Learning Strategy & DesignReviews of learningstrategyanddesign.com

This program delivers what it promises. I have loved being a part of AIDA and can tell you that it's more than a program, it's a community. People truly want to support one another and help each other grow. It is definitely hard work, and there's more to participate in than can possibly be done (coaching calls, mentor-led trainings). Jill continues to change and better the program based on feedback, which is really awesome to see. I'm still waiting for my ID job to find me, but I'm grateful that I know how to speak corporate ID and have hopes I will find the right fit soon.

I have loved my time in Applied Instructional Design Academy. I learned more than I could have ever imagined. The program is set up in such a thoughtful and supportive way. My Success Advisor guided me through the program and the Mentors coaching and feedback were invaluable. Having pod mates that were all going at their own pace and cheering each other on helped on the weeks that life got busy or a specific topic was difficult.

AIDA helped prepare me for my transition from teaching to instructional design. I could not have done it without this program!

There were times throughout the process when I doubted - but through it all, I grew tremendously at each thoughtful step within the program. The mentorship provided by working Instructional Designers and the compassionate support provided by my pod was a game changer. In this process, I learned skills to make me successful, built a gorgeous portfolio, was supported through challenges, developed a positive mindset, healed from past work trauma, and built confidence in myself and my abilities. Five years ago, I thought that I could never leave teaching because I had no skills outside education after being in the field for 20 years and, as a middle aged fat person with autism and ADHD, I couldn't imagine being successful in interviews. Now, I am able to enter professional ID discussions with the same confidence and skill that I could speak about K12 education. The program embodies growth mindset for itself and instills that in all of us who are lucky enough to become part of this community. It's not perfect, but the people who work for AIDA are always, always, always open to hearing about experiences and making the program better and more responsive - and are there to support their students 100% of the time from beginning to the end of the program, and even beyond. There aren't enough words to tell you how life-changing this program has been and I can't recommend it highly enough.

I was hesitant to join AIDA for a number of reasons (the price tag, time commitment, and overall hesitancy to leave the comfort/security of my now previous job). As my time as an AIDA member comes to an end and I've secured my first paid position as an Instructional Designer, there is no doubt in my mind that this was the right decision! The instructional videos, collaborative meetings, supportive community, and constant feedback and communication make it so easy to learn how to infiltrate the ID world. I am so thankful to Jill and this program for helping make my new life possible! While my time in the program and job search are not over yet, I have come SUCH a long way already!

My life has completely changed. In November 2021, I was in shambles, wondering what the right career would be after years of investing in what I believed would be my everlasting career. AIDA arrived and challenged me to push past my comfort zone. AIDA not only taught me sound instructional design principles, but it also, and perhaps more importantly, made me look in the mirror and decide that I wanted and needed to take steps to live the life of my dreams. This was no small feat; despite bouts of impostor syndrome and times when I wanted to give up, I was able to transition from being an educator to an instructional designer. Without AIDA’s comprehensive plan, I would have struggled for months to cobble together the system that AIDA has already available. Yes, to complete the program, it requires a lot of blood, sweat, and tears—but on the other side is utopia: a career beyond your wildest dreams.

AIDA was just what I needed to prepare me for the instructional design industry. I entered interviews fully prepared with a portfolio that showcased skills and tools I had learned, a resume that described my new skills as well as my old experience as a teacher, ann converted that into relevant experience for this new industry using industry aligned verbiage, and finally, I was prepared to answer any and all instructional design questions to demonstrate my competencies. I now have had two full time ID jobs, and I am contacted frequently by recruiters for additional work.

Being a part of this program was the best decision I've ever made! I have had the opportunity to learn every step of the ID process and have benefitted from the experience of the program's mentors and Jill herself. There is so much support along the way. I never experienced a time when I had a question that wasn't answered within a few minutes. I love that Jill, the creator and founder of this company, is accessible to everyone in this program. She truly cares for those who are going through the career transition. There are also constant updates being made to ensure that the most current information is being given. I was able to learn the skills I needed and can now say that I am a transitioned teacher!