<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[The L&D Academy]]></title><description><![CDATA[Practical Learning & Development Education]]></description><link>https://www.thelndacademy.com/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 08:56:58 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.thelndacademy.com/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Stakeholder Mapping for L&#38;D: Identifying Allies, Blockers &#38; Buyers]]></title><description><![CDATA[If there is one skill that quietly separates successful L&#38;D professionals from frustrated ones, it isn’t instructional design, facilitation, or even evaluation.   It’s stakeholder management .   You can design the most elegant learning program in the world — beautifully structured, engaging, evidence-based, perfectly aligned to adult learning principles — and still watch it collapse if you misread your stakeholders.   I learned this the hard way. A few years ago, I was invited to contribute...]]></description><link>https://www.thelndacademy.com/post/stakeholder-mapping-for-l-d-identifying-allies-blockers-buyers</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6981b8ed889819a51f0690dd</guid><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 07:30:11 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b91c64_73d48437e1344584805b67cceae31b8b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_617,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Irina Ketkin</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[AI for L&#38;D: What You Need to Know in 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[Over the last two years, AI has powerfully shifted Learning &#38; Development. Not only did it arrive with a dramatic revolution, but it also seeped through everyday workflows: first as a helpful writing assistant, then as a faster way to draft storyboards, summarize interviews, generate scenarios, or clean up messy data. Many people and L&#38;D teams in particular started using it almost immediately — not because they had an “AI strategy,” but because it made their work easier.   What makes 2026...]]></description><link>https://www.thelndacademy.com/post/ai-for-l-d-what-you-need-to-know-in-2026</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6981b1e6889819a51f068335</guid><pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 07:30:07 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b91c64_a2a5e9bf444944a2a725346869f3f79f~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_649,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Irina Ketkin</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Designing Learning for Behavior Change: Beyond Knowledge Transfer]]></title><description><![CDATA[Some time ago I shared a simple message on LinkedIn  that got more traction than I expected: “Training isn’t learning.”   The post was short, almost blunt, and yet it traveled across LinkedIn and the L&#38;D community because it gave voice to a truth we all know but rarely say out loud: training can put new ideas into people’s heads, but it cannot make those ideas live inside their work.   Most learning interventions are still designed for knowledge transfer. People are informed, shown, told,...]]></description><link>https://www.thelndacademy.com/post/designing-learning-for-behavior-change-beyond-knowledge-transfer</link><guid isPermaLink="false">696e530def9d90695c0b67d8</guid><category><![CDATA[Learning Design]]></category><category><![CDATA[Training Design]]></category><category><![CDATA[Training Basics]]></category><category><![CDATA[Learning Theories]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 06:01:01 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b91c64_64607f9d7f9a4c4ea25913e116671bcc~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_646,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Irina Ketkin</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Start a Career in L&#38;D in 2026 (Skills, Roles &#38; Tips)]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you’ve been eyeing a move into Learning &#38; Development, now is a fantastic time to do it. Companies are investing more in skills, leadership pipelines, and talent development  than ever before. With AI speeding up content creation and knowledge capture, L&#38;D is getting more strategic, more visible, and more creative — and new people are entering the field from all kinds of backgrounds.   The best part? L&#38;D is not one narrow profession . It’s a whole ecosystem of roles, skills, and ways to...]]></description><link>https://www.thelndacademy.com/post/how-to-start-a-career-in-l-d-in-2026-skills-roles-tips</link><guid isPermaLink="false">696e41919fb12993fbaba2d7</guid><category><![CDATA[Career]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 14:53:07 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b91c64_9c5c56c4dc9145bb991f7b38568e3428~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_640,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Irina Ketkin</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Demystifying L&#38;D Buzzwords, part 4]]></title><description><![CDATA[In part 4 of our L&#38;D buzzword series, we’re diving into five more terms you’ve probably heard but might not fully understand—yet. We’re talking microlearning, needs analysis, skills gaps, social learning, and synchronous vs. asynchronous learning. Whether you’re brand new or brushing up, this article will help you make sense of these concepts with real-world examples and zero fluff.]]