Analogies turn complex ideas into familiar stories, like turning a tangled map into a well-marked trail for students to follow. This presentation will explore the use of analogies to explain projects, concepts, or complex systems. Participants will learn how to craft & apply analogies to create relatable, friendly, & approachable concepts.

Think back to a time when you struggled to grasp a new platform, system, or academic concept. Chances are the issue was not a lack of understanding it was a lack of connection. We understand best when ideas are framed in a way that resonates with our lived experiences. This session explores how analogies to those simple, familiar comparisons can serve as powerful teaching tools across learning environments. By weaving everyday scenarios into your instruction, you can move learners from confusion to clarity with surprising speed.

This approach is especially valuable in an educational setting where complex digital systems and evolving pedagogies often leave both students and instructors feeling overwhelmed. In this session, we will unpack how analogies can act as intellectual anchors, giving individuals a map when they feel lost in a maze of technical terms, processes, or new tools.
Participants will examine examples that demonstrate how complex ideas can be simplified and communicated effectively.

Attendees won’t sit back and listen; they will engage. The session includes an interactive brainstorming segment where individuals will pair and choose a common challenge (like onboarding adjunct faculty or explaining academic integrity to students) and build their own analogies using everyday metaphors. 

Key takeaways include:

• A framework for crafting analogies that bridge the gap between unfamiliar content and lived experience.
• Concrete examples of how analogies have improved clarity, reduced resistance to change, and fostered community buy-in.
• Practical strategies for using analogy in both course design and institutional communication.

This session encourages participants to rethink how important concepts are communicated. Whether you are helping a new hire understand your LMS or trying to build support for a policy change, the right analogy can turn a skeptical shrug into an “aha” moment.

Jen Nettleton

Instructional Technologist at SUNY Empire State University

Josephine Coco

Instructional Technologist at SUNY Empire State University

Pamela Doran

Digital Accessibility Coordinator at SUNY Empire State University

Raen Loomis

Instructional Designer at SUNY Empire State University

As an Instructional Designer at Empire State University, I collaborate closely with curriculum administrators and subject matter experts (SMEs) to develop and revise engaging online courses. My focus is on creating accessible and effective learning experiences that empower students. Leveraging technology and adult learning theory, I design courses that meet the highest standards of quality. I'm committed to professional development and collaboration within the online learning community.