Emily Schwalbe
Simpsonville,SC
Summary
Instructional Designer with 9 years of successful experience in designing for diverse groups of learners, a fascination with technology, and an undeterred spirit for making the impossible happen. Recognized for creating and developing scenario-based eLearning courses with a deep knowledge of WCAG guidelines and accessibility features. Able to adapt to changing work environments. Strengths in Storyline360, Microsoft 365, Google Suite, Adobe Acrobat, Canva, and Camtasia.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Instructional Systems Designer
CATHEXIS
05.2023 - Current
- Led multi-modal (ILT, vILT, WBT) curriculum development projects from start to finish, including direct supervision of three Instructional Systems Designers.
- Led team of five web-based Instructional Systems Designers through testing, troubleshooting, and analysis of web-based courses
- Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others.
- Collaborated with project administrator and curricular supporting functions team members (508 compliance, graphic design, tech editing, etc) to facilitate orderly handoffs and on-time delivery.
- Track and drive project progress, including early identification of risks and associated mitigation strategies.
- Attend client meetings regularly and present relevant updates in a factual, concise manner.
- Implemented new, streamlined processes in Asana to ensure efficient workflows across the team
Instructional Systems Designer
CATHEXIS
11.2022 - 03.2023
- Designed storyboards and Storyline templates, and scripts for e-Learning courses.
- Effectively implemented best training practices and adult learning principles in planning and creation of instructional materials.
- Planned and monitored implementation of technology-based learning programs.
- Created curricula, research topics and conceptualized course format, subject matter and presentation.
- Teamed with subject matter experts in evaluation and revision of training tools in order to continually improve learning platforms.
- Prepared web-based courses for publication by preparing and testing SCORM packages
Instructional Designer
Evolution Management, Inc.
04.2022 - 09.2022
- Developed 2 leadership courses for FEMA, which included a Plan of Instruction, PowerPoint presentations, Instructor Guides, Participant Guides, and Assessment Packages for in-person delivery
- Collaborated with Subject Matter Experts in weekly working sessions
- Managed working group of 4 members to create video series on 508 best practices
- Created instructional videos for in-house 508 microtrainings on Camtasia
- Participated in working group to analyze existing feedback procedures and provide recommendations for future improvements
Instructional Designer
CourseArc
03.2021 - 04.2022
- Authored and developed eLearning Accessibility course and deliverables for in-house clients to better understand WCAG guidelines
- Collaborated with team of project managers, editors, and SMEs to draft design documents, assemble content, and run quality assurance checks
- Troubleshot and debugged source code, ensuring device compatibility and SME preference
- Created learning modules that featured alternative activities meet WCAG 2.1 AA requirements
- Targeted diverse learning modalities in development of new course content and training programs
- Produced closed captions and transcripts, following industry best practices
Accessibility Support Specialist
CourseArc
01.2022 - 03.2022
- Analyzed data from Ally report to create project plan and timeline for Accessibility Support project
- Coached SUNY: Old Westbury faculty members in 1:1 sessions on making files in Blackboard accessible to all users
- Utilized Adobe Acrobat Pro and PAC 2021 to analyze and remediate PDF files with accessibility issues
Editor
Course Arc
01.2021 - 03.2022
- Determined readiness of written pieces, made changes and approved final versions for publication within 24 hours of receiving assignment
- Submitted QA reports for e-Learning module piece, correcting grammatical and syntax errors, and reporting WCAG compliance issues
Instructional Designer
BJU SCOPE
01.2021 - 03.2022
- Developed scenario-based blended learning course on PTSD and suicide prevention to help pastors understand how to better serve veterans
- Collaborated with project managers and SMEs through iterative process of storyboarding and development on multiple projects
- Learned and utilized software and e-learning development tools, such as PowerPoint, Storyline 360, and Camtasia, to develop interactive training courses
- Developed firsthand experience with Business Leadership content, Business Ethics, PTSD, and Suicide Prevention
- Spearheaded initiative to ensure that all eLearning material meets WCAG guidelines for web accessibility
- Targeted diverse learning modalities in development of new course content and training programs
Field Agent
U.S. Census Bureau
09.2020 - 10.2020
- Conducted up to 30 interviews a day with respondents in English and Spanish
