the technology, mastering visual design principles plays a critical role in developing trainings that are both visually appealing and facilitate...

Choosing the Right Knowledge Management System and Tools

This is the third post of a three-post series regarding Knowledge Management. The first post is Knowledge Management and Workplace Transitions, and the second post is Securing Buy-in and Building an Effective Process for your KMS.
Understanding what a Knowledge Management System (KMS) is and how it can benefit your organization is just the beginning. The next crucial step is selecting the KMS tool that best suits your needs. With a myriad of sophisticated tools available, each boasting an array...

National Day on Writing is Sunday: Let’s Talk About Writing for Different Audiences

Sunday is National Day on Writing. What better way to celebrate than by diving into the art of writing for different audiences? Whether you’re crafting a business report, a blog post, or a whimsical children’s book, tailoring your writing to your audience is key. Let’s explore why this is so important, how to do it, and the challenges you might face. And, of course, we’ll find out why the best writers master this skill.Imagine showing up to a formal dinner in your pajamas. It’s a bit of a mismat...

5 Microlearning Myths Debunked: It’s More Than Just Short Videos!

Let’s talk about microlearning—a training method that’s been making waves in the corporate world for a while now. It’s praised for being fast, efficient, and engaging. But, like any popular trend, it comes with its fair share of myths. These misconceptions often lead people to misunderstand its true potential. So, let’s dive into the top myths surrounding microlearning, why they persist, and the reality that’s backed by research and real-life examples.Thanks to platforms like YouTube, TikTok, an...

Relieving Teachers' Workloads and Improving Student Engagement: The Power of Outsourced Learning

Outsourcing instructional design (ID) and learning and development (L&D) has long been a common practice in corporate environments. Now, more schools (particularly middle and high schools) are outsourcing these functions to third-party experts. While educators may initially hesitate to adopt what seems like a business-driven approach, outsourcing can benefit both students and teachers in ways that go beyond merely saving time and money. A 2022 Gallup poll revealed that more than four in 10 K-12...

Visualize Success: How Process Mapping Enhances KM Systems

Keeping up with the changes in our modern business environment requires effective knowledge management systems (KMS) that capture, store, and disseminate knowledge across a company’s operations. One powerful technique that enhances the functionality of a KMS is process mapping. Process mapping visually represents business processes, making them easier to understand, analyze, and improve. Let’s learn how businesses can effectively incorporate process mapping into their KMS, examining different ma...

Save Time, Money, and Headaches: Outsource Your Training Design

It’s 2024, and your workforce is more spread out than ever. Some employees work hybrid schedules, while others are fully remote. Pre-2020, your training sessions were all in-person. But when COVID hit, you pressed pause, thinking the lockdowns wouldn’t last long. You planned to resume in-person sessions once everything calmed down.However, reality set in, and you realized that your team is scattered across various locations. So, what did you do? You sent out your old PowerPoint presentation as t...

From Passive to Active: How Flipped Learning Transforms Training

The flipped classroom model has gained significant traction in education and training over the past decade. Originally popularized in K-12 and higher education, this innovative approach is also used in corporate training. By reversing the traditional learning process, the flipped classroom model enhances engagement, facilitates deeper understanding, and can be particularly effective in a corporate environment where time and efficiency are crucial.The flipped classroom model turns the traditional...

Comic Relief: The Fun (and Functional) Side of Comics in Technical Writing and Instructional Design

Who says technical writing and instructional design have to be dry and dull? Enter comics—the superheroes of the communication world. Yes, comics, those colorful, action-packed strips that used to entertain you on Sunday mornings, are now swooping in to save the day. But how did comics make their way into such serious business? Let’s take a fun look at the history, application, and surprising benefits of using comics in these fields.Comics aren’t just for kids, and they haven’t been for quite so...

Master the Art of Editing Technical Documents: A Step-by-Step Guide

Technical documents are essential tools that communicate complex information clearly and effectively. Whether it’s a user manual, a research report, a technical specification, or a software guide, the quality of these documents can significantly impact the user’s understanding and experience. Editing technical documents is not just about correcting grammar and punctuation; it is a critical step that ensures accuracy, clarity, consistency, and usability. Let’s review why editing technical documen...

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