Category: Members

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Preeti Mathur, Viqui Dill Receive STC Distinguished SIG Service Award

We are proud to announce that two of our SIG leaders, Preeti Mathur and Viqui Dill, have received the STC Distinguished SIG Service Award (DSSA). The DSSA, Distinguished Chapter Service Awards, and Distinguished Community Service for Students Awards are given annually by STC to members who have offered extensive service and exemplary commitment to their communities. Each community nominates one or more of its members for an award. The nominations are submitted to STC and evaluated, and nominee recommendations are presented to the STC board of directors for approval.

Preeti served two years as co-manager of our SIG. She was instrumental in redeveloping the training evaluation program that we offer as a SIG membership benefit, acting as the subject matter expert. She played a key role in getting our IDL web site moved over to the STC host in a time when much of her work and home life were anything but settled.

Preeti’s citation reads:

In recognition of your exemplary patience, dedication, and diplomacy in co-managing the SIG, while simultaneously overseeing the training evaluation program, and porting the web site to a new hosting service.

Viqui has been an active volunteer in the IDL SIG throughout her entire membership. She currently serves in two critical roles in the SIG – webmaster and program manager.

As webmaster, Viqui put her considerable web development skills to work to refine our SIG’s design and layout after our migration to the STC host. Viqui serves as our principal site administrator, layout expert, and troubleshooter, helping other volunteers get up and running as site contributors. Thanks to Viqui’s work, we have a technically sound, informative site.

As program manager, Viqui recruits excellent presenters for SIG webinars, and seeks opportunities to offer quality programs in partnership with other STC communities. Recently, Viqui coordinated a program on usability in partnership with the Usability and User Experience SIG. In addition, Viqui manages all of our program registration details.

Viqui’s citation reads:

For her superpowers, used in our SIG to lead both Programs and the Web site teams, that she expresses with grace and good humor.

Our deepest thanks to Preeti and Viqui for their service to the IDL SIG — and heartiest congratulations on your well-deserved DSSA awards!

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Current IDL SIG Volunteer Opportunities

We need you, IDL SIG Members:

Our IDL SIG is a very special group of people within STC, consistently recognized as a fun community to belong to, as well as one that is beneficial to our careers. The old saying “you get out what you put in” is so true, but I would say you get back *more* than what you put in. Even the smaller volunteer tasks make our community more valuable to each of us. Invest a bit of your time and see!

The SIG has volunteer openings in the following areas. These tasks are listed with an estimated minimum time commitment. You can always do more, but we ask that if you step up, you commit to seeing the job through.

Programs

Talent Scout: Locates persons to present webinars on topics of interest to instructional designers, teachers, instructors, curriculum developers and others in our audience. Books dates, prepares Letters of Agreement (a form letter that outlines the terms and conditions for the presenter to be paid), and works closely with the Programs Team lead to set up webinars and ensure they run smoothly. We usually host 4 webinars a year (but more are possible) and it usually takes two or three emails per presenter to set everything up in advance– so be prepared to devote about 1 hour a week for a month per webinar. WIIFY*: You have an excuse to contact and form a relationship with anyone in the Tech Comm sphere of influence (asking them to present) and you get to attend the webinar for free! Plus, earn our undying gratitude.

Programs Team Lead: The Programs team lead attends a one-hour monthly meeting with the co-managers and other team leads, which includes reporting on actions, accomplishments, and current and future plans and needs. Works closely with the Talent Scout and Webmaster. Updates the SIG website with event details and sets up the event on EventBrite, which includes creating scheduled messages to attendees. Liaises with Treasurer to make sure presenter is paid. Attends the rehearsal and the webinar (for free, of course!). Keeps records of webinars for Community Achievement Award. Optionally (in conjunction with the Social Media team lead), tweets and posts about the webinar to advertise it. Supplies STC Notebook listing about upcoming events. This is a time-intensive volunteer position; expect to spend about 1-2 hours per week, year-round, on your volunteer activities. WIIFY*: another chance to practice your awesome time management skills, work with fun people, find out if you want to take on a more senior role in the SIG, possibly receive a stipend to help defray Summit attendance costs. Plus, earn our undying gratitude.

