Happy Autumn! We know from experience that the fourth quarter is a busy time for an organization, especially if you are pressing to finish up your January 1 budget planning. If you're feeling the crunch, let me know, and our team can jump in to help. We're accustomed to providing support for our client teams to help pull together planning, and we can even create a demo to fast-track getting your learning plan approved.
Earlier this month, I had an article published in the Michigan Society of Association Executives (MSAE) Association Impact magazine on Scenario-based Learning (SBL). Since my career has been centered on innovating learning programs to create higher engagement, writing about one of the most effective tools in our toolkit felt like a natural fit. (Not to mention that we love partnering with associations!) The piece explores this simple idea that produces a big payoff: people learn best when they get to practice.
What is SBL?
Scenarios place learners in believable situations, ask them to make choices, and provide clear feedback. Instead of hearing about a concept, they practice it, see what happens, and connect the lesson to real work they have to do.
For instance, imagine a video lesson where an apprentice technician studies under the guidance of an experienced trainer, learning to diagnose an engine issue. Learners watch the exchange and then use a drag-and-drop menu to choose the right diagnostic tools and next steps. Each choice generates feedback, reinforcing confidence and real-world judgment through interactive online practice.
Please reach out to me if you would like examples of how our instructional designers have integrated SBL in our custom course. And, you'll find more real-world examples of how it's been effective for companies like UPS and Duolingo, and in higher education institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Florida College of Medicine, in my article in the MSAE Association Impact Magazine, Fall 2025 issue.
Breaking Barriers: Practical Strategies to Support
Adult Literacy.
Behind every production line, office, or classroom may be someone masking low literacy to get through the day. This challenge can stop progress before it starts and hide the strengths people could bring.
Join author Janet Lee as she shares the powerful story of Arnie Stewart, one man moving from low literacy and homelessness to becoming a voice for learning and hope. And get practical takeaways from Kristen Stevenson, Ph.D., on what trainers and educators can do to close this hidden barrier through inclusive learning strategies that can reach adults with low literacy.
Blog: Designing eLearning for a Global Audience
Designing eLearning for a Global Audience: How to Adapt Content with Cultural Responsiveness
An eLearning course designed in New York may not resonate with learners in Tokyo, São Paulo, or Nairobi unless it considers those differences. That’s where culturally responsive design principles come in.
In our latest blog, Dr. Kristen Stevenson explores practical ways to adapt eLearning content for international learners through localization, inclusive design, and thoughtful use of visuals. Whether you’re an instructional designer, educator, or organizational trainer, these strategies can help you create courses that connect across cultures.
At its core, culturally responsive design in eLearning is about respect, awareness, and adaptation. It asks course creators to move beyond “universal” design assumptions and instead build learning experiences that honor cultural diversity.
Start with awareness. Culture shapes how learners interpret information. In a global project management course, facilitators explore different decision-making styles and invite reflection on which fits best.
Avoid stereotypes. Respect diversity. Replace generic “Western office” scenarios with real examples from hospitals in Kenya, to banks in Brazil showing cultural variety and authentic professional environments.
Prioritize flexibility. Design adaptable activities. Let learners demonstrate skills through varied options like projects or reflection, highlighting individual strengths across cultures while maintaining consistent learning outcomes.
Listen to learners. Engage target audiences early. A hospital invited patients to review diabetes materials, leading to clearer wording, visuals, and tips that improved understanding and usability.
Have a question? We're here to help you navigate your eLearning needs!