></description><link>https://www.thelndacademy.com/post/demystifying-l-d-buzzwords-part-4</link><guid isPermaLink="false">680381345473c994f1b97172</guid><category><![CDATA[L&D Basics]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 03 Nov 2025 06:00:14 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b91c64_5ef791d62bb540e59b0cb747bdb28c32~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_633,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Irina Ketkin</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Demystifying L&#38;D Buzzwords, part 3]]></title><description><![CDATA[In part 3 of our buzzword series, we’re diving into the language of learning strategy and impact. We’re talking learning journeys, LMS platforms, learning objectives, ROI, and transfer—terms you’ll hear in meetings, reports, and stakeholder briefings. Whether you’re building your first program or sharpening your L&#38;D vocabulary, this guide breaks it all down with real-life examples and a no-fluff approach.]]></description><link>https://www.thelndacademy.com/post/demystifying-l-d-buzzwords-part-3</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68037e220b02377df230d00c</guid><category><![CDATA[L&D Basics]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 01 Oct 2025 05:00:16 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b91c64_5ef791d62bb540e59b0cb747bdb28c32~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_633,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Irina Ketkin</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Everything That Can Go Wrong with a Blended Learning Program (and How to Fix It)]]></title><description><![CDATA[Blended learning sounds great in theory—but in practice, a lot can go wrong. From unclear objectives and mismatched formats to tech headaches and no follow-up, these issues can derail even the most well-designed program. In this post, we unpack the most common mistakes L&#38;D teams make when building blended learning experiences—and more importantly, how to fix them. Whether you’re starting from scratch or tweaking what you’ve got, these tips will help you build something that actually works.]]></description><link>https://www.thelndacademy.com/post/everything-that-can-go-wrong-with-a-blended-learning-program-and-how-to-fix-it</link><guid isPermaLink="false">681c56ccaad0a6bfe48775cf</guid><category><![CDATA[Training Design]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 15 Sep 2025 06:30:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_476cdb66f83140d7a2aed29b8b1a3b61~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Irina Ketkin</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Demystifying L&#38;D Buzzwords, part 2]]></title><description><![CDATA[Still scratching your head at all the L&#38;D lingo? In part 2 of our buzzword series, we break down five more terms every learning professional should know—eLearning, gamification, instructional design, the Kirkpatrick model, and learning experience design (LxD). Whether you’re new to the field or just want to sound more confident in meetings, this article makes the jargon make sense—with real-world examples you can actually use.]]></description><link>https://www.thelndacademy.com/post/demystifying-l-d-buzzwords-part-2</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68037c825473c994f1b95c5f</guid><category><![CDATA[L&D Basics]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 01 Sep 2025 05:00:16 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b91c64_5ef791d62bb540e59b0cb747bdb28c32~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_633,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Irina Ketkin</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Demystifying L&#38;D Buzzwords, part 1]]></title><description><![CDATA[New to Learning &#38; Development and confused by the jargon? You’re not alone. In this first part of our series, we break down five of the most common L&#38;D buzzwords—ADDIE, adult learning principles, agile learning design, blended learning, and competency frameworks. With real examples and simple language, this guide helps you go from “What does that mean?” to “I’ve got this!”—whether you’re job hunting or building your first program.]]></description><link>https://www.thelndacademy.com/post/demystifying-l-d-buzzwords-part-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68037a5325e3100156f2f6f9</guid><category><![CDATA[L&D Basics]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 01 Aug 2025 05:00:11 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b91c64_5ef791d62bb540e59b0cb747bdb28c32~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_633,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Irina Ketkin</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Elevate Your Training with Backward Design]]></title><description><![CDATA[Most training starts with content—but what if you flipped that? Backward design helps you plan learning experiences by starting with the end in mind. First, define what learners should be able to do. Then, decide how you’ll measure success. Only then do you design the activities. It’s a simple shift that leads to more focused, impactful learning. In this article, we show you how to use it—and why it works.]]