Three blogs I like...

About

Instructional Design, loosely speaking, is a process of creating educational material that incorporates current teaching practices with relevant educational formats, such as online classes, interactive software, and computer based learning modules.  When applied to the healthcare setting, users can learn at their own pace in an environment that is instructive and entertaining.  I have included descriptions of seasoned bloggers that are great resources for current information about my passions: healthcare, technology, and education.

Innovative Nurse is an informative and entertaining blog compiled by the self proclaimed, nurse techno-geek, Kevin Ross. The site offers support for nurses in their current status as well as those exploring new branches of the profession. Most articles are written by Ross but there are also features posted by contributing authors.  Some of topics included in this blog are time management techniques, good nursing etiquette, and must-have nursing apps for entrepreneurs. From Innovative Nurse, there is a link to RNFM Radio, where users can listen to podcasts created by co-hosts Kevin Ross and Keith Carlson; another wonderful site devoted to nursing stories, inventions, and breakthroughs.

I recommend Innovative Nurse for nurses and healthcare professionals looking for interesting and inspirational stories as well as those seeking technology applications in the nursing field.

Learning with ‘e’s is a blog created by Steve Wheeler, an Associate Professor of Learning Technology at Plymouth University.  He was recently awarded with 'most innovative use of teaching methods' because he introduces different learning methodologies into his classes and looks for ways to keep his students motivated. Although many of his articles revolve around the basics of good teaching principles and philosophies, there are also features about how technology has and will continue to be part of the educational process. His articles are very well written and often challenge users to think differently about the changing landscape of education.  I highly recommend this blog to those seeking masterfully written content and cutting edge teaching philosophies.

Two instructional design blogs are included in my list because I found them equally impressive for information and resources.  I am also recommending these sites because as Instructional Designers in the 21st century, we are “plugged in”.  Finding others in the field of Instructional Design is all about networking and both of my selected blogs help users find others in the community.  

The blog, Cathy Moore, has a subtitle that best describes her site, “Saving the world from boring training”.  Her site includes relevant features, workshops, books, and tips for those who are in or looking to enter the field of Instructional Design.  Many of the features give detailed, step-by-step instructions on the processes needed to successfully create instructional e-materials.  

My other choice for an Instructional Design blog is Rapid E-Learning by Tom Kuhlmann. This site is also filled with practical design solutions for creating professional e-learning courses.  Users can also find links to free course design software and a large community support group.