In most creative industries, the creative people get lots of credit. Take the movie business for example. The directors, producers and script writers are justly famous, as well as the actors that bring the material to life. But not the case in elearning. It’s a goldmine of creative talent but how many instructional designers for example really become industry names (Cathy Moore being the possible exception!) The independent elearning producers in particular are like unsung heroes, often working on projects for bigger name organisations without any real recognition.

But that’s all going to change. As part of a crowd sourced elearning business, I believe passionately in the benefits of sharing and collaboration. Resources such as image libraries, hosting and platform access, and authoring tool licenses and training can all be challenging to afford for independent providers. Likewise, sourcing talented people with the right skills to help deliver their projects can be an issue, especially if they don’t find much time to get out and network. It’s a catch 22; too busy to network but can’t move certain projects forward without additional resource – sound familiar? 

In response, mylearningworx is leading the UK’s first dedicated cohort for freelance elearning professionals to connect across all areas of expertise, including instructional design, script writing, graphic design, content authoring, development, project management and strategy.

The aim of the cohort is to start overcoming these challenges, to share resources and collaborate more effectively. And get their work showcased as being by them, from them, not as a faceless, nameless contributor who does their bit then moves on. It’s about being part of something bigger and leveraging the benefits of being part of the ‘crowd’. Small and freelance providers retain all the aspects they like about being independent (and let’s face it, it’s a life style choice for many which they wouldn’t want to lose), but with the support of mylearningworx and the cohort and all the extra bandwidth, resources, cost savings and opportunities that provides.

More info here http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/worxshop-tickets-11734579443. More information on the worxsmiths initiative can be found here http://www.mylearningworx.co/our-services/worxsmiths.aspx