></description><link>https://www.thelndacademy.com/post/how-to-elevate-your-training-with-backward-design</link><guid isPermaLink="false">681c4ad778f0ad3a9ad35723</guid><category><![CDATA[Training Design]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 14 Jul 2025 06:30:09 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_a929d01beffe457fa92cd856ec271cf1~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Irina Ketkin</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Stay Motivated When Learning Online]]></title><description><![CDATA[Self-paced learning gives you freedom—but staying motivated can be tough. It’s easy to fall behind when life gets busy. In this post, I share real-world strategies to help you stay on track, even when your energy dips. From defining your personal “why” to building a simple routine, breaking tasks down, adding accountability, and celebrating small wins—these tips will help you finish what you started and enjoy the process along the way.]]></description><link>https://www.thelndacademy.com/post/how-to-stay-motivated-when-learning-online</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67fce74f555ee813e6b727f8</guid><category><![CDATA[Personal Development]]></category><category><![CDATA[Career]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 05:00:11 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b91c64_b2ffe2c731a343b0b426f0d2ce811518~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_630,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Irina Ketkin</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How L&#38;D Creates Winning Learning Cultures: The Step-by-Step Guide]]></title><description><![CDATA[A strong learning culture doesn’t just make your people smarter—it makes your whole business stronger. In this article, we explore how L&#38;D can shape a culture of continuous learning, why it matters (spoiler: productivity, innovation, and engagement all go up!), and where to start. Whether you’re building from scratch or trying to shift mindsets, this guide will help you take the first steps.]]></description><link>https://www.thelndacademy.com/post/how-l-d-creates-winning-learning-cultures-the-step-by-step-guide</link><guid isPermaLink="false">681c39eaf542a5f26f2af7c7</guid><category><![CDATA[Culture]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 16 Jun 2025 07:01:04 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e1f88fe1ad0f4844b50abde26bfc0a45.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Irina Ketkin</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Embedding Learning into the Flow of Work in a Remote World]]></title><description><![CDATA[In today’s remote world, traditional training won’t cut it. Learning needs to happen in the flow of work—through reflection, habits, and everyday conversations. In this article, Ed Johnson explores how small, repeatable learning routines can create a strong learning culture, even in fully remote teams. From weekly reflections to peer walkthroughs, discover how to make learning visible, relevant, and embedded into your team’s daily rhythm.]]></description><link>https://www.thelndacademy.com/post/embedding-learning-into-the-flow-of-work-in-a-remote-world</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6846a1e60dba6b78c4ba236f</guid><category><![CDATA[Culture]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 09 Jun 2025 09:08:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b91c64_8772dee653ed4daab5141904e9066446~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_651,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ed Johnson</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Freelance vs. In-House: Which L&#38;D Career Path Is Right for You?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Curious about whether to build your L&#38;D career in-house or as a freelancer? I’ve done both—and each path offers something different. In-house gave me structure, a team, and long-term impact. Freelancing brought freedom, variety, and the chance to build my own thing. In this post, I break down the pros, the challenges, and the lessons learned from both sides—so you can figure out which direction fits your goals, lifestyle, and energy right now.]]></description><link>https://www.thelndacademy.com/post/freelance-vs-in-house-which-l-d-career-path-is-right-for-you</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67fcde6d5143aa09700dba75</guid><category><![CDATA[Career]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 02 Jun 2025 05:00:49 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b91c64_151d22754ee24599b1ba53d10fec4593~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_628,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Irina Ketkin</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Start an L&#38;D Function in a Small Organization]]></title><description><![CDATA[Starting an L&#38;D function in a small organization can feel exciting—and a little daunting. Where do you begin? What should you focus on first? In this practical guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps to get things off the ground, from clarifying your purpose and identifying real learning needs to designing simple, impactful learning experiences. Whether you’re an HR pro, a manager, or an L&#38;D team of one—this one’s for you.]]