The Accidental Instructional Designer, 2nd Edition: Learning Design for the Digital Age

Go From Accidental to Intentional

Filled with insights and tips, this updated edition of The Accidental Instructional Designer, by e-learning veteran Cammy Bean, covers nearly every aspect of the learning design process for those getting started or even for the experienced practitioner in need of new ideas.

Many trainers and instructional designers fall into the talent development profession by accident, often having been tasked by their organization to train others on a subject they are expert in. Whether they’re good at explaining technical concepts or have a way with PowerPoint, they have often have little to no formal education in instructional design. Many are looking for grounding in the core principles of instructional design so that they can design effective and engaging digital learning experiences.

Cammy explores instructional design basics such as working with subject matter experts, picking a design approach, and making your learning experiences better through storytelling, interactivity, and visuals. In this second edition, she goes deeper into the learning and development space (where instructional design happens at organizations), learning tools, the technology ecosystem, and assessment and evaluation frameworks. Along the way, you’ll hear from a few other accidental instructional designers, get ideas for your own projects, and find resources and references to take your own practice to the next level.

Cammy Bean accidentally became an instructional designer in 1996 and has since collaborated with hundreds of organizations to design and deliver training programs. She’s worked at small startups, mid-sized training companies, boutique e-learning shops, and as a freelance instructional designer. An English and German studies major in college, Cammy found an affinity for writing and making complex ideas and concepts clear to an audience. In 2009, she helped start up US operations for Kineo, a global provider of learning solutions. Originally the VP of learning design for Kineo, Cammy is currently a senior solutions consultant. In this role she leads the North American sales team, supports clients through the initial discovery process, and manages custom client accounts to help organizations meet their strategic business objectives through better learning solutions. She’s into hiking, kayaking, trail running, swimming, the occasional triathlon, cooking, eating, reading, and photography. She’s also been a potter, a licensed massage therapist, a quilter, and more. Cammy lives in Massachusetts with her husband, Jon, and their three teenagers.