Meet David Ohlde
“My name is David Ohlde, and I am an instructional designer and Senior Police Instructor with a background in law enforcement, retired Army service, adult education, technical work, and agriculture. In my current role, I develop and deliver training for law enforcement professionals, which gives me a firsthand view of how instructional decisions affect performance in real-world situations. My past experiences have also shaped how I approach learning, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving across different work environments.
Through my graduate work in Instructional Design and Performance Technology at Baker University, I have expanded my skills in learner analysis, UX design, assessment, multimedia learning, scenario-based instruction, accessibility, evaluation, and performance improvement. My strengths include practical problem-solving, working with stakeholders and subject-matter experts, learner-centered design, and turning complex information into clear, usable learning experiences.”
What I Bring
Practical Problem-Solving
I focus on solutions that can be used in real situations.
Stakeholder & SME Collaboration
I work with others to make sure the training fits the actual need.
Learner-Centered Design
I design around what learners need to do, not just what they need to know.
Clear, Usable Learning
I turn complex information into training and resources that are easier to understand and apply.
Learner Analysis | UX Design | Assessment | Multimedia Learning | Accessibility | Evaluation | Performance Improvement
Professional Resume
I am an instructional designer and learning and development professional focused on practical, performance-based learning for adult learners. My work connects learning theory, real-world application, accessibility, and user experience to help people perform more effectively.
Professional Summary
Instructional Designer and Senior Police Instructor with experience in law enforcement, military leadership, adult education, and performance-based training. I design practical learning experiences that focus on real performance needs through learner analysis, scenario-based learning, UX, and multimedia.
Core Skills & Toolstack
Instructional Design & UX: Learner Analysis, Scenario-Based Learning, Assessment Design, Accessibility/WCAG, UX for Learning, Performance Improvement.
Tools: Canvas LMS, Genially, PowerPoint, Canva, Wix, Microsoft Office 365, Articulate Rise/Storyline collaboration.
Professional Experience
Senior Instructor of Police | Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center
Design and deliver practical, performance-based training for law enforcement professionals. Use scenario-based learning, learner feedback, assessment, and real-world application to help improve job performance.
U.S. Army / Army National Guard | Retired
Served in communications and military police roles while developing leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills in different operational environments.
Selected Instructional Design Projects
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Professional Workplace Communication Module — Designed a short asynchronous module for community college learners using learner analysis, scenario-based practice, immediate feedback, accessibility planning, and Genially.
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Rapid Response: De-escalation Game-Based Learning — Developed a scenario-based card game that gives learners practice making communication and de-escalation decisions, followed by feedback and structured debriefing.
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Juvenile Intake Training & Performance Support — Created job aids, decision guides, and realistic scenarios to help staff apply juvenile intake procedures in real situations.
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De-escalation Communication Performance Assessment — Designed an observation-based assessment and rubric to measure how learners apply communication and de-escalation skills during realistic scenarios.
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Visual Literacy & Officer Decision-Making — Designed a short learning experience that helps officers identify, interpret, and communicate visual safety cues under stress.
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KANZA Client RFP Response Project — Applied different instructional design models to client problems, balancing learner needs, performance goals, stakeholder expectations, and project constraints.
Education
Master’s Program in Instructional Design & Performance Technology
Baker University | Expected 2026
Focus areas include learner analysis, instructional design models, UX, multimedia learning, accessibility, assessment, evaluation, and performance improvement.
Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice
Central Christian College | McPherson, Kansas
Associate Degree in Communication Technology
Colby Community College | Colby, Kansas