Sarah Anne Watkins
Instructional Designer & Learning Specialist
I design learning that works, whether that's a certification program serving 500 professionals, a virtual course reaching 36,000 students, or a leadership track for corporate executives. Over 15+ years, I've built and scaled training programs across industries that span both sides of the learning world: corporate L&D and academic instruction.
That dual fluency is what sets my work apart. I approach every project with the rigor of instructional design (ADDIE, SAM, data-driven iteration) and the empathy of a classroom educator, someone who has actually taught, mentored, and watched learners grow. I've led enterprise LMS rollouts and graded papers. I've built eLearning for Microsoft and coached high school students to leadership roles.
The result: training solutions that aren't just pedagogically sound, they're human, measurable, and built to last.
How I approach instructional design
I use the ADDIE framework as the foundation for my work, adapting each phase to fit the needs of the project, stakeholders, and learners. My goal is to create learning experiences that are practical, engaging, and designed for real-world application.
Analyze
I start by understanding the problem. I work with stakeholders and subject matter experts to identify goals, define success, and uncover performance gaps. This includes reviewing existing materials, understanding the audience, and ensuring we are solving the right problem, not just creating content.
Design
With a clear direction, I map out the learning experience. I define objectives, structure content, and select strategies that support how people learn best. I focus on creating opportunities for application, using approaches like scenario-based learning, guided practice, and real-world examples.
Develop
I build learning solutions using tools like Articulate Storyline, Rise 360, and other digital platforms. I prioritize clarity, accessibility, and usability, ensuring content is intuitive and visually engaging. I also incorporate interactions and knowledge checks to reinforce learning.
Implement
I support the rollout of training by preparing materials, facilitating sessions when needed, and ensuring learners and stakeholders are set up for success. This may include asynchronous courses, virtual training, or blended learning experiences.
Evaluate
After launch, I gather feedback and review available data to assess effectiveness. I use these insights to refine and improve the learning experience over time, recognizing that strong learning design is iterative.