General Information

The ATD Capability Model defines instructional design as “an essential element of an effective learning effort.”  From its roots in training for the US military in the 1940s to today’s expanding eLearning industry, the practice of instructional design produces learner-centered solutions.  

What is the role of an instructional designer within an organization?  Your work most likely focuses on the creation of materials and experiences that aid learners in growing their knowledge and/or building skills. Developing eLearning in an authoring tool, producing a job aid, or strategizing classroom activities all support employee learning and behavior change. There are many possible answers to this question–consultant, business problem solver, visual designer, media specialist, writer, evaluation designer, and much more.    

Your Facilitator
Kathleen Volk
Kathleen has been fascinated with how people learn and helping people learn since she was an adolescent.  This love of learning (and learners) led her to a career training students how to tutor and delivering scalable academic support workshops.  After changing careers, she sought a generalist L&D role to further develop skills in the field ranging from eLearning design and development to LMS administration.  Now, as a senior instructional designer, Kathleen consults within the business to diagnose, solution, and build experiences for employees to improve performance.   

Your Facilitator
Rhonda Sharpe

Rhonda Sharpe has a wide range of experiences in numerous professional settings - healthcare, technology, Indian Gaming, financial. Her journey to L&D was not a direct path; however, there were seeds planted along the way. She builds collaborative partnerships with diverse audiences in business, non-profit and higher education settings. During her career (thus far) she has been employed as an instructional designer, organizational development specialist, and project manager (just to name a few). They are all melding together in her current role as an Sr. Instructional Designer with Advocate Health.  Currently, she is also an adjunct instructor at Marquette University and Waukesha County Technical College.