Useful Stuff Thu, 05 Mar 2026 17:40:02 -0500 https://usefulstuff.buzzsprout.com en-us © 2026 Useful Stuff yes 7ff01699-bae0-54d2-a2bf-1b868277af16 Useful Stuff episodic false Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Learning, L&D, Training, Instructional Design, Learning Experience Design, eLearning, Performance Consulting, Coaching, Business Useful Stuff https://storage.buzzsprout.com/h52d96l091yhr3y0r1kynsf2k52o?.jpg Useful Stuff Creating Performance-Based Learning Objectives Creating Performance-Based Learning Objectives This article explores how to create effective, performance-based learning objectives using Robert Mager's characteristics and Bloom's Taxonomy, addressing common misconceptions while providing practical strategies for aligning objectives with organizational goals.

Read the transcript and show notes here: www.getusefulstuff.com/post/creating-performance-based-learning-objectives

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

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]]> This article explores how to create effective, performance-based learning objectives using Robert Mager's characteristics and Bloom's Taxonomy, addressing common misconceptions while providing practical strategies for aligning objectives with organizational goals.

Read the transcript and show notes here: www.getusefulstuff.com/post/creating-performance-based-learning-objectives

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

Thanks for listening!

]]> Buzzsprout-15886246 Mon, 07 Oct 2024 19:00:00 -0400 727 full false Why AI Video Avatars are NOT the Next Big Thing in L&D Why AI Video Avatars are NOT the Next Big Thing in L&D AI video avatars are EVERYWHERE, and ed tech vendors will tell you how important they are. This episode will share some reasons why AI video avatars are NOT helpful or effective to the learning process and some alternatives to use.

Read the transcript and show notes here: www.getusefulstuff.com/post/why-ai-video-avatars-are-not-the-next-big-thing-in-l-d

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

Thanks for listening!

]]> AI video avatars are EVERYWHERE, and ed tech vendors will tell you how important they are. This episode will share some reasons why AI video avatars are NOT helpful or effective to the learning process and some alternatives to use.

Read the transcript and show notes here: www.getusefulstuff.com/post/why-ai-video-avatars-are-not-the-next-big-thing-in-l-d

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

Thanks for listening!

]]> Buzzsprout-15612646 Tue, 20 Aug 2024 11:00:00 -0400 471 full false How to Read an Academic Paper How to Read an Academic Paper Research papers can give insightful tips about learning solutions and ideas to try as a practitioner, but reading them can be daunting. This episode will share some tips on how to read research presented in an academic paper.

Read the transcript and show notes here: www.getusefulstuff.com/post/how-to-read-an-academic-paper

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

Thanks for listening!

]]> Research papers can give insightful tips about learning solutions and ideas to try as a practitioner, but reading them can be daunting. This episode will share some tips on how to read research presented in an academic paper.

Read the transcript and show notes here: www.getusefulstuff.com/post/how-to-read-an-academic-paper

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

Thanks for listening!

]]> Useful Stuff Buzzsprout-14585861 Tue, 27 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0500 525 full false Instructional Design Portfolios: How to Showcase Work that Matters Instructional Design Portfolios: How to Showcase Work that Matters This episode will share some ideas on content you could create to use in your instructional design portfolio that will show potential hiring managers or clients that you have the skills to do the job.

Read the transcript and show notes here: www.getusefulstuff.com/post/instructional-design-portfolios-how-to-showcase-work-that-matters

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

Thanks for listening!

]]> This episode will share some ideas on content you could create to use in your instructional design portfolio that will show potential hiring managers or clients that you have the skills to do the job.

Read the transcript and show notes here: www.getusefulstuff.com/post/instructional-design-portfolios-how-to-showcase-work-that-matters

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

Thanks for listening!

]]> Useful Stuff Buzzsprout-14355191 Mon, 22 Jan 2024 12:00:00 -0500 1124 full false Writing for an ESL Audience Writing for an ESL Audience If you're writing and creating learning for an international audience, you may want to consider those whose first language isn't English. Here are some tips on how to write for an English-as-a-second language (ESL) audience.

Read the transcript and show notes here: www.getusefulstuff.com/post/writing-for-an-esl-audience

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

Thanks for listening!

]]> If you're writing and creating learning for an international audience, you may want to consider those whose first language isn't English. Here are some tips on how to write for an English-as-a-second language (ESL) audience.

Read the transcript and show notes here: www.getusefulstuff.com/post/writing-for-an-esl-audience

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

Thanks for listening!

]]> Useful Stuff Buzzsprout-13029068 Mon, 14 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0400 356 full false Finding the Right ID Academy, L&D Bootcamp, or Certification for You Finding the Right ID Academy, L&D Bootcamp, or Certification for You There are a lot of options when it comes to learning Instructional Design and other L&D skills. It feels like there is a new ID academy popping up every other day!

In this episode we look at the criteria for comparing and assessing all these options to find what's best for you and your unique situation.

