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I'm writing to let you know that we've made the move to a new email service, Beehiiv! If you're reading this from your inbox right now, then congratulations - you've made it. (How easy was that?)

If you happen to run into any issues or have any feedback, please don't hesitate to let me know. I'll do my best to make things right for you.

And while we're at it, let me just say how much I appreciate you. Yes, you! Your support and engagement mean the world to me. So hit reply and let me know what you think of the new setup - I'm all ears!

Thanks for being part of the buzz, and I as always, thanks for reading.

📰 News & Notes

L&D Global Sentiment Survey

Donald Taylor’s annual L&D Global Sentiment Survey 2023 asks a single, crucial question: "What will be the most in-demand trends in workplace L&D in 2023?" This year’s results are here, and boy, what a difference a year makes! Last year, the focus was on social learning, but this year, the spotlight is shining bright on AI and analytics. With responses from 100 countries, it's important to note that geographical variations still exist and the results table displays a collection of sometimes vastly differing opinions.

Seductive Details & Retrieval Practice: A Memory Boosting Duo

Are you looking for an effective way to improve the memory retention of your learners? A recent study has revealed the secret - combining "seductive details" with "retrieval practice." This pairing has been found to create a cognitive utopia for memory retention. By incorporating interesting and captivating information with repetitive recall exercises, you can ensure your learners will retain the information you present to them.

Graphic Design for Course Creators

“Graphic Design for Course Creators” is an ebook by Dawn DiPeri to help course creators design visually appealing and digitally accessible courses and curricular materials. She contends (and I agree) that applying graphic design principles can minimize barriers, decrease cognitive load, and enhance the learning experience. To help with this, she’s created the Graphic Design E-Learning Checklist, which provides a roadmap for improving the aesthetics of courses while prioritizing inclusivity.

Visual design rules you can safely follow every time

This is for designers out there (and we’re all designers!). This is a collection of visual design rules that you can confidently follow every time. Now, don't get too caught up in the details - if you have a solid reason for breaking any of these guidelines, then go for it! But for those times when you're looking for a bit of guidance, these rules are a trusty companion that you can always count on.

How Talking Less Will Get You More

Why are some people compulsive talkers? And how can we fix it? Dan Lyons, a self-proclaimed talkaholic, set out to understand why it's so hard to keep quiet. This article suggests that talking less can actually get you more, as keeping quiet can increase your charisma and leave a lasting impression. So, the next time you're in a conversation, try being a great listener instead of a talker and watch the magic unfold. Who knew that silence could be so golden?

🎧 Podcasts

These are the conversations that caught my ear this week.

🧰 Tech Tools & Tips

If tools are your jam, check out my new Work Smarter newsletter

sponsored

Freelance Instructional Design:
All You Need to Succeed

A Collection of ID Resources for Freelancers

The field of freelance instructional design is relatively new and unexplored, but don't let this prevent you from going solo. With this free collection of resources for freelance instructional designers, you can break into the field successfully.

What's inside:

• Tom McDowall's guide to collaboration with SMEs;

• Legal issues and taxes;

• ID theories and models;

• Freelance ID statistics;

• A contract template created by a lawyer;

• A template of Certificate of Acceptance and Delivery and more.

🧳 Where’s Mike?

• Mid-New Jersey ATD, February 21,

• Cognota Webinar, February 28

• iDTX 2023, March 8

• New Zealand ATD Conference, March 15-16

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