></description><link>https://www.thelndacademy.com/post/how-to-start-an-l-d-function-in-a-small-organization</link><guid isPermaLink="false">681c2e18aad0a6bfe486f7e1</guid><category><![CDATA[L&D Basics]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 19 May 2025 06:15:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_e9ccc095a86c4f27acd27550d798239d~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Irina Ketkin</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Design Thinking for Learning Professionals: An Introductory Guide]]></title><description><![CDATA[Design thinking helps L&#38;D professionals solve the right problems in learner-focused ways. This guide walks you through the five key stages—empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test—plus a real-world case study on applying it to a leadership development program. You’ll get practical tips, example questions, and ideas you can adapt for any industry or organization. No design background needed—just curiosity, empathy, and a willingness to experiment.]]></description><link>https://www.thelndacademy.com/post/design-thinking-for-learning-professionals-an-introductory-guide</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67fccecd25ff1f7887da91cc</guid><category><![CDATA[Learning Design]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 05 May 2025 05:00:14 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b91c64_4cdc668c71414d258fe4e8a1059cfed4~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_645,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Irina Ketkin</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Ways to Incorporate Social Learning Into Your Training Programs]]></title><description><![CDATA[Social learning makes training more human. It’s about people learning from each other—through conversation, collaboration, and shared experiences. You don’t need a big budget or fancy tools to make it happen. In this article, we explore five simple, practical ways to bring social learning into your programs. From peer groups and collaborative tasks to user-generated content and mentoring, these ideas will help learners connect, apply, and grow—together.]]></description><link>https://www.thelndacademy.com/post/5-ways-to-incorporate-social-learning-into-your-training-programs</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67fcc371555ee813e6b6b93f</guid><category><![CDATA[Training Design]]></category><category><![CDATA[Training Basics]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 14 Apr 2025 08:18:43 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b91c64_a76355bf5bff4907abfefc97e85c075a~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_641,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Irina Ketkin</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Step-by-step guide to Kolb’s experiential learning cycle]]></title><description><![CDATA[Learn how to apply Kolb’s experiential learning cycle to create engaging, practical, and effective training experiences.]]></description><link>https://www.thelndacademy.com/post/step-by-step-guide-to-kolb-s-experiential-learning-cycle</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67bc8419efd67e3d7e3b1eff</guid><category><![CDATA[Learning Theories]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 12 Mar 2025 06:33:05 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b91c64_d51ec67fc3a84a968c42b82649878e9b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_633,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Irina Ketkin</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mastering Andragogy: Practical Guide to Adult Learning for L&#38;D]]></title><description><![CDATA[Andragogy helps adults learn by building on experience, solving real-world problems, and taking control of their own growth.]]></description><link>https://www.thelndacademy.com/post/mastering-andragogy-practical-guide-to-adult-learning-for-l-d</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67bc73d0efd67e3d7e3ae386</guid><category><![CDATA[Learning Theories]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 24 Feb 2025 13:40:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b91c64_93bd8e9e8c824d8f849786e5fa88c258~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_628,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Irina Ketkin</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[From Ghosted to Greenlit: Getting Stakeholders to Say Yes to Your Training Plans]]></title><description><![CDATA[Getting stakeholder buy-in for training feels like battling a boss. Learn how to turn “No” into “Yes” with data, stories, and smart hacks! ]]></description><link>https://www.thelndacademy.com/post/from-ghosted-to-greenlit-getting-stakeholders-to-say-yes-to-your-training-plans</link><guid isPermaLink="false">678e033a55ae9d78e8e44bd8</guid><category><![CDATA[L&D Basics]]></category><category><![CDATA[Training Basics]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 20 Jan 2025 08:46:49 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_2180cb5ff4ea41e1a7296155ab36c0c9~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Bhuvaneshwari Premkumar</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>