Content Curator: this is a new position, so you will have some license in working with the co-managers and other team leads to create the role. One of our responsibilities to the STC is to gather and pass along knowledge about instructional design. The content curator would keep current on the IDL SIG’s Mailman discussion list and other social media (such as Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook) to gather all input on a topic of discussion started by a SIG member, and refine it for publication on our website and newsletter, and then for submission to editors of the STC Body of Knowledge (TCBOK) database. Expect to spend up to several hours once a month, as topics arise that provoke discussion. WIIFY*: This could be an extremely interesting position for an academic who is pursuing a post-grad degree. You will be among the first to know of trending topics in our bailiwick. Plus! Earn our undying gratitude.

Member Liaison: Working closely with the Membership chair, profiles one member in our community per month by asking them to complete a questionnaire (which you would create, with help from the co-managers, membership team lead, and newsletter editor), for use on the SIG website/in the SIG newsletter. This could take 2 to 3 hours a month. WIIFY*: Best if you’re a real people-person with insatiable curiosity; you will learn more about our members and share that information to make our virtual community more warm and fuzzy.

***We always need people who will write and submit articles for our website and newsletter. Any topic of professional interest to our members, any time, virtually any length. Articles are submitted to the newsletter editor for editing and approval prior to publication. WIIFY*: You can say you’ve been published! List the articles in your resume! Possibly end up as a contributor to the STC BoK! And, earn our undying gratitude!***

Website volunteers: We need persons with a little experience in WordPress (or willing to be schooled – it’s not hard to learn) to take ownership of a specific page or section of the website and make sure content is updated, verified, and valuable. You could spend an hour to 5 hours a month on this. WIIFY*:  Learn more about WordPress, help our members stay current by providing timely, accurate information. Wait! There’s more: earn our undying gratitude.

Educational Resources listings:  We have the ability to list any number of Instructional Design and Learning courses, institutions, colleges, universities, and organizations that offer education or support for IDL members. Our Scholarship chair has already compiled a list of over 100 institutions and contact information. The volunteer would update our (WordPress) website with these resources using a form, and annually help update and verify the information. WIIFY*:  Learn more about WordPress; provide a valuable service to members and possibly attract new members, helping us thrive. Plus, earn our undying gratitude.

Business Directory listings: We also have the ability to create a business directory of member Instructional designers who offer their services as contractors. The volunteer would create an email asking IDL SIG members if they wish to be listed, gathering the necessary information and company logos, and posting them on our (WordPress) website using a form. Annually, the volunteer would also verify that IDs whose businesses are listed are still IDL SIG members, or pay a fee to remain listed. WIIFY*:  Learn more about WordPress; provide a valuable service to members, possibly attract new members (helping us thrive), and earn income for the SIG. And hey, you’d earn our undying gratitude.

Advertising Liaison:  As above (Business Directory), but for advertisers. Update and maintain http://www.stcidlsig.org/discussion-lists/advertising-rates-policies/, and conduct a campaign to find advertisers (LMS providers, Madcap, Adobe, etc.) WIIFY*:  Learn more about WordPress; provide a valuable service to members, possibly earn income for the SIG. Additionally, you just might earn our undying gratitude.

General Website Help: We need a volunteer (or four) who has done some work with WordPress to update several pages on the SIG website as outlined below. Each task is approximately one hour time commitment. WIIFY*: Learn more about WordPress, help our members stay current by providing timely, accurate information. Aaanddd:  earn our undying gratitude.

Please send an email to manager@stcidlsig.org if you can help with any of these jobs.

sent gratefully,
Mellissa Ruryk & Robert Hershenow, co-managers

*WIIFY means What’s In It For You! (made you look!)

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Recording of our 3rd annual Virtual Open House

Big thanks to all who attended tonight’s virtual open house.

The meeting was recorded so you can review it again or perhaps see the open house for the very first time.

Here is a link to the recording: http://stc.adobeconnect.com/p4wxu8slitf/

Feel free to pass this link on to anyone you think might be interested. Help us spread the IDL SIG love around!

Download the IDL SIG Virtual Open House 2015 slides as a pdf.

And don’t forget to visit our website for news and updates http://www.stcidlsig.org/

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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How to add the IDL SIG to your existing STC membership

STC members can add the IDL SIG (and any other chapters and SIGs) to their membership at any time by following these steps.

