Virtual Training Academy
- Tools:
“We are bringing together the best minds in public health, academia and private industry to design a program that can help lower the risk for COVID-19 in all of our communities and keep us on the path to reopening.” ~ Gavin Newsom (California Connected)
“From day one, Veronica brought expertise, creativity, and a genuine passion for making learning accessible and engaging. Her dedication and leadership were instrumental in making this program a success. Veronica’s impact goes beyond instruction—she truly cares about people and their success.” ~ Dr. Alina Dorian, Associate Dean for Public Health Practice (UCLA Fielding School)
Overview
In collaboration with UCLA Fielding School and UCSF, I served as the lead instructional designer for a statewide program in California, training over 10,000+ displaced workers in contact tracing and case investigation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The VTA program equipped trainees to identify, assess, and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in diverse communities.
My Role
I led project management, instructional design, and technical support for UCLA Extension’s implementation of the initiative.
Project Management
Oversaw all aspects of the project, ensuring seamless execution by:
- Defining project scope, budget, and timelines.
- Setting up and managing project management tools.
- Facilitating cross-functional stakeholder meetings for alignment and decision-making.
Instructional Design
Supported course development and multimedia production by:
- Developing primary courses and virtual labs.
- Designing assessments to evaluate learning outcomes.
- Building and maintaining courses in Canvas LMS.
- Updating course assets in Articulate Rise.
- Delivering weekly onboarding presentations for new trainee cohorts.
Technical Support
Managed all post-launch support channels by:
- Assisting students in accessing materials, completing activities, and navigating virtual labs.
- Providing integration support and troubleshooting technical issues.
Approach
The VTA required an agile and adaptive instructional design approach to meet the urgent public health need for trained contact tracers.
Below are some of the unique challenges we faced and the solutions we implemented:
Agile Development
Built and launched in two weeks, the training balanced evergreen content with fast-changing updates. Core concepts were fully developed, while dynamic information remained in a simplified format for easy revisions, ensuring both stability and ongoing flexibility to align with evolving public health guidelines.
Continuous Adaptation
With COVID-19 protocols constantly evolving, the curriculum required weekly updates for over two years. A structured revision process ensured materials remained relevant and accurate, allowing trainees to receive up-to-date information without disrupting the learning experience.
Flexible Learning Model
A blended approach combined self-paced coursework with live, instructor-led labs, offering a well-organized yet adaptable learning experience. Trainees progressed at their own pace while reinforcing skills through guided role-play with instructors and peers in live sessions.
Scalability
Designed for high-volume enrollment, the program onboarded new cohorts weekly. Trainees participated in a mix of required labs and elective sessions, allowing us to manage cohort sizes while still personalizing the experience. The course design in Canvas LMS and Articulate Rise ensured scalable delivery for hundreds of learners.
Examples
Here are a few samples from the project.
