The first year of Articulate’s E-Learning Heroes challenges has just wrapped up, and David Anderson asked us to nominate our fellow challengees for their achievements. Since that feels nearly impossible (if I nominate one person for “most humorous” I’m leaving out 20 others who were hilarious) – I’m going to focus on the participants I most appreciated and why.
Most Appreciated
Though I may be forgetting some, here’s my best shot:
Richard Watson: Richard joined us when the challenge was to create a game using my German drinking game template, so I had to like him from the start. Since then he has created a diverse and inspiring body of challenges that I admire. I always learn from him and I’m inspired by everything he produces. He’s also endlessly supportive, encouraging, and the first guy to ever put my picture on the side of a semi. Thanks Richard!
Nick Russell: Not only is Nick unfailingly supportive, but his work leaves me speechless. Once I regain my senses after seeing it I’m always stammering “How did he DO that??” Though I can only aspire to reach his level of creativity, design, technical expertise, and hilarity – I’m incredibly grateful that he’s there to inspire and encourage me and everyone else. Thank you so much, Nick.
Daniel Adeboye: Though Daniel is new to e-learning design and is currently limited to developing in PowerPoint, he fearlessly plunged himself into the challenges and instantly became an inspiration. His innovation, unfailing willingness to learn, and unflagging support and encouragement makes him a pretty great fellow challenge participant. Thank you, Daniel!
Dan Sweigert: Dan is another fearless inspiration. Whether trotting out imaginary friends or creating the most extraordinary games, he has a vision and he makes it happen. Combine that determination with his natural creativity, humor, and musical gifts and you have quite the challenge powerhouse. Thanks for everything, Dan!
Matt Guyan: Matt always comes up with fresh approaches to challenges I would never have thought of, and he shows me new things I can learn every time. His curiosity, enthusiasm, and unfailing support and encouragement are refreshing and always welcome. Thank you, Matt!
Gerard Friel: Though new to the challenges, Gerard is one of the people who encouraged me as I worked my way through the older ones. It’s a lonely road back there, and he was always kind and generous – PLUS I love his remarkable work and can’t wait to see much more from him in the challenges. Thank you, Gerard!
Charles Hamper: Charles’ entries always make me want to spend the day trying to somehow imitate the fantastic animations he’s created. They’re unfailingly elegant and look completely effortless. The fact that he then shares his secrets with us is pretty amazing. Thank you so much, Charles!
Gemma Henderson: To say Gemma has a flair for creative design and imagery is an understatement. You never know what she’ll come up with next, but you know it will be funny, beautiful, and/or strange (in the best possible way). Her work is an inspiration. Thanks, Gemma!
Ashley Chiasson: You can always count on Ashley to come up with an entry that is beautifully done, and that may or may not include a cat or duvet cover. She’s creative, clever, and always supportive of her fellow challengees. Thank you so much, Ashley!
Jeff Kortenbosch: Having now visited the farthest reaches of the challenge archives, I know that Jeff has been a dedicated and enthusiastic challenge participant throughout. His contributions have not been just his terrific work, but also his encouragement and support of others and of the challenges themselves. Thank you, Jeff!
Bruce Graham: When Bruce is able to fit a challenge into his schedule, it’s worth the wait. It’s also ironic that he’s a guy who knows good e-learning; yet his challenge entry that always makes me happy is his example of rotten e-learning. Thanks, Bruce!
Paul Alders: Paul always has terrific ideas and creates challenge entries I can learn from. He’s also enthusiastic and supportive when it comes to the challenges and his fellow participants, and somehow he brings a breath of fresh air to the proceedings. Thank you, Paul!
Montse Anderson: Montse’s technical precision and beautiful designs are always an inspiration. If ever I get organized enough to start including my color palettes with my posts (just one example of the meticulous care she takes with her designs), it will be because of her stellar example. Thank you, Montse!
Allison Nederveld: Allison’s refreshing style and carefully crafted entries are always inspiring. She’s generous with her knowledge – and her templates! – and is a wonderful fellow challenge participant. Thank you, Allison!
Dianne Hope: Dianne’s work is always surprising. Whether she’s exploring making coffee, instructional design theory, or the Outback – she has a fresh approach and beautiful style. She’s also unfailingly supportive and encouraging and it’s a pleasure to be in the challenges with her. Thank you, Dianne!
Nancy Woinoski: Nancy’s entries are invariably beautiful, creative, innovative, and often funny. They always inspire me to push myself to do more, and for that I am truly grateful. Thank you, Nancy!
Becky Fleisch Cordeiro: Whenever Becky gets a chance to create an entry, I always learn from it. She uses her expertise to come up with entries that are innovative and intriguing – plus she’s terrific at helping and encouraging the rest of us. Thank you so much, Becky!
Who’s The Winner?
As painfully obvious as this is – the winner is me and every other person who has participated. I win because I get to grow in my work and as a member of a community with people like these who are unfailing in their helpfulness and generosity. I also get to have fun creating the silliest things and having all of these nice people (and many others) be kind enough to not only look at them, but to be supportive and encouraging to create even more. Without them, and without David Anderson’s leadership, I’d never in a million years have thought of making a German drinking game or Kid vs. Cop spelling bee or a lyrical and romantic approach to filling out a passport application.
Thank You!
So a HUGE “thank you” to all of you who participated and (equally importantly!) supported and encouraged all of the challenge participants. I’m excited to see what this new year of challenges (and new challenge participants) will bring!