- Traveled door-to-door in assigned communities for census interview, clearly explaining process and purpose in English and Spanish
Program Coordinator
NAMI South Carolina
08.2019 - 09.2020
- Spearheaded creation, development, and training of new Teacher Refresh programming
- Researched and compiled data on mental health among adolescents for new outreach material
- Designed onboarding activities for program volunteers to equip staff in their roles as presenters
- Coordinated communication among schools, community organizations, and volunteers to build and strengthen their relationships with NAMI
- Managed social media accounts for Teacher Refresh program
Teacher, Instructional Coach
Next School Eagle Ridge
01.2017 - 07.2019
- Planned learner-centered, performance-based learning activities that provided students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate social studies topics
- Facilitated collaborative efforts with colleagues to develop cross-curricular units, benchmark lessons, and effective assessments
- Monitored learner achievement and adjusted instructional methods as identified by research-based strategies and best practices
- Promoted positive work climate among staff members through various professional development workshops
- Managed financial records for afterschool organizations
Education
Master of Science - Curriculum & Instruction
University of Kansas
2018
Certificate - Secondary Education - Social Studies
Clemson University
Clemson, SC2014
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science, Spanish
Presbyterian College
Clinton, SC2008
Skills
- Articulate 360
- WCAG 21 / 508
- Microsoft Office
- Google Suite
- Agile Learner
- Exceptional Communication (Written, Verbal)
- Federal Contractor
- Leadership Development
- Universal Design
- Conversational in Spanish
- Closed Caption & Transcripts
- Camtasia
Accomplishments
- Built series of microtraining videos with Camtasia on 508 best practices
- Developed eLearning module in Articulate Storyline on PTSD and Moral Injury for hybrid delivery
- Co-developed Teacher Refresh and Parent Refresh curriculum for NAMI South Carolina's Ending the Silence program (2020).
- Co-developed Mental Health Madness: Overcoming Stigma for Success, an inquiry-based learning course at Presbyterian College (2020).
- Created School Improvement Plan for Next High School and Next School Eagle Ridge (2018).
- Assisted in editing and proofreading Defining healthy schools: An occupational health psychology perspective on healthy school climates (2017) and One climate or many: Examining the structural distinctiveness of safety, health, and stress prevention climate measures (2018).
- Developed unique project-based learning curriculum for Civics elective for upperclassmen (2016).
Continuing Education
LinkedIn Learning
- Instructional Design: Working With SMEs
- Introduction to Screencasting
- Agile Instructional Design
- Measuring Learning Effectiveness
- SEO Foundations
- Adobe Captivate: Essential Training
- Adobe eLearning World 2021
- E-learning Essentials: SCORM and Tin Can API
- UX Foundations: Accessibility
- Technical Writing: Quick Start Guides (LinkedIn Learning - In Progress)
- JavaScript (Codecademy - In Progress)
Books, Articles, Etc.
- Words That Work
- Brain Matters: Translating Research Into Classroom Practice
- Teaching With the Brain in Mind
- PTSD Sourcebook
- The Business Ethics Field Guide
- Understanding Psychology
- The Elegant Universe
Certification
- UX Design: Overview (2020)
- Planning a Career in User Experience (2020)
- Instructional Design Essentials: Models of ID (2020)
- UX Design: Analyzing User Data (2020)
- Instructional Design: Needs Analysis (2020)
- Instructional Design: Adult Learners (2020)
- UX Foundations: Prototyping (2020)
- UX Design: Creating Personas (2020)
- Instructional Design: Storyboarding (2020)
- Instructional Design: Creating Video Training (2020)
- Instructional Design: Working with SMEs (2021)
- Articulate Storyline Essential Training (2021)
- Articulate Storyline Training: Using Sliders (2021)
- Articulate Storyline Training: Using Variables (2021)
- Foundations of Learning Management Systems (2021)
- Learning Computer Security and Internet Safety (2021)
Timeline
Lead Instructional Systems Designer
CATHEXIS
05.2023 - Current
Instructional Systems Designer
CATHEXIS
11.2022 - 03.2023
Instructional Designer
Evolution Management, Inc.
04.2022 - 09.2022
Accessibility Support Specialist
CourseArc
01.2022 - 03.2022
Instructional Designer
CourseArc
03.2021 - 04.2022
Editor
Course Arc
01.2021 - 03.2022
Instructional Designer
BJU SCOPE
01.2021 - 03.2022
Field Agent
U.S. Census Bureau
09.2020 - 10.2020
Program Coordinator
NAMI South Carolina
08.2019 - 09.2020
Teacher, Instructional Coach
Next School Eagle Ridge
01.2017 - 07.2019
Master of Science - Curriculum & Instruction
University of Kansas
Certificate - Secondary Education - Social Studies
Clemson University
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science, Spanish
Presbyterian College
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