Today's post is brought to you by the letter "I" — for Instructional Design!

Whether you’re building a course from scratch or giving an old one a fresh glow-up, keeping a few key “I”s in mind will set you on the path to success:

🔵 Intentionality – Every video, quiz, and discussion should connect back to your learning objectives. Don’t just add content because it’s there; add it because it has a purpose. This focus helps learners stay on track and truly absorb the material.

🟠 Interactivity – Learning is active, not passive. Incorporate activities that spark curiosity and participation — from polls and discussions to case studies and simulations. The more your learners do, the more they retain.

🟢 Inclusion – A great course design is for everyone. That means accessibility for all learners, representation that reflects diversity, and content that respects different perspectives and learning styles.

But wait — let’s add a few more “I”s that can make a difference:

💡 Innovation – Don’t be afraid to try new tools, formats, or approaches. Whether it’s a fresh video style or a creative group project, innovation keeps courses exciting and relevant.

🔍 Insight – Use learner data and feedback to continuously improve your course. What’s working? What’s not? Insight helps you make informed decisions to better meet your learners’ needs.

🤝 Inspiration – Design courses that inspire learners to apply knowledge beyond the classroom. When learners feel motivated and connected, their growth and success soar.

Your Turn

What “I” would you add to this list? Drop your thoughts below — I’d love to hear how you bring instructional design to life in your courses!

Working with a Subject Matter Expert (SME) is like great customer service. Here me out 📢

I’ve been thinking about Chick-fil-A lately, probably because my kids love it and we go pretty often. I’m proud to say I’ve been a Signature member for six years straight, and you probably don’t even want to know my lifetime points, haha!

But seriously, whether you love the food or not, Chick-fil-A has set the standard for intentional, consistent, and personalized service. Every time I step into the store or go through the drive-thru, I’m reminded of the warm smiles, the genuine care, and that sense of family they create. That’s exactly the kind of experience I work to bring to my SME partnerships. I want them to feel welcomed, supported, and truly valued throughout the entire course development process.

It’s more than just deadlines and deliverables. It’s “my pleasure” energy. In fact, I find myself actually saying "My pleasure" more often than I’d like to admit! That kind of energy shows up in the little things we do during the process, through small actions that build connection and trust.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 “𝐌𝐲 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞” 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐌𝐄 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬?

✅ Ask thoughtful questions
✅ Listen to their ideas and pain points
✅ Offer clear options when decisions need to be made
✅ Follow up without being pushy
✅ Deliver with kindness, not pressure
✅ And most importantly, build trust

When that rapport is in place, the collaboration flows better, the course is stronger, and everyone walks away proud of the result.

7th Grade Social Studies

 7th Grade Social Studies Game

Designing for Everyone: UDL in Action from K–12 to College

If there’s one thing we know as educators, it’s that no two students are exactly alike. They bring different strengths, challenges, interests, and experiences to the classroom whether it’s a virtual space or face-to-face. And that’s exactly why I love Universal Design for Learning, or UDL. It’s not just a framework. It’s a mindset that helps us design learning experiences that actually work for all students.

UDL is all about flexibility and options. It invites us to offer multiple ways for students to engage with content, take in information, and show what they know. More than that, it shifts our mindset from “How do I teach this?” to “How do I support every student in accessing and loving this content?”

Let’s get into the benefits and some real-world ways UDL can transform both K–12 and higher education.

Why UDL? Because One-Size-Fits-All Doesn’t Fit Anyone

When we intentionally design with UDL, here’s what we see in action:

• Students feel seen and supported. When we build options into our design from the beginning, students aren’t left scrambling to request accommodations or feeling like the exception.

• Motivation increases. Students are more likely to engage when they have choice and autonomy in how they learn and show what they know.

• Learning becomes deeper and more meaningful. When students connect with material in a way that works for them, retention and critical thinking naturally improve.

• Barriers are minimized before they become issues. Proactive design makes learning more accessible and makes life easier for both students and educators.

UDL in Online Learning

Online learning offers so many opportunities to build UDL into the design from the ground up. Here are some ways educators are doing it:

Psychology Course Activity Example

Students choose how they want to respond to a prompt about stress and coping techniques:

• Write a discussion post

• Record an audio or video response

• Share a visual mind map using a digital tool

All students are also provided with a video lecture that includes captions, a transcript, and a downloadable audio version. This gives students control over how they access and engage with content.

STEM Course Assessment Example

For a unit on data analysis, students:

• Explore content using a simulation, an article, or a pre-recorded presentation

• Choose how to demonstrate understanding by submitting a written report, video explanation, or infographic

Tip: Embed clear expectations and scaffolds like rubrics or “starter prompts” to reduce cognitive load without limiting creativity. Built-in options like these support different learning styles, schedules, and strengths.

UDL in the Face-to-Face Classroom

Face-to-face environments also offer so many opportunities for UDL in action.

Higher Ed Biology Class Example

To support learning during lectures, the instructor:

• Shares slides with notes ahead of time

• Uses live polling and short-answer questions to check for understanding

• Offers real-time captioning and records sessions for later viewing

These strategies support students who need more time, prefer visual learning, or miss class due to life circumstances.

