From the Editor
By Crista Mohammed
Hello SIG members! Here’s another exciting issue of IDeaL: Design for Learning.
In this issue, we present a wide range of articles. One “cluster” (if you will) touches on hot topics in the ID field, and the second cluster treats with critical “housekeeping” ( if you will again, please pretty please) . So what’s on offer, specifically? You asked, so here’s our answer:
Viqui Dill uses an apt sports analogy to describe the trainer’s role. She convincingly argues that trainers are not coaches (aka “drill sergeants”), but cheerleaders. This article is bewitching: It is easy to read, yet treats with a complex issue in IDL–the training persona. How does the trainer locate him or herself in relation to participants? How does the trainer construct an identity that is supportive of learning? Read more…
Phil Havlik reduces his training evaluation to four critical questions. This is quite an achievement, let me tell you, as sometimes the evaluation form is harder to complete than the training! In devising our evaluations, Phil advises us to bear in mind that participants want to complete their evaluations quickly and that trainers need detailed feedback: These seemingly competing demands can be met with a few, well-placed questions. Read more…
David Dick tackles a problem that is endemic to all modern enterprise: If your business uses ICTs, then legacy systems are a huge problem (and headache). David’s article prompts us to carefully think through and plan for technology migrations. For example, is there need for training of newer staff in legacy systems so that there is continuity? Read more…
Allie Proff chronicles her personal journey from never having attended a conference to becoming a regular presenter at the STC Summit. Allie’s sharing of her personal doubts is courageous and frank. She ends with sensible advice on how to overcome that anxiety. Her most powerful argument? We all can bring value to our community through presenting our work: What stands in the way is our self-doubt. But you can conquer those fears, like Allie, and when you do, you will find the experience affirming. Read more…
Marcia Shannon encourages us to become Certified Professional Technical Communicators. This is another courageous bit of sharing. Examining her decision to seek certification, Marcia reveals that the decision was both deeply personal and professional. Marcia provides solid advice on how you too can earn your Professional Technical Communicator certification. Congratulations to Marcia on becoming a CPTC. Read more…
Viqui Dill in her co-manager’s column reports on the the last quarter. Lot’s have been going on and the SIG will be delivering lot’s more in the final quarter (can you believe it?) of 2017. Don’t miss out. Read more…
Lori Meyer recently renewed her STC membership for the 33rd time. We join Lori in celebrating this AMAZING milestone. In her co-manager’s column, it is clear why Lori has been a member for so long: She finds great value in her membership. She has built a network of STC friends that has been supportive of her career and you can too. Read more…
Marcia Shannon in her Secretary’s column continues where Lori left off. She adds to the long list of benefits that STC and IDL SIG members reap. For additional, compelling reasons to join or stay with us, read more…
Sylvia Miller issues another call for student essays. Yep, our first student outreach essay competition was a resounding success! We attracted and published several student articles, and our SIG earned the STC 2017 Pacesetter for this initiative! Read more…