About Karen
Karen Hyder, Certified Technical Trainer CTT+, is a trainer of trainers, online-event producer, and speaker coach.
Karen Hyder is an internationally known, innovative voice in the evolving, multifaceted eLearning space. Her insights and practices continue to shape the ways in which instructional designers, software developers, teachers, and leaders achieve meaningful engagement with their learners.
Frequently recommended by other industry leaders for her expertise, Karen contributed to the 2025 authoritative guide: Design for All Learners: Create Accessible and Inclusive Learning Experiences, edited by Sarah Mercier. Featuring stories of lived experiences and practical applications, this comprehensive volume explores best practices in strategic, organizational implementation and standards, as well as considerations for digital content, and physical and virtual classrooms.
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Co-author of The eLearning Guild’s Handbook on Synchronous e-Learning (2007), Karen is also the sole author of the 2020 case study: Using a Flipped-Model Classroom with Adobe Connect to Create Successful Learning Experiences. In addition, she collaborated on the 2020 white paper: Top Considerations When Choosing an Enterprise Virtual Training Solution. Industry leaders regularly call on Karen to review and recommend their published works.
Since 2016, Karen has been providing presenter coaching and live event support for online learning experiences at Hearing First LLC, a not-for-profit that serves professionals earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and families supporting children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Karen’s pioneering work in the industry dates to 1991, when she first used technology to teach about technology — delivering instructor-led software applications courses at Logical Operations in Rochester, N.Y. By 1999, as online learning was gaining momentum, Karen was co-creating train-the-trainer courses for people using virtual-classroom software to reach learners in China.
In 2004, Karen helped launch The eLearning Guild Online Forums, a series of online conferences for eLearning development professionals. For the Guild, she continues to produce and host online events including the comprehensive Best of DemoFest, a multi-presenter, live-demonstration event.
In 2017, The Guild (now rebranded The Learning Guild) honored Karen with the Guild Master Award, recognizing her contributions to the Guild community and the eLearning industry.
In addition to her professional work, Karen enjoys rescuing cats and old houses.