Opportunities to Have your Instructional Design Skills Change the World

Many times, we get stuck in the rut of doing the same kinds of eLearning or course development over and over. We don’t really get the opportunity to do something unique that causes us to stretch our skills or infuse us with new inputs. Also, sometimes it just feels like we are a machine cranking out content, but not really affecting anything long term.

You can step out of your normal “box” and get involved in some projects that will stretch you and allow you to build some portfolio pieces, as well as build new contacts and possibly offer you access to some new tools to improve your skill set.

Two programs you may be interested in are:

• Global Giveback
• E-learning for Kids

GLOBAL GIVEBACK

Tom Kuhlmann of The Rapid E-Learning Blog and Articulate wrote an article that introduces you to an organization called LINGOs. They need volunteers to develop eLearning courses for a project called Last Mile Learning. The goal is to build a library that teaches topics related to People Management, Team Management, Strategic Management and Project Management. This library, of courses, is free of charge and available to anyone working to reduce poverty and alleviate suffering in the developing world.

Here is a link to his article about a project called Last Mile Learning and how you can get involved.

E-LEARNING FOR KIDS

Their vision is to be the source for childhood learning on the Internet – available from anywhere and without charge. Established in late 2004, e-Learning for Kids is a global, nonprofit foundation dedicated to fun and free learning on the Internet for children ages 5 – 12. They offer free, best-in-class courseware in math, science, reading and keyboarding; and are building a community for parents and educators to share innovations and insights in childhood education.

E-learning for Kids isn’t only for kids, though; it’s also a site where:

• Parents get more engaged in their kids’ education
• Educators and experts champion e-learning and contribute their knowledge on how kids can learn better.
• Commercial education and game developers contribute to the next generation.
• Corporations and associations channel their social responsibility efforts.
• People with a passion for childhood education make a difference.

Their-volunteer staff consists of education and e-learning experts and business professionals from around the world. Team members develop and source e-learning courseware, marshal resources for educational content, collaborate with other educational foundations, reach out to corporations and associations for funding and sponsorships, and build awareness among schools and the media.

If you are interested in working with this organization, here is a link to their site.

Have you had any experience with either of these two organizations or a volunteer position that took advantage of your skills as a learning professional? Share your experiences with us. We want to hear about it.

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Tags: devleoping countries, E-learning for Kids, Global Giveback, LINGOs, non-profit, opportunity, portfolio, Tom Kuhlmann, volunteer, volunteering