Who am I?

Hello! I’m Barbara Nordin. I’ve been a content developer for an e-learning company in Seattle for nearly 20 years, creating online training modules for corporations in the medical, scientific, and digital forensic industries—even the wine industry!

How did I get here?

After earning a B.S. degree in Microbiology from Washington State University, I worked as a medical technologist MT(ASCP) for major hospitals in Seattle, WA. After about 15 years, I decided to leave the laboratory environment and write grants for the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. But to become proficient at writing clearly and persuasively, I thought I would casually enroll in a writing course at the University of Washington.

But that endeavor was not as easy as I thought. I could not get a seat in the UW Technical Communications program without becoming matriculated. So, I applied and was accepted. I was soon introduced to the world of "electronic media" and enjoyed it so much that I stayed to earn a B.S. degree in Technical Writing.

I never did get around to writing grants!

Why was online training needed?

My degree in Technical Writing launched my career as a content developer of online training systems for corporate clients at a time when classroom training, PowerPoint decks, PDF job aids, and seminars were the norm to train employees. These types of training offerings were not user-focused, often rather dull, and were expensive to implement because they required workers to travel and take time away from their jobs.

What am I doing now?

Currently, I want to expand my role from presenting content to designing learning experiences so I can develop the skills I need to apply research-based design practices that align training initiatives with organizational goals. I researched several Learning Design and Technology masters programs but I chose the University of San Diego because the program provides the ideal environment for me to transition from technical writing to learning experience design.

I also appreciate USD’s project-based approach, which will allow me to deepen my expertise in instructional design methodologies and technologies, such as using Articulate 360. The program will also strengthen my ability to collaborate strategically with stakeholders and subject matter experts when it really matters—at the start of a project.