🌻August 2026 Newsletter
Hello, Designing with Love listeners and readers! 🩷
This month we had a great time exploring the intersection of teaching, technology, and human connection in learning design, featuring insightful conversations with expert guests. We also shared valuable blog posts diving into youth life skills, AI in writing, trauma-informed design, and AI ethics. Here’s a rundown of what we’ve been up to.
🎙️Episodes
Myth: Good Teaching Equals Good Instructional Design
Good teaching is powerful, but it can also hide a trap: when a class goes well, we assume the design must be strong. Jackie unpacks a common myth in instructional design and education that shows up everywhere from K-12 to corporate training and higher ed: good teaching equals good instructional design. They’re connected, but they’re not the same job, and confusing them can leave gaps in practice, assessment, accessibility, and real-world performance. You’ll leave with a concrete “myth reset” and a simple review process you can run on one course, lesson, module, or training. Don’t forget to listen to the full episode and check out the resources at Myth: Good Teaching Equals Good Instructional Design.
Alumni Engagement That Works With Jennifer Cunningham
Most schools and nonprofits don’t have an “engagement problem”; they have a follow-up problem. I sit down with alumni engagement and nonprofit consultant Jennifer Cunningham to unpack what actually turns a one-time attendee into a connected community member who mentors, hires, volunteers, advocates, and eventually gives back. Jennifer shares how alumni engagement has shifted from planning social gatherings to designing intentional experiences with a clear return for both the institution and the alumni. If you care about community building, alumni relations, nonprofit engagement strategies, or career networking for graduates, this conversation is packed with practical ideas you can apply right away. Tune in and learn more by visiting Alumni Engagement That Works With Jennifer Cunningham.
Myth: Technology Automatically Improves Learning
A shiny new tool can feel like instant progress, but what if it quietly makes your course harder to learn? Jackie is tackling one of the most stubborn myths in instructional design and education: the idea that technology automatically improves learning. Whether you’re rolling out a new LMS, testing an AI content creation tool, or adding interactive features to eLearning, the real question isn’t “Is it modern?” It’s “Does it help learners do something meaningful?” Jackie breaks down why this belief sticks around and grounds the conversation in what we know about cognitive load and attention. Catch all the details and listen to the episode at Myth: Technology Automatically Improves Learning.
Human Connection in Teaching With Lou Hirsch
Most of us can remember a teacher who noticed us, but we struggle to remember the worksheet, the lecture slide, or the exact content on the exam. That’s where this conversation with Dr. Lou Hirsch lands: the real unit of change in higher education isn’t another tool or another “coverage” strategy; it’s the small, intentional moments of human connection that create trust and make learning stick. We talk about why modern systems built on speed, scale, and deadlines often squeeze out creativity, even though curriculum redesign and instructional design depend on reflection and iteration. Discover how to build learning experiences that last by listening over at Human Connection in Teaching With Lou Hirsch.
📄Posts
Boosting Young Lives: The Importance of Teaching Life Skills With Rob Heller
In an age where academic achievement often overshadows essential life skills, Rob Heller, founder of the Boost Program, emphasizes the necessity of teaching youth critical skills like communication, resilience, and teamwork. This blog post dives into the insights shared during our conversation about the Boost Program and how educators can equip young people with the skills they need to thrive in life and work. The Boost Program focuses on three key pillars: people skills, character skills, and mindset skills. These areas are crucial for developing well-rounded individuals who can navigate the complexities of life. Read the full article and explore more insights at Boosting Young Lives: The Importance of Teaching Life Skills With Rob Heller.
Creating with AI: Balancing Technology and Human Creativity in Writing With Michael Leggs
In a world where artificial intelligence increasingly shapes our writing processes, educators face a significant challenge: how to help students harness these tools without sacrificing their critical thinking and writing skills. In this post, we’ll explore how AI can empower students to become better writers while maintaining their unique voices and perspectives. AI tools like Smartleby provide a unique approach to writing assistance by acting as a revision tutor rather than simply generating finished content. Dive deeper into this discussion by checking out the complete post at Creating with AI: Balancing Technology and Human Creativity in Writing With Michael Leggs.
How to Move Beyond Content in Learning Design: Insights from Nicole Weber
In the realm of instructional design, one question often arises: how can we create learning experiences that resonate deeply with our learners? In this post, I’ll explore insights shared by Nicole Weber, a seasoned curriculum and learning experience designer, on the importance of moving beyond content to foster genuine connections and cultural relevance in learning. We’ll delve into key themes like curiosity, trauma-informed practices, and the reciprocal nature of learning. Understanding who your learners are and the experiences they bring to the table is foundational in creating effective learning solutions. Read the full piece over at How to Move Beyond Content in Learning Design: Insights from Nicole Weber.
The Evolution of AI and Its Ethical Implications in Content Creation With Dr. Dwayne Wood
As instructional designers and educators, navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in content creation is crucial. In this post, we will explore how AI has transformed the creation of academic materials, the responsibilities tied to its use, and the ethical considerations educators must address. The shift from text-only outputs to multimodal capabilities has made content creation more accessible than ever, but it also raises important questions about quality, accuracy, and privacy. Check out the full blog post to learn more at The Evolution of AI and Its Ethical Implications in Content Creation With Dr. Dwayne Wood.
Thank you for taking the time to read through this month’s roundup! Be sure to listen to our latest episodes and visit the blog posts to keep expanding your instructional design toolkit and inspiring your learners. 🩷