June 21, 2018 Update: See more updated recommendations for podcasts geared toward instructional designers and learning professionals here. >>> 7 Learning Podcasts You Need to Listen to Right Now
As a learning professional, your typical workday may be jam-packed with getting the kids off to school, fighting the traffic on your morning commute, and juggling back-to-back meetings. With a hectic schedule, you may find it challenging — heck, even near impossible at times — to stay up to date on the latest learning trends in our industry.
Though the struggle for managing time wisely is very real, it’s important that we as innovative learning professionals do not let our self-education fall by the wayside. After all, the best teachers are students themselves.
When you’re crunched for time, listening to industry-specific podcasts can be the most efficient (and fun) way for you to learn on the go. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite podcasts for instructional designers and learning professionals to help you stay in the know on the latest tools and trends in the training world.
The eLearning Coach
The eLearning Coach podcast hosted by Connie Malamed offers fresh perspectives and action-packed tips for instructional designers and learning professionals. If you’re a fan of Connie’s blog, you can consider her podcast an audio extension of her wealth of knowledge and expertise in the eLearning world. Connie hosts an array of guest interviews where she sits down with expert designers, developers, authors and professors who share their trade secrets and proven strategies on a variety of topics, including visual communications, social learning, mLearning and the psychology of learning.
More Reasons to Listen and Love:
You can find new episodes from Connie usually about once a month, ranging from 20 to 40 minutes per episode. Connie is known for her thought-provoking questions, curated guest list and helpful show notes. She also provides exclusive discount codes from time to time for learning tools and resources.
ttc Episode Favorites:
- Learning Myths and Misconceptions
- How to Do Course Evaluations the Right Way
- Psychology, Behavior and Design
The Millennial Career Playbook
Well, we don’t want to toot our own horn, but we just can’t help ourselves! The Millennial Career Playbook, hosted by our very own Debbie Wooldridge and co-host Hy Bender, is a podcast series focused on sharing stories from companies who are doing things right in the Millennial-training world. Debbie and Hy sit down with renowned companies to explore Millennial-friendly policies, hiring practices, and innovative techniques to retain the Millennial workforce.
By the way, did you know, 34 percent of today’s workforce is made up of Millennials? (PricewaterhouseCoopers’) This number is expected to increase drastically to 75 percent by 2025 (Dr. Henrik Bresman). Is your company prepared? Learn more about the solution to this global phenomenon at The Millennial Project!
More Reasons to Listen and Love:
If you’re a fan of numbers, this podcast is for you. In its stats, stories and case studies, you’ll discover all there is to know about creating training for the Millennial workforce.
ttc Episode Favorites:
- Bridging the gap between generations with PricewaterhouseCoopers’
- Microsoft on its unique 12-week intern program
- 3M sharing about its entrepreneur-supportive strategies
Trends & Issues
Trends & Issues, hosted by professors Dr. Abbie Brown and Dr. Tim Green, is a weekly podcast that offers updates on the latest and greatest trends in the instructional design and education technology world. Each week, the professors meet to share news bites on learning science, instructional design trends, technology and helpful resources.
More reasons to Listen and Love:
This podcast is perfect for anyone short on time. With most episodes running around the 10-minute mark, it’s a little like listening to The Skimm — the audio training version. If you’re hungry for more, these two hosts round up loads of helpful resources in their companion Flipboard.