High School Science Lesson Example

A teacher designing a lesson on ecosystems includes:

• A visual infographic and live demonstration

• Hands-on group activities or an individual guided worksheet

• A final project where students choose to create a poster, write a short report, or present a skit

Middle School ELA Activity Example

After reading a novel, students can:

• Write a character analysis

• Draw a character map or create a comic strip

• Perform a short skit in groups

Each student finds a way to connect with the story in a format that fits their strengths.

Final Thoughts

UDL isn’t just for students with accommodations. It’s for everyone. When we apply UDL, we create spaces where all students can learn, grow, and succeed. And once you start designing this way, it’s hard to go back.

So here’s your challenge. Pick one place to try UDL this week. Give your students a choice in how they access something, engage with it, or show what they know. Watch what happens.

Spoiler alert: It will probably be more meaningful for your students, and honestly, more energizing for you too.

Want to explore UDL together? I’m always up for a conversation. Let’s keep designing learning that works for every single student.

Leading with Courage: Transforming the Future from Where You Are

I recently attended the 2025 Spring LSU Online and Continuing Education Innovation Series Event, where I was inspired by a panel discussion on "Leading with Courage: Transforming the Future from Where You Are." The conversation focused on how courageous leaders drive transformation by investing in people, fostering innovation, and challenging the status quo.

The panelists, leaders from both education and industry, shared how they inspire change by prioritizing growth, collaboration, and adaptability. They discussed strategies for empowering individuals, cultivating leadership at all levels, and navigating the challenges of an evolving educational landscape. One key takeaway? Bold leadership isn’t just about making big moves. It is about building strong connections between education, workforce development, and the future of our society.

This discussion made me reflect on what truly defines a great leader. Leadership isn’t about simply assigning tasks or overseeing projects. It is about being present, guiding growth, and creating an environment where people feel valued and motivated.

Lessons in Leadership: Powerful Analogies

During the panel, several powerful analogies were shared that really resonated with me. I have taken time to reflect on them and what they truly mean in the context of leadership. These comparisons helped frame leadership in a way that is both relatable and actionable. There are also a few I have added myself as an extension of what I have learned, building on the ideas that stood out to me the most.

Leadership is Like Directing a Theater Production

If you think about it, great leadership is a lot like being a theater director. You may not always be center stage, but behind the scenes, you are making sure the entire production comes together. A director supports the actors, coordinates lighting and sound, secures funding, and ensures that everything runs smoothly so the performers can shine. Great leaders do the same as they provide the vision, structure, and resources that allow their teams to succeed.

A Leader Gets Things Done With Their Team

One of the key insights that stood out to me is that leadership isn’t just about delegation. Great leaders don’t just assign tasks; they work alongside their team to achieve goals. They understand that success isn’t about individual achievement but about how well the entire team operates together.

A Leader’s Team is a Reflection of Their Leadership

A strong leader understands that their team’s performance, morale, and success are a direct reflection of their leadership style. They do not just give orders; they support, inspire, and equip their team with the tools to succeed. A thriving team results from a leader who invests in growth and well-being.

Leadership is Building a Bridge

A great leader doesn’t just direct people from point A to point B. They build the bridge that helps their team cross over challenges, grow their skills, and move toward success. Leadership is about connecting people to opportunities, resources, and their own potential.

Leadership is Coaching, Not Just Managing

The best leaders act like coaches, not just managers. Instead of simply delegating tasks, they motivate, train, and push their team to be their best. Coaches see potential, provide feedback, and celebrate growth. They don’t just call the plays. They get in there and help their team execute them.

Leadership is Navigating the Ship Together

A great leader doesn’t just steer the ship alone. They sail alongside their team, ensuring everyone is moving in the same direction. Leadership is about guiding, adjusting the sails when necessary, and making sure no one gets left behind.

Leadership Starts with Trust and Relationships

A true leader builds a culture of trust, creating an environment where people feel safe to contribute ideas, take risks, and grow. Leadership is not just about results; it is about the people who drive those results.

Leaders Teach People to Fish, Not Just Give Them Fish

Great leaders don’t just solve problems for their teams. They equip them with the skills to solve problems themselves. This means fostering critical thinking, resilience, and decision-making abilities. By empowering their teams to take ownership, they create long-term success.

A True Leader is Open to Change

Change is inevitable, and great leaders recognize that their ability to adapt sets them apart. The best leaders do not resist change; they embrace it and help their teams navigate it. Instead of simply demanding tasks be completed, they explain the reasons behind decisions and invite collaboration.

Courageous Leaders Drive Innovation and Progress

It takes courage to challenge outdated processes, advocate for new ideas, and push for meaningful progress. The best leaders foster innovation by encouraging creativity and adaptability. They recognize that staying stagnant is not an option in an evolving world.

The Best Leaders Grow Their People

Like a garden, teams need to be nurtured to flourish. Leaders should focus on professional growth and skill development, providing mentorship, training, and opportunities for advancement. A leader’s success is measured not just by what they achieve, but by how well they help others grow.

Wrapping It Up

All of this reinforces that my views on leadership align with the panel discussion. The best way to lead is to be present, encouraging, and innovative. Great leaders invest in their people, foster collaboration, and embrace change. They don’t just direct. They support, empower, and inspire.

This panel reminded me that leadership is about action, not position. True leaders inspire, empower, and create an environment where people feel valued and capable of achieving their best work.

When leadership is done right, it builds trust, drives growth, and creates lasting impact. Whether you're leading a team, a classroom, or an entire organization, remember that true leadership is about lifting others up and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

What leadership strategies have made the biggest impact on you?