👉 Want to design learning that’s more engaging, interactive, and effective - without stepping away from your day job?
Explore the university accredited CDLP program at the Digital Learning Institute.
Student Stories
From Training to Transforming Digital learning
Share This Post
:format(webp))
Michaela’s role has long been focused on software training - creating and delivering sessions that help customers get the very best out of a new solution.
She enrolled in the Digital Learning Institute’s CDLP program because she wanted to enhance her skills, create more engaging learning experiences, and gain recognized accreditation for the work she already does. When she started researching programs, DLI quickly stood out, and it was the one she kept coming back to.
Before starting, Michaela felt: “Really nervous… it’s been a long time since I’ve done anything like this.”
Hear from Michaela directly below!
:format(webp))
Explore the Diploma Program
Why Michaela Enrolled in the CDLP program
Michaela loves supporting customers through software training but she wanted to level up how she designs learning, not just deliver it.
“I wanted to enhance my skills so I could create even more engaging sessions whilst also gaining accreditation for the work that I do.”
She also knew she learns best through interaction, practical work, and peer exchange - and DLI’s approach matched that.
“I know I learn best when I interact with other people and get hands on with practical tasks.”
A Learning Format That Fit Around Work
A key reason the program worked for Michaela was that it didn’t require a big disruption to her day-to-day responsibilities.
“With the DLI I was able to do exactly that without having a major impact on my day to day work.”
The live sessions felt manageable, and the cohort experience made learning feel collaborative rather than solitary.
“The live sessions with my cohort were manageable… and they gave me space to ask questions in real time and draw inspiration from my fellow learners.”
From Nerves to Confidence (Fast)
Michaela admits she was nervous going in, but that changed quickly once she experienced the learning environment.
“I’ll be honest, I was really nervous at first… but after my first live session, those nerves disappeared almost instantly.”
She describes the experience as personally and professionally transformative.
“This was an affirming, inspiring and transformative learning experience…”
Building a New LMS at the Perfect Moment
The timing of completing the program turned out to be ideal. Michaela’s organization had just secured a new LMS and she was able to use what she learned to play a key role in building it from the ground up.
“The timing of completing the course couldn’t have been better… we’d just secured a new LMS and the knowledge I gained allowed me to play a key role in building it from the ground up.”
She applied the course principles directly into new learning journeys and redesigned modules to support a wider range of learner needs.
“I’ve been able to apply the principles from the course directly into our new learning journeys and create polished modules that blend a variety of learning styles… there’s now something to suit every learner.”
Confidence, Capability, and Community
Beyond the practical tools and frameworks, the personal transformation was just as powerful.
“The DLI CDLP program hasn’t just transformed the way that I plan, design, and deliver training it’s made a significant difference to me personally. I feel more confident, more capable, and incredibly proud.”
Instructor feedback and peer collaboration played a major role.
“I can lack confidence at times, so being part of a group on the same wavelength really made a difference. Their encouragement gave me a huge boost.”
Even after graduating, she remained connected to the DLI community continuing to build momentum through follow-up support, newsletters, and professional networking.
If You’re On the Fence…
“If someone’s on the fence about taking this course, I’d tell them to watch my testimonial.”
“It’s boosted my confidence, sharpened my design skills, and helped me create learning experiences that are more engaging and impactful for a wider audience.”
Key takeaways from Michaela's story
Enrolled to enhance her design skills and gain accreditation for her training work
Found the format practical, collaborative, and manageable alongside a full-time role
Moved quickly from nerves to confidence after the first live session
Applied learning immediately to help build a new LMS and redesign learning journeys
Transformed “same-y” modules into learning that’s more engaging and interactive (validated by learner feedback)
Expanded the reach of the learning function to support more user roles and partners
Gained confidence, capability, and ongoing momentum through the DLI community
FAQ
Is the Professional Diploma manageable alongside full-time work?
Yes. Michaela highlights that she could engage in live sessions and practical tasks “without having a major impact” on her day-to-day work, and that sessions felt manageable.
Will I get practical experience or is it mainly theory?
Practical. Michaela emphasises hands-on tasks, mini projects, and applying the learning directly into real work - including redesigning modules and building learning journeys in a new LMS.
Is there support and feedback during the programme?
Yes. Michaela describes instructor feedback and peer interaction as “incredibly valuable,” helping her fine-tune her project and build confidence through cohort collaboration.
Can the diploma help improve engagement in existing training?
Yes. Michaela used the course to rethink learning journeys that had become repetitive, making them more engaging, interactive, and “more fun” - with learner feedback confirming the difference.
Share This Post
:format(webp))
:format(webp))
:format(webp))