Dean Mayer

I am Dean Mayer, a seasoned instructional designer with a strong passion for creating engaging and effective learning materials. I recently applied for a Contractor position to develop a curriculum for a Community Service and Teacher Development Program (CSTDP).

I am particularly interested in this role because it aligns with my professional expertise. My passion for instructional design and professional background make me a strong candidate for this position. Below is a summary of my qualifications aligned with the key responsibilities listed in the job posting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Instructional Design Experience: I have designed and developed hundreds of instructor-led training manuals, quick reference guides, and media-based learning materials. My extensive experience includes using various development tools for both print-based and online learning, as detailed in my CV.
• Collaboration with Stakeholders: One of my key strengths is my ability to collaborate with all parties involved in a project. While much of my work has focused on Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365 applications, I have also developed learning materials for proprietary hardware and software. I work closely with SMEs and stakeholders to define learning objectives, budgets, time frames, and deliverables to achieve desired outcomes.
• Train-the-Trainer (T3) Workshops: I have facilitated several T3 workshops, including:
  • Developing a custom course for an organization that provided inventory to satellite stores on an “auto-replenishment” basis, followed by cross-training other trainers to teach the class.
  • Leading new instructor-led trainers in theory, processes, and tool usage to become developers.
• Research and Recommendation of Best Practices: I prioritize understanding stakeholder goals and desired outcomes to tailor my research and recommendations effectively. I often seek innovative ideas to enhance training products and streamline their creation, with a strong emphasis on the role of artificial intelligence in improving development processes and outcomes.
• Designing Graphics and Diagrams: I strongly believe that a good illustration can convey information at a glance, significantly aiding the learning process. I regularly design graphics and diagrams to support learning, adhering to the adage, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”
• Creating Quizzes and Exams: While most of the materials I create do not include quizzes, I have experience in developing questions for course placement and am familiar with e-learning tools for creating assessments to confirm knowledge transfer.
• Selecting and Implementing E-learning Software: I prioritize understanding the types of e-learning needed, such as interactions for engagement and potential assessment, or explainer videos for knowledge transfer. 
  I am familiar with tools like Articulate Storyline for comprehensive e-learning development and Vyond for quickly creating engaging explainer videos.