Resume
Sarah Barron
Technical Content & Courseware Developer
email: sarah@sarahjbarron.com
Accomplished and detail-oriented professional with proven expertise in creating clear, engaging, and user-focused documentation, courseware, and multimedia training materials. Skilled in transforming complex technical concepts into accessible content that enhances learning, usability, and customer success. Adept at utilizing tools such as Ixiasoft, Author-it, Confluence, Camtasia, Audiate, SnagIt, Litmos, and the Microsoft Suite to produce high-quality deliverables. Experienced in Learning Experience Design (LXD) methodologies, instructional design practices, and integrating emerging AI technologies to optimize content development. Strong background in API documentation, database administration validation, and legacy product support, with a track record of improving content accuracy, accessibility, and learner engagement. Recognized for cross-functional collaboration, mentoring teams, and driving innovative documentation strategies that align with evolving industry standards.
Areas of Expertise
- Technical content development
- Instructional Design & Learning Development
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Content Accessibility & Usability Optimization
- E-learning Content Creation
- Version Control & Documentation Repository
- Cross-functional communication
- Continuous Learning & Professional Development
- Multimedia content creation
- Style Guide & Template Creation
- Agile/Scrum Team Collaboration
- Troubleshooting & Error Resolution
Professional Experience
Progress (Remote)
Senior Information Developer
Current
Jan 2024
Develop online documentation, courseware, and multimedia content utilizing Litmos, Camtasia, Audiate, and SnagIt to support database administration training. Spearhead team initiatives to integrate animated graphics into online courses. Educate writing team on Learning Experience Design practices acquired through personal study and courses. Facilitate practical application of evolving AI technologies for information developers. Collaborate with three scrum teams to improve content development for database courseware. Perform database administration tasks using OpenEdge RDBMS to verify documentation accuracy.
- Elevated documentation and courseware accuracy to 100%, a 15% improvement validated by SMEs, by leading initiatives across four courses that enhanced text precision, incorporated impactful visuals, and developed educational videos.
- Enhanced learner engagement by integrating .png graphics and animated .gif visuals, boosting visual interaction by 25%.
- Increased courseware interactivity and learner participation by 15% through innovative design enhancements.
- Advanced instructional efficacy by researching and deploying AI-driven tools, streamlining content development and delivery.
- Managed extensive documentation using Ixiasoft CMS, updating legacy content and generating new materials for evolving product features while addressing complex troubleshooting and error resolution related to a product over 40 years old.
Caregiving
Career Break
Jan 2024
Jan 2020
Provided compassionate care for family members spanning youthful and elderly age groups. Enhanced proficiency by completing courses on content creation tools, enriching my understanding of instructional design methodologies. Facilitated smooth family operations during periods of illness and homeschooling, maintaining a supportive environment for all involved.
- Engaged in community service through the Girl Scouts of America and the Pepperell Sustainability Committee, while honing skills in Learning Experience Design (LXD) and courseware development.
- Strengthened resilience and adaptability by navigating caregiving responsibilities alongside ongoing personal development.
Broadcom (Remote)
Principal Content Writer
Dec 2019
Aug 2015
Devised and executed strategic documentation plans to effectively relay complex technical concepts to diverse audiences. Directed a team of technical writers, providing mentorship to ensure the delivery of high-quality documentation. Designed and maintained style guides and templates to ensure professional consistency across all materials.
- Directed comprehensive documentation efforts for five testing tool products, documenting RESTful APIs in newly launched products and streamlining user access to mainframe GUIs.
- Liaised with engineers, product managers, and designers to gather information and produce user-friendly documentation.
- Conducted comprehensive research and utilized emerging technologies to enhance usability and accessibility of documentation.
CA Technologies
Senior Technical Writer
Aug 2015
Jan 2011
Crafted detailed documentation for complex technical products, including comprehensive user manuals, installation guides, and customized troubleshooting resources. Researched and analyzed audience needs to distill complex technical concepts into clear, actionable messaging that enhanced understanding and engagement.
- Curated documentation set for a 40-year-old product, encompassing 96 user guides.
- Partnered with diverse teams to collate and verify detailed technical content, ensuring documentation accuracy and relevance.
- Established a streamlined documentation process with effective version control and accessible document repositories, enhancing ease of content updates.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in English, Professional Writing | Summa Cum Laude
Fitchburg State University