E-Learning Challenge #30: What Do E-Learning Designers Really Do?

This week’s challenge was a fun one! My submission didn’t really require a lot of design know how because I used the template provided; however, it was all about what people really think you do, in my case, as an Instructional Designer. I enjoyed this challenge as I am often met with curious looks when I try to explain exactly what it is that I do for a living.

The Concept

Attempt to create a graphical storyboard (of sorts), using the template provided, to explain what my husband, friends, mother, and colleagues think I do, and then compare that with what I think I do and what I actually do.

The Method

First, I downloaded the template and then I sought about consulting The Google to source some appropriate images.

I knew I would need some images to depict: boring presentation, confusion, rocket science, juggling, sleeping on the job, and coffee. Those were my jumping off points.

My husband always explains my job to his coworkers as “you know those boring presentations HR makes us watch? Ashley makes those.” Not accurate, but relatable.

My friends seem to have no idea what it is that I do, and I would liken their glazed looks (when trying to explain it to them) to Charlie Brown listening to his teacher ‘wah wah wah’ at her students.

My mother more or less thinks I’m a rocket scientist, and I have to admit that I sometimes feel like one!

My colleagues probably think I’m taking cat naps (or sourcing cat images) on the job – I must admit, sometimes the content is D-R-Y.

I think I spend most of my time juggling all of the different tasks required of me. Even e-learning companies can’t seem to really nail down what Instructional Designers do – I’ve worked for companies who have micro-tasked everything (one person for each task), and those that have combined everything into one role with impossible deadlines. I’m more accustomed to the latter.

What I actually do can be summed up in one sentence: I drink A LOT of coffee. Really – it’s bordering on addiction. But whatever gets you through the day, right?

The Result