Read the full text here: http://www.getusefulstuff.com/post/finding-the-right-id-academy-l-d-bootcamp-or-certification-for-you

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

Thanks for listening!

]]> There are a lot of options when it comes to learning Instructional Design and other L&D skills. It feels like there is a new ID academy popping up every other day!

In this episode we look at the criteria for comparing and assessing all these options to find what's best for you and your unique situation.

Read the full text here: http://www.getusefulstuff.com/post/finding-the-right-id-academy-l-d-bootcamp-or-certification-for-you

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

Thanks for listening!

]]> Useful Stuff Buzzsprout-12126089 Mon, 30 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0500 823 full false Overcoming Writer's Block Overcoming Writer's Block What do you do when you need to write something, but can't? We explore 3 ways that have worked for us to overcome writer's block.

Read the transcript and show notes here: http://www.getusefulstuff.com/post/overcoming-writers-block

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

Thanks for listening!

]]> What do you do when you need to write something, but can't? We explore 3 ways that have worked for us to overcome writer's block.

Read the transcript and show notes here: http://www.getusefulstuff.com/post/overcoming-writers-block

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

Thanks for listening!

]]> Useful Stuff Buzzsprout-12113080 Wed, 25 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0500 293 full false How to Practice and Improve Your Writing How to Practice and Improve Your Writing Good writing helps L&D professionals communicate ideas clearly and keeps your audience engaged – which makes the learning more likely to be effective. You might write scripts, processes, storyboards, assessments, or even communication campaigns for learning during your L&D career – and those are only a few ideas that come to mind! It’s a fundamental skill, and here, we’re going to share some tips to improve your writing.

Read the full text and notes on the Useful Stuff website at:
http://www.getusefulstuff.com/post/how-to-practice-and-improve-your-writing

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

Thanks for listening!

]]> Good writing helps L&D professionals communicate ideas clearly and keeps your audience engaged – which makes the learning more likely to be effective. You might write scripts, processes, storyboards, assessments, or even communication campaigns for learning during your L&D career – and those are only a few ideas that come to mind! It’s a fundamental skill, and here, we’re going to share some tips to improve your writing.

Read the full text and notes on the Useful Stuff website at:
http://www.getusefulstuff.com/post/how-to-practice-and-improve-your-writing

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

Thanks for listening!

]]> Useful Stuff Buzzsprout-12074677 Mon, 23 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0500 462 full false Common Writing and Grammar Mistakes for L&D Professionals Common Writing and Grammar Mistakes for L&D Professionals Twelve writing and grammar mistakes and how to avoid them.

Read the full text and notes on the Useful Stuff website at:
http://www.getusefulstuff.com/post/common-writing-and-grammar-mistakes

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

Thanks for listening!

]]> Twelve writing and grammar mistakes and how to avoid them.

Read the full text and notes on the Useful Stuff website at:
http://www.getusefulstuff.com/post/common-writing-and-grammar-mistakes

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

Thanks for listening!

]]> Useful Stuff Buzzsprout-12028664 Wed, 18 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0500 866 full false An Introduction to Inclusive Writing An Introduction to Inclusive Writing Are you unintentionally excluding or offending people with what you're creating?

In this episode we give you an introduction to inclusive writing, including tips on what to avoid and extra resources to learn more on the topic.

Read the full text and notes on the Useful Stuff website at:
https://www.getusefulstuff.com/post/an-introduction-to-inclusive-writing

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

Thanks for listening!

]]> Are you unintentionally excluding or offending people with what you're creating?

In this episode we give you an introduction to inclusive writing, including tips on what to avoid and extra resources to learn more on the topic.

Read the full text and notes on the Useful Stuff website at:
https://www.getusefulstuff.com/post/an-introduction-to-inclusive-writing

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

Thanks for listening!

]]> Useful Stuff Buzzsprout-12028653 Mon, 16 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0500 472 full false Editing and Proofreading in L&D Editing and Proofreading in L&D From writing training material to composing emails to your stakeholders,  the written word holds a lot of importance in L&D.

In this episode we cover the differences between editing and proofreading, why you need both, as well as tips and resources to help you edit and proofread your work.

Read the full text and notes on the Useful Stuff website at:
https://www.getusefulstuff.com/post/editing-and-proofreading-in-l-d

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

Thanks for listening!

]]> From writing training material to composing emails to your stakeholders,  the written word holds a lot of importance in L&D.

In this episode we cover the differences between editing and proofreading, why you need both, as well as tips and resources to help you edit and proofread your work.

Read the full text and notes on the Useful Stuff website at:
https://www.getusefulstuff.com/post/editing-and-proofreading-in-l-d

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

Thanks for listening!

]]> Useful Stuff Buzzsprout-11967827 Wed, 11 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0500 857 full false How to Get What You Want How to Get What You Want You're always going to need new stuff - software, contractors, new staff, material and equipment - but how do you convince your boss and stakeholders to approve it?

In this episode we talk about creating and presenting a business case, as well what to do when you get a 'no' or a 'maybe'.

