I recently learned the word "philomath." What a fun word! Curious Mind Cafe describes it this way."
"You’re interested in a wide range of topics, including science, history, philosophy, art, and a variety of other topics.
You enjoy pushing yourself. You’re willing to tackle difficult topics and concepts, even if they’re difficult to grasp.
You do a lot of reading. You enjoy reading books, articles, and other materials that help you learn and understand new things.
You enjoy discussing and debating ideas. Even if you don’t always agree with others, you enjoy having thoughtful discussions and debates with them.
You place a high value on education. You value education not only for practical reasons, such as getting a good job, but also for personal growth and development."
☑️ I check every box.
I recently read a job description that included this: "You will lead a high impact team...ensuring every externship is anchored in....cognitive load best practices..."
YES (enter fist bump here)! The concept of cognitive load is definitely not new, but it is new to job descriptions I have seen and roles I have experienced. I am thrilled at the idea of this becoming mainstream in the corporate environment.
Complete Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt - Complete!
Successfully 'Tech Stack' using multiple creative and eLearning software programs to create one seamless, creative, and purposeful digital learning piece - Complete!
(originally written in 2021. In 2025, it remains one of my favorite L&D books)
Why did I wait so long to read this book? It is basically a handbook for ensuring the education given will provide the desired results and support the original goal. I do have a business mind as well as a heart for wanting to do a job that matters, so I am in love with the idea that education can save time and resources AND contribute to what matters most in each situation.
Application: I was called into an interdisciplinary group that is tasked with providing an education plan to address both knowledge and behavior gaps. With Moore on my side, I have asked repeatedly, what is the goal? What is the measurable goal? How will we know that the goal(s) have been met?
This task force and plan will span the next year. I am thankful to have Map It as a resource.
Megan Torrance, Torrance Learning. I am currently reading her book Agile for Instructional Designers; it is clear, instructional and applicable. I have joined the xAPI cohort to learn more about using data to design eLearning.
Connie Malamed, the eLearning Coach. After following her for a year online, I signed up for her Mastering ID class forum last fall. Six months in her group and I created this portfolio and completed her Instructional Design Master Class as a refresher. Fabulous resource and group!
Julie Dirksen, author of Design for How People Learn. Though it has been around for a while, I recently started following her Facebook group "Design for How People Learn."
Gretchen Rubin, author of the Happiness Project. If you haven't read this book, do it! She has a podcast and active social media profile.