Have you done / And is it worth it - Allen Interactions Design 102

Thanks for sharing. I think you share a lot of similar issues that many course designers face. I know a lot of them get stuck building the same types of info-heavy courses over and over again and then feel like they're somehow missing out or not developing the skills (or not building the types of courses they'd like to).

From what I gather, you've already read Allen's book and have an understanding of his CCFA process. Spending $900 seems a bit steep to learn more of what you already probably know. It may be more an issue of getting inspirational ideas to think through some design processes and kick start some ideas.

In terms of crafting learning experiences, it's mostly a matter of finding the performance angle and what decisions the learner has to make and then building those decision-making experiences into the course. CCFA or the 3C process I came up with when I taught entry-level IDs is viable for that. 

Sometimes, it's a matter of flipping perspective (even on linear content like history).

I recall a few years back, someone asked for help on a bed bug course because he has a mental block and wanted to be more creative. He got all sorts of ideas. My favorite was the he frame it from the perspective of a real estate agent for bed bugs. 

I spoke to a history teacher once who told me he had a problem making his history content more engaging. He taught about the Revolutionary War. So I suggested that instead of presenting history, put them in the position of making history.

"You're a general in Yorktown, and the British are doing XYZ. What do you do? And from there present some information and some decision-making opportunities. And then compare what they did to what happened."

@Hianna gives some good advice: find sources of inspiration outside of e-learning (games, mobile apps) and participate in the challenges. Those things may help to bring fresh perspective on some of what you do.

Also, do what the bed bug guy did, tell us what you're building and ask for some ideas for inspiration. I'm always amazed at the creativity of this community and I'm sure you'll get some ideas to help you.

Hope that helps.