Read the full text and notes on the Useful Stuff website at:
www.getusefulstuff.com/post/how-to-get-what-you-want

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

Thanks for listening!

]]> You're always going to need new stuff - software, contractors, new staff, material and equipment - but how do you convince your boss and stakeholders to approve it?

In this episode we talk about creating and presenting a business case, as well what to do when you get a 'no' or a 'maybe'.

Read the full text and notes on the Useful Stuff website at:
www.getusefulstuff.com/post/how-to-get-what-you-want

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

Thanks for listening!

]]> Useful Stuff Buzzsprout-11967830 Mon, 09 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0500 571 full false An Introduction to Copyright for L&D An Introduction to Copyright for L&D Have you ever copied and pasted a photo from Google for a piece of work?

Did you consider the copyright requirements or attribution?

Here we break down down some Copyright and Fair Use basics for L&D professionals.

Read the full text and notes on the Useful Stuff website at:
https://www.getusefulstuff.com/post/copyright-for-l-d

Check out Kayleen Holt's "Copyright and Fair Use Basics" course: https://scissortailcs.com/copyright-and-fair-use-for-ld/

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

Thanks for listening!

]]> Have you ever copied and pasted a photo from Google for a piece of work?

Did you consider the copyright requirements or attribution?

Here we break down down some Copyright and Fair Use basics for L&D professionals.

Read the full text and notes on the Useful Stuff website at:
https://www.getusefulstuff.com/post/copyright-for-l-d

Check out Kayleen Holt's "Copyright and Fair Use Basics" course: https://scissortailcs.com/copyright-and-fair-use-for-ld/

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

Thanks for listening!

]]> Useful Stuff Buzzsprout-11967824 Wed, 04 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0500 445 full false Focusing Your Team on Outcomes Focusing Your Team on Outcomes For an L&D team to really add value to an organization, it’s important that everyone is outcome focused. So what can team leaders do to drive this focus on outcomes?

Read the full text and notes on the Useful Stuff website at: https://www.getusefulstuff.com/post/focusing-your-team-on-outcomes

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

Thanks for listening!

]]> For an L&D team to really add value to an organization, it’s important that everyone is outcome focused. So what can team leaders do to drive this focus on outcomes?

Read the full text and notes on the Useful Stuff website at: https://www.getusefulstuff.com/post/focusing-your-team-on-outcomes

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

Thanks for listening!

]]> Useful Stuff Buzzsprout-11403810 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0400 236 4 full false Outcomes and Becoming Outcome Focused Outcomes and Becoming Outcome Focused You may have heard the terms  'outcome focused' or 'outcomes over outputs' but what exactly is an outcome? What does it mean to be outcome focused and why should we in L&D care?

Read the full text and notes on the Useful Stuff website at: https://www.getusefulstuff.com/post/outcomes-and-becoming-outcome-focused

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

Thanks for listening!

]]> You may have heard the terms  'outcome focused' or 'outcomes over outputs' but what exactly is an outcome? What does it mean to be outcome focused and why should we in L&D care?

Read the full text and notes on the Useful Stuff website at: https://www.getusefulstuff.com/post/outcomes-and-becoming-outcome-focused

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

Thanks for listening!

]]> Useful Stuff Buzzsprout-11403808 Wed, 05 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0400 324 3 full false Helping Stakeholders Make Useful Requests Helping Stakeholders Make Useful Requests At points in your L&D career, you'll get requests that are – to put it nicely – less than helpful. Here is some advice to help you work with stakeholders to refine the request into something more useful for you, your team and your stakeholders.

Full text and notes here: https://www.getusefulstuff.com/post/helping-stakeholders-make-useful-requests

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

Thanks for listening!

]]> At points in your L&D career, you'll get requests that are – to put it nicely – less than helpful. Here is some advice to help you work with stakeholders to refine the request into something more useful for you, your team and your stakeholders.

Full text and notes here: https://www.getusefulstuff.com/post/helping-stakeholders-make-useful-requests

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

Thanks for listening!

]]> Useful Stuff Buzzsprout-11403763 Mon, 03 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0400 214 2 full false Discovering the Goals of Your Organization Discovering the Goals of Your Organization In this episode, learn about long-term, continuous activities you can do as well as shorter term, project-focused activities that will help you gain visibility into the needs of those across the business.

Visit the article on the Useful Stuff website: https://www.getusefulstuff.com/post/discovering-the-goals-of-your-organization

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

Thanks for listening!

]]> In this episode, learn about long-term, continuous activities you can do as well as shorter term, project-focused activities that will help you gain visibility into the needs of those across the business.

Visit the article on the Useful Stuff website: https://www.getusefulstuff.com/post/discovering-the-goals-of-your-organization

Connect with us on social media for more insights and resources:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usefulstuff/

Thanks for listening!

]]> Buzzsprout-11403269 Wed, 28 Sep 2022 18:00:00 -0400 373 1 full false