In this podcast, Dr. Ruth Clark, a recognized specialist in instructional design and technical training, discusses her work on evidenced-based guidelines for instructional modes, methods and media. She focuses especially on creating visuals.

Dr. Clark uses empirical evidence to discuss the impact of visuals on learning. While relevant visuals can improve learning up to 90%, ineffective visuals often serve no useful instructional purpose and can actually impair learning. Dr. Clark provides examples that explain how relevant visuals successfully illustrate the relationship among lesson topics and explains in what circumstances text and audio should be used to describe these visuals. She also takes time to discuss her new book, the third edition of Building Expertise, to be published in September 2008.

"With the May series, Voices has now reached over 1500 podcast downloads", said Dawn Poulos, Vice President of marketing at Xyleme, sponsor of the podcast program. "We continue to see a high level of interest in hearing compelling content from the industry's thought leaders wrapped in engaging communication."

Voices is committed to providing a comprehensive, unbiased discussion of topics pertinent to the training industry. The series is ongoing, with new podcasts to be introduced each month. In April, the podcast series featured Elliott Masie, founder of the MASIE Center, and Dr. Conrad Gottfredson.