My journey to Instructional Design
My journey into instructional design began unexpectedly during my time at Independence Blue Cross (IBC). While working there, I participated in a poster contest aimed at promoting IBC’s core values while promoting First Call Resolution. Drawing on my background in graphic design, I eagerly created a poster that my team and I were genuinely proud of. Despite our efforts & enthusiasm, we didn’t win. However, the poster caught the attention of the Knowledge Management department, leading to meetings where I learned more about their work and the field of instructional design. Meeting with the Knowledge Management team, I learned about their functions, the projects they were passionate about, and the essence of instructional design. These discussions sparked ideas on how I could contribute, and my excitement for the department grew. Soon after, I was offered a position, marking the start of a new adventure.
In my new role, I integrated my graphic design and motion graphics skills to develop a comprehensive learning environment. This environment not only explained the intricacies of health insurance but also presented learners with real-life scenarios, enhancing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. We utilized established learning models like ADDIE to create program simulations, scenario-based videos, training exercises, and assessments. This approach significantly improved learners’ understanding of complex health insurance practices, policies, and procedures.
A year into my role, I joined a team tasked with improving Independence Blue Cross’s Medicare star rating, which had recently dropped by half a star. Our goal was to restore and surpass the previous rating. We developed an in-depth learning curriculum focusing on critical thinking and customer service. This included easy-to-follow facilitator and participant guides, interactive simulations, scenario videos, and assessment tools to measure training effectiveness. Our efforts paid off, resulting in the Medicare team achieving a 5-star CMS rating.
My journey in instructional design has been incredibly fulfilling. I’ve seen firsthand the importance of the design process and its tremendous value in achieving and exceeding goals. I’ve witnessed teams and individuals turn challenging situations around, empowered by the knowledge we’ve provided.