01 LEARNING PHILOSOPHY
"TELL ME AND I FORGET, TEACH ME
AND I MAY REMEMBER, INVOLVE ME
AND I WILL LEARN."
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
Hi, I’m Esther Kirkland-Smith
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I'm excited about finding ways to help people learn new things - to change or to change it up.
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I find practical and creative ways to tell stories and share ideas across whatever platform. It may be a website, a module, a video. It may be blended, social or experiential learning.
But it’s not just about the flashy stuff. I start with needs analysis and clear learning outcomes based on Bloom’s Taxonomy. I address literacy and numeracy and will constantly review the data and get feedback.
Ultimately, it’s about having the learner in the center of everything we do. Having respect for them and what they already know. Understanding how to teach them, but also how they can teach themselves.
It’s exciting times, so let’s have a chat about it.
02 PORTFOLIO
03 Experience
2020 - 2023
AA Insurance
Learning Experience Manager then Learning Manager
I developed a team of Experience Designers, moving them from subject matter experts to learning professionals capable of creating award-winning experiences. I managed a large team of Facilitators training hundreds of new starters. Together, we set up programmes of work that align with the company’s strategic goals, supported change programmes. We created
learning platforms, workshops and resources that work for hybrid teams.
2017- 2018 (contract)
CROMBIE LOCKWOOD
Instructional Designer/ Learning Advisor
Conducted analysis and created learning solutions for a large corporate. Solutions included revamping intranet, online modules, videos and webinars and all accompanying material. Set up and administered Cornerstone LMS.
2018 - 2020
WAVELENGTH
Senior Learning Experience Designer
I worked closely with clients to create learning experiences for organisations wanting to engage their learners and transform their organisations – from hands on training and workshops to digital learning strategies.
2011-2016
FAIRFAX MEDIA
Creative Director
Responsible for the overall design of Fairfax publications. Set-up a 25-strong design, graphic and illustrations hub for New Zealand and Australia across six locations in digital, newsprint and magazines. Instituted change management and transformation projects. Redesigned almost all publications including the community papers, providing Fairfax with the best feedback from readers ever received
2003-2011
NZ HERALD
Art Director
Oversaw the design of all publications. Hired staff and kept all styles up to date. Liaiseed with editors and management for all redesign work. Trained designers and layout subs and supervised page layouts. Designed one-off magazines and developed special projects.