Episode 34: Beyond the Dancing Cats: Jane Bozarth on Community, Learning, and What Still Matters

In this episode of Demystifying Instructional Design, I sit down with the Jane Bozarth for a candid, insightful, and often hilarious conversation about how our field has evolved, the impact of communities of practice, and what still holds true in instructional design today. Jane takes us through her journey from being an enthusiastic classroom trainer back in the pre-Internet days to becoming a well-respected voice in e-learning, social learning, and workplace training. Her stories bring to life the real-world changes she’s witnessed over the years, from mailing out VHS tapes to working with Dreamweaver and now navigating the fast-paced world of AI.

A big theme in our conversation is the difference between groups, interest-based spaces, and genuine communities of practice. Jane breaks down what really makes a community thrive. Spoiler alert: it takes more than just creating a discussion board and hoping people will engage. We talk about how communities function as living systems, with different levels of participation, and how they need purpose, intention, and care to really grow. Jane also shares some of the challenges that can come up, like groupthink, elitism, or performative participation, and how these can easily derail even the most well-intentioned efforts.

Another topic we dig into is the tension between education and entertainment. Jane doesn’t hold back when it comes to the rise of “dancing cats” and over-the-top gamified experiences. Sure, they might be fun, but are they actually helping people learn? We discuss how easy it is to get swept up by new tools and trends, and why it’s so important to stay grounded in evidence-based practice. This part of the conversation leads us into learning styles, where Jane shares some fascinating research that challenges the idea that teaching to a learner’s preferred style improves outcomes. Despite the evidence, this myth still lingers in our field.

We also talk about the role of social media in shaping our professional identities. Jane reflects on her early days in Twitter-based spaces like #LearnChat, how those communities helped shape her career, and how she’s now experimenting with newer platforms like BlueSky. Her message is simple but powerful: what you put into a community is what you get out of it. If you never speak up, ask questions, or share, you’re unlikely to build meaningful connections. But if you show up consistently and contribute, those networks can become incredibly valuable.

To wrap things up, Jane offers a thoughtful look at what has stood the test of time. Tools and technologies may come and go, but the heart of instructional design remains steady: understanding learners, setting clear goals, and designing with purpose. Her advice is a reminder to keep learning, stay focused on what matters, and continue showing up for the communities that support us.

This is an episode for anyone who cares about building better learning experiences and stronger professional communities.