Simple Simulations - Cohort 1

What's up? I'm Karl G Richter, I'm a Blended Learning Designer, Coach, Youtuber, and Speaker. I started a blended learning design company called eLearningBlends.com in 2002. The resources you find on this site are my way to share what I've learned with the superb community of learning professionals.

DESIGNER

I’ve been designing online training modules and blended learning experiences since 2002. I use tools like Articulate 360, Adobe Captivate, and Camtasia. I believe that self-study modules for the LMS are an efficient way to score and track learning, but they are more effective when blended together with synchronous learning experiences like webinars or instructor led training. They can also be combined with performance support tools that help the learner in their moment of need.

I’m a strong believer in the power of stories and creating a realistic context that matches what learners do when on the job. We want learners to make mistakes in training and learn valuable lessons so that they don’t learn the hard way by losing clients, customers, or patients.

I studied Educational Technology at San Diego State University and earned my M.A. in 2006. I was named Most Outstanding Student in the EDTEC program. I also earned a certificate in Interactive Media Design so that I became comfortable using a wide range of tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere.

SPEAKER

I started my career as a classroom teacher. During my undergrad program, I taught science to middle school and high school students participating in an enrichment program to supplement their studies.

From 1996 – 2002 I lived in Korea and Taiwan and taught ESL to preschool and elementary students. After grad school, I became an instructor in San Diego State’s EDTEC program and taught classes online and on campus until 2011.

These days, I speak at learning conferences sponsored by organizations like ATD, The Learning Guild, and SHRM. I hold private workshops for corporate learning departments on topics like Articulate Storyline, and Blended Learning. (See KarlGRichter.com for more info)

I have found many parallels between the work that a chef does to prepare a meal and a learning experience designer does to create a healthy mix of experiences in class, through self-study, and on the job. I share recipes for combining different technologies that I call eLearning Blends in my workshops, in YouTube videos, and on my website.

YOUTUBER

I’ve reached the point of my career where I enjoy giving back to the community and put up new videos on YouTube. I share tips for learning the software like Articulate Storyline and put out recipes for engaging ways to combine learning technologies.

Throughout the pandemic, I’ve been making a weekly pep talk called Monday Funday to help add a positive mindset to the troubling times we’re all living in. These videos are my attempt to spark joy for our craft. They’re a labor of love to help anyone who needs a boost coping with the additional stress of the pandemic. We will get through this.

COACH

I work with small groups and individuals in two different ways.

The first is Project-Based coaching where we look at an audience and the desired outcomes, then work together to design a series of learning experiences to help achieve those goals. I contribute my experience along with potentially creating assets like templates and interactions to allow the team to create the remaining assets in house.

The second type of coaching relationship is to help learn new software skills. I do workshops and feedback sessions to help learners master the fundamentals of software like Articulate Storyline, Articulate 360, and Techsmith Camtasia. I am especially experienced at screen recording tutorials that either capture the screen in a video or create a practice simulation for learners to practice working with the software.

Coaching programs are highly customized to your needs and skill levels.