  1. Go to http://stc.org and log in using your STC member user name and password.
  2. From the My STC menu, choose Communication Preferences.
  3. Click the My Communities tab.
  4. Click the Add Communities heading.
  5. In the SIGs column, select Instructional Design & Learning.
  6. Click Continue.
  7. Click Continue again to bypass the Printed Publications page (you can always add printed publications later.)

    The next page you see shows your contact information. You can update any information as needed. In the lower right corner, in the Add-Ons section, the IDL SIG should be listed with your payment amount.

  8. Click Checkout.
  9. In the Payment Details section at the lower right, enter your credit card information.
  10. Click Submit Order.

Many thanks to Lori Meyer for compiling this information for us!

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Where to find your IDL SIG colleagues at the Summit (#STC15)

Update: See photos of us in the IDL SIG at #STC15 post.

Also see 2015 Business Meeting Presentation slides.

Read Where to find your IDL SIG colleagues at the 2015 Summit as a pdf.

Here is a quick overview of where you can find us, how you will recognize us, and ways to network with us – and each other, of course. http://lanyrd.com/2015/stc15/

Registration Opens

9:00 AM–8:00 PM
Regency Ballroom Foyer, 3rd Floor

IDL-Sticker-2010First and foremost – when you pick up your packages at the Registration desk, look for the IDL SIG lightbulb stickers near the self-serve ribbons that you can attach to your name tag. Put a sticker in a prominent place on your name tag and then keep an eye out for your fellow members with the same sticker.

In the Programs’ order, here is where you can find your fellow SIG members or one of the leadership team:

Leadership Program

Sunday, 21 June, from 8 AM to noon (free)
Hayes, 1st Floor
http://lanyrd.com/sdhxdz

The program offers an opportunity for STC community members to get together for sharing and learning, and it won’t be the same without YOU. There are a number of reasons you’ll want to attend the Leadership Program.

Networking

The Leadership Program agenda has time set aside for one-on-one networking and ice-breaker activities. During the breakout sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to chat with your group about their superpowers and kryptonite. Come armed with a pile of business cards and swap contact information with the crew.

Resources

At the Leadership Program, you’ll pick up a pile of handouts and collect an assortment of Web links. Each of the presenters at the breakout sessions will bring their supporting material to share with attendees. The Community Affairs Committee (CAC) will give you a tour of our online resources, webinars, email lists, outreach team, and Body of Knowledge. Leave room in your suitcase for resources and swag.

Inspiration

Hearing your fellow professionals talk about the great things happening in their communities will inspire and energize you. You’ll be surrounded by some of the brightest and best innovators in the #TechComm profession. As we announce award winners, you’ll catch some of the excitement and pride of a job well done. Come out and celebrate the accomplishments of a great 2014-2015 with us as we gear up for more success in 2016.

Welcome Reception

Sunday, 21 June
7:00–8:30 PM Battelle South, 3rd Floor
Expo Hall Open
http://lanyrd.com/sdkkhy

Education sessions

Monday
Watch for these IDL members who are presenting today:

  • BPMN Basics: What You Need to Know for Your Content Strategy Monday, 22 June at 3:45-4:30 PM Jackie Damrau http://lanyrd.com/sdhdkz

Speed Networking

Monday 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM Exhibit hall (Battelle South)
(Pre-registration is required)
http://lanyrd.com/sdkkkc

This is event is open to Summit registrants and will be a great opportunity to meet other attendees early in the Summit program.

STC’s Annual Business Meeting

Monday 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Regency Ballroom, 3rd Floor
http://lanyrd.com/sdkptr

Watch Bernard Aschwanden become the newest President. Hear the plans for the coming year and see governance in action.

Take me out to the Ballgame!

