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Christy R. McKinney

Christy R. McKinney

Aspiring stay-at-home dog mom meeting learning and development needs with creativity and enthusiasm.

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Musings

Most Recent

  • Why have a training program?
    Musings

    Why have a training program?

    By

    It’s simple: Employees desire opportunities. Learning and development allow employees to gain skills, acquire positive behaviors, grow knowledge, and become empowered in their jobs. Effective training, which HR professionals and training managers play a crucial role in, improves retention as employees feel that they can learn and grow in their roles. To be effective, training…

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  • Why have a training program?
    Musings

    Why have a training program?

    By

    It’s simple: Employees desire opportunities. Learning and development allow employees to gain skills, acquire positive behaviors, grow knowledge, and become empowered in their jobs. Effective training, which HR professionals and training managers play a crucial role in, improves retention as employees feel that they can learn and grow in their roles. To be effective, training…

    Read More “Why have a training program?” »

    Read More Why have a training program?Continue

  • Photo of Woman Using Laptop
    Creative Tools | Media

    Virtual Meeting Tips

    By

    In response to the global shift to remote work in March 2020, the aim was to create an engaging and informative video that addressed common pitfalls of virtual meetings. The project sought to support the organization’s transition to a virtual environment by reminding employees of best practices and enhancing their remote work experience.

    Read More Virtual Meeting TipsContinue

  • Iconify: PowerPoint Icon Customization
    Creative Tools | eLearning

    Iconify: PowerPoint Icon Customization

    By

    “Iconify It” was born out of a recognition of the underutilized potential of icons in enhancing PowerPoint presentations. Identifying this gap led to the initial concept—creating a training module to empower users to effectively select, customize, and incorporate icons into their presentations to maximize visual impact and audience engagement.

    Read More Iconify: PowerPoint Icon CustomizationContinue

  • Red Yellow and Blue Balloons
    Creative Tools | Media

    Powtoon Explored:

    By

    Diving into Powtoon, I stumbled upon an engaging tool that’s intuitive for crafting animated videos. Think whiteboard animations, spirited cartoon snippets, and micro-learning bursts. Let’s unravel this a bit further, shedding light on its user experience, cost-effectiveness, and a few areas where it might be found wanting.

    Read More Powtoon Explored:Continue

  • Person Holding Black Pen Sketching Flower
    Creative Tools | Media

    Doodly Do? Doodly Don’t?

    By

    In today’s digital age, instructional design has become more than just presenting information; it’s about creating engaging and memorable learning experiences. Another creative tool entering the field is Doodly. As an instructional designer and self proclaimed tech-geek, I am thrilled to explore the features and benefits of Doodly and how it can enhance the effectiveness of instructional design.

    Read More Doodly Do? Doodly Don’t?Continue

  • Two women sharing a happy moment while using a laptop indoors. Smiling and engaged.
    Musings

    Beyond the Screen: Making eLearning Work

    By

    eLearning isn’t new, but it’s often underestimated. It’s more than a convenient tool—it has the power to reshape how people learn when it’s used thoughtfully. On its own, it can widen access, personalize the pace, and make resources instantly available. But like any approach, relying on it too heavily can have downsides. That’s why the…

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  • Musings

    Iconify your presentations

    By

    In the world of eLearning, visuals play a pivotal role in making content both engaging and memorable. While photos, videos, and infographics have their place, icons are powerful tools to distill complex ideas into easily digestible visuals. Recognizing this, I embarked on a journey to create a comprehensive icon training module using Articulate Rise 360….

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  • Musings

    From Learner to Leader: Navigating the Nuances of Coachability

    By

    When I reflect on the role of a manager, fostering coachability within the team becomes paramount. To become effective coaches, individuals must first be adept at being coached. In our current business ecosystem, being coachable is not just a bonus—it’s a cornerstone. Holding onto the notion that there’s nothing left to learn is limiting and…

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  • instructional design | Learning and development | Training

    Why have a training program?

    By

    It’s simple, employees desire opportunities.  Learning and development provide opportunities for employees to gain skills, acquire positive behaviors, grow knowledge, and become empowered in their jobs.  Effective training improves retention as employees feel that they can learn and grow in their roles.   To be effective, training initiatives must clearly define goals and objectives and communicate…

    Read More “Why have a training program?” »

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  • Musings

    What makes a good presentation?

    By

    It’s the little things. What makes a good presentation?  Is it the speaker? The content?  The visual aid? What about all of it? Everything matters and contributes, but the little things will elevate your presentation to the next level. The speaker can detract from the content, just as poor/inaccurate content can take away from a…

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  • Musings

    Communication

    By

    Communication is more than speaking your mind. Being a good communicator is not the same as being a good speaker. A good communicator knows how to listen as well as speak. In fact, listening is one of the most important tasks for effective communication. It is not enough to just listen to what is being…

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  • Life lessons

    Inspiration

    By

    Today I headed over to Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop Inspiration Button. After several uninspiring, or I don’t know you like that, clicks I was inspired by the following prompt: When I grow up I want to be like… Let’s get something straight. I’m not growin’ up and you can’t make me. I hold dear my…

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  • Musings

    Powtoon Explored: From Concept to Creation

    By

    Diving into Powtoon, I stumbled upon an engaging tool that’s intuitive for crafting animated videos. Think whiteboard animations, spirited cartoon snippets, and micro-learning bursts. Let’s unravel this a bit further, shedding light on its user experience, cost-effectiveness, and a few areas where it might be found wanting. First off, navigating Powtoon is a breeze. Its…

    Read More “Powtoon Explored: From Concept to Creation” »

    Read More Powtoon Explored: From Concept to CreationContinue

  • Life lessons

    Nantahala Life Lessons

    By

    A few weekends ago, we spent a Saturday rafting the Nantahala with my oldest. For the past few summers, Juj has been a raft guide, and we have been able to join her on the water.  If you haven’t been white water rafting, it requires clear instructions, listening, and a coordinated effort to keep everyone…

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  • instructional design | Learning and development

    Doodly Do, Doodly Don’t?

    By

    In today’s digital age, instructional design has become more than just presenting information; it’s about creating engaging and memorable learning experiences. Another creative tool entering the field is Doodly. As an instructional designer and self proclaimed tech-geek, I am thrilled to explore the features and benefits of Doodly and how it can enhance the effectiveness…

    Read More “Doodly Do, Doodly Don’t?” »

    Read More Doodly Do, Doodly Don’t?Continue

  • Why have a training program? Musings
  • Two women sharing a happy moment while using a laptop indoors. Smiling and engaged.
    Beyond the Screen: Making eLearning Work Musings
  • Iconify your presentations Musings
  • Another Look at Presenting Presentation
  • From Learner to Leader: Navigating the Nuances of Coachability Musings
  • Why have a training program? instructional design
  • What makes a good presentation? Musings
  • Communication Musings

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