Tom Washam
instructional designer | AI-enabled learning specialist
Hello. I am an instructional designer. a learning experience designer. an AI-enabled learning specialist. an eLearning expert. an expert collaborator. a Bulls fan.
NOW ACCEPTING CLIENTS
Available for Hourly Consulting
AI-enabled instructional design, delivered at senior-level quality.
DAYS, NOT WEEKS
AI-accelerated workflows compress course development timelines.
ENTERPRISE QUALITY
250+ courses delivered to UN, Uber, iHeartMedia, and more.
ONE CONSULTANT
ID, graphic design, and video in-house — no handoff chain.
SKILLS
AI-Enabled Learning Design
I blend classic instructional design with an AI production workflow — using Claude, ChatGPT, Synthesia, HeyGen, ElevenLabs, and NotebookLM to compress typical course development timelines from weeks to days. The result: enterprise-quality learning experiences delivered at a fraction of traditional agency timelines.
Instructional Design
I'm a veteran instructional design consultant who utilizes learning technologies to create engaging and impactful learning experiences that drive real change in learner behavior. Expertise in ADDIE, SAM, adult learning theory, scenario-based design, and gamification.
eLearning
Senior instructional designer with 15+ years of experience leading development of 250+ training courses. I specialize in engaging eLearning built in Articulate Storyline and Rise, with deep expertise in multilingual course development, certification training, and vibe-coded custom interactions.
Explainer Videos
Need to explain a complex product or idea in a simple, engaging way? I've developed dozens of corporate explainer videos using animations, storytelling, professional voice-over, and AI-generated narration with ElevenLabs — helping organizations tell their story clearly.
WORK PROCESS
ANALYZE
DESIGN
DEVELOP
IMPLEMENT
EVALUATE
REPEAT
FUN NUMBERS
50,000 SATISFIED LEARNERS
DEVELOPED OVER 250 COURSES
15 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
COURSES BUILT IN DAYS, NOT WEEKS
MY CLIENTS
MY PORTFOLIO
RESUME
Current
Senior Instructional Design Consultant
Wesco
• Led AI-enabled course development by integrating Claude and ChatGPT into the storyboarding and scripting workflow, reducing typical course build times from 3-4 weeks to under a week.
• Vibe coded custom eLearning interactions in Articulate Storyline and Rise, using AI to rapidly generate JavaScript logic, triggers, and branching — delivering complex functionality in hours rather than days.
• Produced AI-generated voiceover at scale using ElevenLabs, cutting narration production costs and turnaround by roughly 70% versus traditional voice talent scheduling.
• Partnered with SMEs and L&D leadership on enterprise-wide learning initiatives, maintaining instructional rigor while accelerating delivery.
2016 – 2024
Senior Instructional Design Consultant
iHeartMedia
• Long-term instructional design partner for iHeartMedia's internal training organization over an 8-year engagement.
• Created and developed engaging eLearning experiences across the iHeartMedia organization, including onboarding, compliance, and role-specific training.
• Published 6+ hours of eLearning video content for the internal training department.
• Partnered with internal L&D leaders to implement eLearning best practices across departments.
2022
Senior Instructional Design Consultant
Andersen Windows
• Successfully designed and developed over 25 eLearning courses to educate contractors, builders, and architects on industry best practices and recommendations.
• Managed the end-to-end design, development, and implementation of continuous learning solutions for multiple complex learning projects.
2021
Senior Instructional Design Consultant
United Nations
• Partnered with the United Nations to develop training focused on raising awareness for community policing in Iraq.
• Worked closely with the International Office of Migration team to determine low-bandwidth solutions for learners in remote and underserved locations.
2018
Instructional Design Consultant
Uber, Inc.
• Developed eleven eLearning modules for the new Uber Eats delivery application.
• Worked with multiple stakeholders to ensure modules matched branding and contained essential support information.
• Developed twelve training modules to train support staff on partner and rider issues.
• Created an explainer video to help market the Uber Rush delivery application.
2017
Instructional Design Consultant
Northern Trust
• Converted over 4 hours of training material to online SCORM coursework for internal LMS.
• Created over 40 “Try It Now” scenarios to promote engaging scenario-based learning.
2017
Instructional Design Consultant
Grant Thornton
• Developed “Game Center” for 8 highly interactive gamification-based eLearning courses.
• Coded leaderboard functionality in JavaScript to encourage competitive peer learning.
2016
Instructional Design Consultant
Equinix
• Developed over 5 hours of training content in multiple languages, including English, Portuguese, French, and German.
• Designed a custom Equinix-themed template to aid in the rapid development of all learning objects.
2016
Instructional Design Consultant
7-Eleven
• Developed 100-page employee reference manual for use in over 7,000 locations.
• Worked with an internal team of SME’s to design, develop and deliver learning tools.
EDUCATION
2009
Master of Science, Instructional Design and Technology
Western Illinois University
Emphasis in eLearning for adult learners.
2007
Bachelor of Science, Graphic Design
Western Illinois University
DEVELOPMENT SKILLS
Instructional Design
eLearning Development
Explainer Videos
Graphic Design
TOOLS & PLATFORMS
Articulate 360
Adobe Creative Suite
Camtasia
Canva
Claude / ChatGPT
Synthesia / HeyGen
ElevenLabs
NotebookLM
TESTIMONIALS
Tiffany GalliganToo Good Strategy
Tom was wonderful to work with. Even on a very challenging project, he was able to provide great solutions and help problem-solve to create a remarkable e-learning product.
Reggie JoseMGM Grand Resort and Hotels
What Tom was able to create fit our direction superbly. His understanding of coding principles allowed us to mix and match approaches to serve different needs while maintaining the same tools. His portfolio should speak to the caliber of work by itself but know that with his talents come a very personable, capable, and innovative developer. Highly recommended!
Kristal R. Conner Mojo Networks
Tom provided his unique skill set and the additional resources needed to deliver this certification training ahead of schedule. In addition, Tom responded to all emails, calls, and requests for edits quickly and professionally. This was awesome, given that some of these requests came during weekends or random times because of working with teams in different time zones.
Rachael MossEquinix
Tom was amazing in terms of partnering on an eLearning initiative around performance/compensation in multiple languages, using high-fidelity custom graphics and videos. He was also extremely cost-effective, undercutting large graphics design firms by over 30% while maintaining a large volume (multiple videos in different languages).
MY RESUME
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VIEW MY LINKEDIN PROFILE
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