Monday 7:00 PM (offsite)
(Pre-registration and payment required)
http://lanyrd.com/sdkptq

SIG Business Meeting

Tuesday 7:00 AM,
Regency Ballroom

Anyone staying at the Hyatt Columbus will receive a voucher for a continental breakfast. Bring your voucher down to the Regency Ballroom and join us for a breakfast meeting where we will fill you in on our plans for the upcoming year. This is also where we hold nominations for the elected positions of Secretary, Treasurer, and Co-Managers.(We have current volunteers in these positions but are looking for assistants who would step into the full role in January 2017.)You’ll know our table by the fact that we will be wearing our best Teddy Bear pajamas: I double dog dare you to wear yours too! We will also have a lightbulb and our new banner to make it easier to locate the right table. It’s pretty early in the morning after the baseball game Monday night, so we won’t be surprised by some bleary-eyed attendees. But come! We’re going to have a nice surprise for you.

Education sessions

Tuesday

Watch for these IDL members who are presenting today:

  • Personalized Dynamic Content Tuesday, 23 June at 1:00-1:45 PM John Daigle
  • Saying Thank You. Saying I’m Sorry. When TechComm Goes All Wrong Tuesday, 23 June at 3:45 PM (Lightning Talk) Viqui Dill http://lanyrd.com/sdkprd
  • Hypergraphics for Visual-First Help: SVG, CSS, JavaScript Tuesday, 23 June at 3:45-4:30 PM David Gardiner http://lanyrd.com/sdhdmb

Communities Reception

Tuesday 11:00 AM–12:30 PM Exhibit hall (Battelle South)
http://lanyrd.com/sdkkkd

This is the event where the SIGs have tables, and when we can meet attendees and encourage them to become a part of our SIG. But it’s also a great time to come and meet Robert and me, and other volunteers who will be hanging out at our community table. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see the lightbulb on the table, and our brand new banner. This year, we also have a laminated map of where all the IDL members are located, world-wide: come and see if you can find yourself on the map!The Community of the Year and Most Improved Community are announced at the Communities Reception.

IDL Progression

Tuesday at 1:00 PM
Regency Ballroom, 3rd Floor
http://lanyrd.com/sdkptm

David Dick, Viqui Dill, Robert Hershenow, and Kim Lindsey

Honors Reception

Tuesday 5:00–7:00 PM
Regency Ballroom, 3rd Floor
http://lanyrd.com/sdkptp

The former Honors banquet has been reimagined in to a livelier reception format, scheduled to start after the education sessions end on Tuesday. The Honors Reception will feature appetizer stations and will celebrate this year’s honorees, including Fellows, Associate Fellows, Jay Gould, Ken Rainey, and Frank Smith awards. Join your STC colleagues in networking with and congratulating these individuals.

Honors After-Party

Tuesday 8:00 PM
Denmark on High – North Room (off-site)
http://lanyrd.com/sdmtyk
For those with stamina…

Education sessions

Wednesday
Watch for these IDL members who are presenting today:

  • Appreciative Inquiry and the Art of Interviewing Wednesday, 24 June at 8:30-9:15 AM Kit Brown-Hoekstra http://lanyrd.com/sdhdth

The Training & Research Track

The Future of Technical Communication Programs: Data Points from the Field
Tuesday, 23 June at 8:30–9:15 AM
Lisa Meloncon

Professional Certification Info Session for Aspiring CPTCs
Tuesday, 23 June at 9:45–10:30 AM
Craig Baehr, Ronn Faigen, Chris Lyons, and Liz Pohland

(Mis)Communicating with Electronic Media
Tuesday, 23 June at 2:15–3:00 PM
Carolyn Boiarsky

Moving Into Instructional Design—Basics for Technical Writers
Tuesday, 23 June at 3:45–4:30 PM
Stephen Van Esch

Online Education: Where Benefits Outweigh the Challenges
Wednesday, 24 June at 8:30–9:15 AM
Linda Oestreich

Technical Editing: Today’s Competencies for Tomorrow’s Editors
Wednesday, 24 June at 9:45–10:30 AM
Susan Lang and Laura Palmer

 

You know, if you haven’t registered for the Summit yet… there is still time. They are taking registrations up until June 15. Register at summit.stc.org right now: it’s not too late!

PS: Although she is not presenting this year, IDL SIG member Jamie Gillenwater is the Track Manager for both the Leadership and Management, and Consulting & Small Business Management Tracks. Thanks for your hard work, Jamie!

PPS: If you are a student IDL SIG member and you are participating in any of the Student activities or volunteering at the Summit, please send me an email at manager@stcidlsig.org.

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