Hi, there!
From October 5th to 7th, I had the incredible opportunity to visit the Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación y Docencia en Educación Técnica (CIIDET) in Querétaro.
Our first mission was to record multimedia resources for the academic seminar «El poder de las Soft Skills,» an initiative led by Tecnológico Nacional de México (TecNM) to strengthen the professional development of students and teachers across the country.
I was thrilled to contribute as the instructional designer for Módulo 2 – «Entre palabras y gestos: ¡todo lo que dices importa!» alongside a fantastic team of educators: María Félix Aldazaba Hernández, Rosa Hilda Félix Jácquez, María del Rocío Ramírez Miranda, and Venecia María de Lourdes Ramos Incháustegui, all of us coordinated by Dr. Alfredo Hernández Ibarra. Together, we designed a learning experience that blended interactive resources, downloadable materials, and engaging activities, all centered around the power of verbal and non-verbal communication in professional settings.
The challenges and lessons learned
Like any ambitious project, we faced a few hurdles along the way!
- Managing the availability of four experts and a instructional designer was no easy feat! Late nights and tight deadlines became our reality, but through teamwork and persistence, we pulled it off.
- A fast-paced production schedule. Our three-day plan was intense:
- Wednesday: Final adjustments to video scripts.
- Thursday: A full day of recording.
- Friday: A thorough review to ensure all pedagogical materials met quality and compliance standards.
- Bringing out each expert’s unique spark on camera:
- Increasing voice projection—no small task for those used to classroom settings!
- Navigating the teleprompter challenge—it seemed easy until we had to read naturally while staying engaging.
- Overcoming nerves—some of us had never been in front of a camera before! But with encouragement, practice, and a few laughs, we turned initial jitters into confident, engaging deliveries.
A closer look at our Módulo 2
This module was designed to offer a dynamic, hands-on learning experience, combining theoretical concepts with practical applications. Using interactive tools like H5P and Moodle, participants engage with quizzes, interactive videos, and self-assessment exercises that make learning both accessible and impactful.
By the end of the module, participants gain not just knowledge, but practical skills they can immediately apply in academic and professional settings. This foundation sets the stage for the next module, where they will delve into negotiation, teamwork, and conflict resolution.
Final thoughts
This project highlighted the importance of assertive and collaborative communication, not just for students, but also for interdisciplinary teamwork. Seeing everything come together—from instructional design to filming and editing—was a reminder of how crucial coordination and project management are in delivering high-quality educational resources on time.
Above all, I loved working with such a warm, talented, and dedicated team. We didn’t just teach communication skills—we lived them, ensuring that every word, gesture, and interaction reflected the essence of what we wanted to convey.
Being part of this academic community that strives to empower students and educators in Mexico is an absolute honor.
On to the next adventure!