Kristen Hoffman
Instructional Designer
Where Digital Learning Meets Human Insight
With years of dedicated work creating meaningful learning experiences, I’m passionate about helping people grow through well-designed training. Drawing on a 15 -year background as a music and math educator, I bring a creative, learner-first approach to every project, ensuring training that is not only effective, but also enjoyable and inspiring.
Portfolio
Injury Reporting for Parks and Recreation Staff
Case Study
Deliverables: Seven 20-minute eLearning modules (including the asset linked here); job aid
Tools: Articulate Storyline, Vyond
Challenge: The Vandalia Parks & Recreation Department needed a more effective onboarding program for new part-time and seasonal staff. Their existing process was paper-based, compliance-heavy, and varied widely by supervisor. Many employees left orientation unclear about policies, contributing to safety incidents and missed procedures.
Solution: I designed and developed seven self-paced eLearning modules that deliver a consistent, engaging onboarding experience. The modules blend lighthearted animation, relatable characters, and real workplace imagery. They integrate formative knowledge checks, a scored summative quiz, ADA-compliant design, and Gagné’s Nine Events of Instruction.
Results: The department now has a unified, easy-to-follow onboarding process across all sites. Staff surveyed had 100% positive feedback on the new training.
Time in Development: 16 weeks
Voice of Customer for CoreSkills Canada
Case Study
Deliverable: One 25-minute eLearning module
Tools: Articulate Storyline, Vyond
Challenge: This nonprofit’s customer service training for refugees and immigrants was outdated, text-heavy, and difficult for English language learners to follow. The founder wanted a modern, colorful, and accessible program that would resonate with newcomers and keep them motivated.
Solution: I redesigned the training using Vyond animation to create a vibrant, dynamic learning experience. The updated module emphasizes visual storytelling, clear and simple language, and cultural sensitivity so learners can quickly grasp concepts and apply them in real situations. Engaging visuals and practical scenarios help newcomers build transferable customer service skills in a welcoming, relatable way.
Results: Learners and staff responded enthusiastically to the new animated training, finding it easier to understand and far more engaging than the previous version. The founder praised the transformation, noting that the colorful, animation-rich design successfully met the goal of making the training approachable and impactful.
Time in Development: 4 weeks
The Art and History of Math: An Elective Course
Case Study
Deliverables: Interactive syllabus (linked here) and 18 weeks of lesson plans (available on request)
Tool: Genially
Challenge: A high school administrator wanted to launch a new elective—The Art and History of Math—to broaden student interest and engagement in mathematics.
Solution: I designed the course as a learner-centered, project-based experience that promotes inquiry, exploration, and creativity. By integrating mathematical ideas with cultural, historical, and artistic contexts, the course reframed math as a human story—something connected to expression, innovation, and discovery rather than just formulas.
Results: The course launched successfully and was enthusiastically received. Students reported increased engagement and a deeper appreciation for mathematics. Due to its strong reception, the school adopted The Art and History of Math as an offering in its curriculum.
Time in Development: 1 week
Case Study
Deliverables: 5-minute microlearning module; job aid
Tool: Articulate Rise
Challenge: Teachers at a local high school were leaving the profession at high rates, largely due to the stress of managing challenging student behaviors. Administrators wanted to offer meaningful professional development, but limited contract hours made lengthy, traditional training impractical.
Solution: I created a concise, practice-focused training that delivered maximum impact in minimal time. Grounded in adult learning theory, the session introduced a small set of actionable de-escalation strategies teachers could use right away. To establish relevance and agency, the training opened with an “I CAN” statement—mirroring the student-facing objectives teachers use daily, but reframed to empower them as learners.
Results: Teachers reported that after the training, they were able to respond to challenging behaviors more quickly and confidently, relying on practiced techniques rather than improvising under pressure.
Time in Development: 2 days
Case Study
Deliverables: Facilitator guide with activity cards, participant guide, and presentation slides for a 1-hour ILT
Tool: Canva
Note: Because the Vandalia Parks & Recreation Department ultimately chose to use eLearning exclusively, this ILT project was developed as a sample. The city name and logo in the assets are fictional.
Challenge: The Vandalia Parks & Recreation Department needed a more effective onboarding experience for part-time and seasonal staff. Their existing process was paper-based, compliance-heavy, and inconsistent across supervisors. New employees often left orientation uncertain about policies, which contributed to safety incidents and missed procedures.
Solution: I designed a one-hour, instructor-led training supported by a facilitator guide, participant guide, and interactive activity cards. The session blends scenario-based discussions with hands-on practice to make policies clearer and more memorable. The course is structured around explicit learning objectives and grounded in adult learning best practices to ensure consistency and engagement.
Results: The training is fully turnkey—no preparation, prior instructional experience, or content expertise is required to deliver it effectively.
Time in Development: 1 week
Injury Reporting for Parks and Recreation Staff
Case Study
Course Design Overview: The Injury Reporting course provides an in-depth look at a critical Policy and Procedure for the City of Vandalia Parks & Recreation Department. Building on the success of a previous seven-part training series featuring “Josie”—a relatable character well-liked by staff—this course continues to use her as a narrative guide to engage learners.
Design Approach: Learners follow Josie through a sequence of workplace scenarios—ranging from lighthearted to more serious—that illustrate common injury risks and proper reporting steps. The course relies on animated storytelling to boost engagement and provide meaningful context. Periodic knowledge checks reinforce understanding and keep learners actively involved.
Instructional Design Features:
- Character-driven storytelling to increase relatability and retention
- Scenario-based learning that mirrors workplace situations
- Integrated formative assessments for ongoing reinforcement
- Blend of humor and realistic examples to sustain interest
This blueprint and storyboard informed the development of a learner-centered course that aligns with city policies while strengthening engagement and long-term retention of essential safety procedures.
