My Background.

Hey, I'm Howie. With more than 25 years of expertise in the learning sector, my career started as a training facilitator across different divisions of Lloyds Banking Group. After refining my skills for many years, I transitioned into the realm of Digital Learning. For nearly half of those 25 years, I've been working independently, partnering with prominent organisations spanning diverse sectors such as governments, banks, supermarkets, charities, the motor industry, science, insurance, medical, and finance, among others. 

Additionally, I'm proud to mention that I've been a judge at the Learning Technologies Awards for nearly a decade.

Why am I different?

In a world where specialisation often reigns supreme, I proudly stand at the intersection of two vital domains: instructional design and eLearning development. It's a combination that some might view as unconventional, even contradictory. Yet, for me, it's not just about defying expectations—it's about embracing the unique advantages that come with straddling these two worlds.

For over two decades, I've immersed myself in the art and science of crafting learning experiences. From writing training materials to building interactive eLearning modules, I've honed my skills in both instructional design and eLearning development. And while some may see these as distinct disciplines, I see them as two sides of the same coin.

One of the key reasons why I stand out is my ability to seamlessly navigate between these two roles. While some may argue that specialisation is the key to success, I firmly believe that my dual expertise makes me better at both. Understanding the nuances of instructional design informs every aspect of my eLearning development process, from conceptualisation to execution. Conversely, delving into the technical aspects of development enhances my ability to design effective learning experiences that resonate with learners.

One of the key reasons why I stand out is my ability to seamlessly navigate between these two roles. While some may argue that specialisation is the key to success, I firmly believe that my dual expertise makes me better at both. Understanding the nuances of instructional design informs every aspect of my eLearning development process, from conceptualisation to execution. Conversely, delving into the technical aspects of development enhances my ability to design effective learning experiences that resonate with learners.

But it's not just about being a jack-of-all-trades; it's about leveraging this unique perspective to drive innovation and efficiency. Over the years, I've seen firsthand how my hybrid role cuts through confusion and streamlines the entire development process. From Action Mapping sessions to stakeholder meetings, my ability to ask informed questions and anticipate needs ensures that projects stay on track and stakeholders remain engaged.

Yet, despite the undeniable benefits of this approach, I've encountered scepticism from those who prefer specialists over generalists. It's baffling to me that my breadth of experience and expertise could be seen as a disadvantage. In reality, it's this very diversity that allows me to approach challenges from multiple angles and find creative solutions that others might overlook.

At the end of the day, being different isn't just about standing out—it's about making a meaningful impact. By embracing my hybrid role, I'm able to deliver learning experiences that not only meet the needs of today's learners but also exceed the expectations of my clients.So, why am I different? Because I refuse to be bound by traditional labels or limitations. I'm an instructional designer. I'm an eLearning developer. And I'm proud to be both.