About Rivertown Communications

Rivertown Communications is a full-service e-Learning and training video provider with a passion for results. Our custom-built designs engage learners with training that makes a difference.

From compliance and job skills training, to educating the general public about important issues and resources, we’ll help you achieve the goals that matter to your organization.

With over 30 years of experience, we have the instructional design expertise to deliver educationally-sound courses complete with quizzes and certifications that can be tracked in our cloud-based learning management system (Inspire LMS®) that we can customize for you!

Our Mission, Vision, & Values

Partnering with you to create technology-based training that drives excellence.

Our History

Today the Internet is all around us. We take it for granted. It’s the most powerful tool in the world for conveying information. But in 1990, few of us even knew what the Internet was, and no one had the kind of capabilities we now use every day.

Back then, video was one of the most powerful training tools available, and Rivertown Communications was producing training videos for organizations like Andersen Windows, Land O' Lakes, 3M and the State of Minnesota . . . but historic changes were coming.

In 1990 we were asked by 3M Chemical, one of our customers, to develop their first “interactive video” for safety training.

We did, and by combining the visual power of video with computer controlled “pathing scenarios” we entered a new generation of training. This was before the widespread use of the Internet, so we delivered the entire program to 3M sites on a new media called the “Laserdisc.”

Because this was 3M’s first “interactive video” there was a lot of interest in this technology at 3M Center in St. Paul. We were asked to demonstrate the program to a gathering of 3M executives. The presentation started with the normal conversations between those present and little attention to the screen . . . until the interactivity started.

We had taped a contractor about to decide how to respond to a potentially hazardous situation, then asked the viewer to select what they felt was the correct response. We had taped three possible outcomes, and the program would then play the selected action to a conclusion, good or bad. As soon as these “pathing scenarios” began, the conversations stopped, and all eyes were on the screen. The room was captivated by these scenarios, discussing the outcomes and trying the actions they felt were right, and wrong.

In spite of them selves, they were learning! I had seen the future of training.

did you know ...

You can increase the instructional quality of your learning content by focusing on what learners need to be able to DO rather than what they need to KNOW. Asking yourself what a successful learner needs to be able to do helps drive interactivity and increases positive learning outcomes.

Source: Dr. Michael Allen

Focusing on clear learning objectives is important: Clearly defining the learning objectives for each lesson to guide learners will ensure alignment with desired outcomes.

Source: eLearning Industry

Interactive content will engage learners. Incorporate interactive elements such as quizzes, simulations, and multimedia to keep learners interested and to enhance knowledge retention.

Source: SH!FT eLearning

Providing timely feedback is critical! Offer constructive feedback and assessments throughout the e-learning program to help learners gauge their progress, identify areas for improvement, and reinforce learning objectives.

Source: Learning Solutions Magazine

E-learning requires 40% to 60% less time to learn than in a traditional classroom setting because learners can go at their own pace, skip what they already know, and focus on new material.

Source: Brandon Hall Group

Mobile e-learning is on the rise, with learners able to complete courses on their smartphones and tablets, increasing engagement and accessibility.

Source: Brandon Hall Group

Studies show that e-learning can increase retention rates by 25% to 60% compared to traditional classroom learning, which has retention rates of just 8% to 10%.

Source: Research Institute of America

70% of students agree that online classes are better than traditional classroom settings. A report has found a large percentage of its students prefer online learning over a traditional learning setting. This preferred way of distance learning is based on advantages like reduced expenses and time-saving, allowing learning to fit around your schedule.

Source: University of the Potomac

Our Team

Robb Jacobs

President

Robb Jacobs

Robb has been designing, creating, and delivering e-learning courses and educational video productions since 1990. Graduate from "Film in the Cities" (Mpls.) with Instructional Design certificates from the University of St. Thomas and Rutgers University.

Robb was instrumental in bringing accessibility capabilities to Rivertown in 2006 and provides the vision for our future endeavors.

Jothan Sargent

Lead Programmer

Jothan Sargent

Jothan Sargent is our Lead Programmer and is skilled in all current programming languages. He’s an expert in Learning Management Systems and he programmed our Inspire LMS (R) system. Jothan has a degree in Computer Science from the University of St. Thomas.

Jothan is our accessibility expert and conducts accessibility reviews of our projects and leads training sessions on accessibility issues.

Jessica DuFresne

Production Manager

Jessica DuFresne

Jessica has been designing effective e-learning systems since 1999. She is experienced in designing user interfaces and navigation systems. Jessica programs in StoryLine, Rise, HTML5, Bootstrap and CSS. Jessica also creates graphics and animations using Adobe creative tools and she has a degree in Graphic Design from Brown College.

Micah Hoyt

Lead Media Specialist

Micah Hoyt

Micah is a talented video producer, editor and audio engineer. Micah is also a skilled graphic artist and creates the animations we use in our productions. He was instrumental in bringing “motion capture” techniques to Rivertown. Micah handles all our English and alternate language narration services and translations. Micah is a graduate of Brown College with a degree in Multimedia Production.

Julie Jacobs RN, MS, PhD

Project Manager

Julie Jacobs RN, MS, PhD

Julie has advanced degrees in technical communications and project management. She is a Registered Nurse and is instrumental in managing our health and medical related projects. Julie manages special projects at Rivertown and is skilled at research and technical writing.

Julie enjoys songwriting, gardening and travel when not busy at Rivertown Communications.

Monty McCleery

Graphic Design/Animator

Monty McCleery

Monty is a skilled artist working in a wide range of medias, including digital and fine art, video productions, custom animations and voice over projects (English and Spanish). She is a master of the Adobe Creative Suite. Monty is a graduate of the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain and has a degree in graphic design.

Monty is bilingual (English and Spanish) and does much of our translation and voice over work when Spanish is required.

Polly Johanson

Instruction Design

Polly Johanson

With over 30 years of instructional design and technical writing experience, Polly has an aptitude for creating materials that are useful and functional. She has experience in writing various kinds of materials in a wide variety of industries to meet the needs of the audience. Polly has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education with an emphasis on technical writing.

Diane Greenwood

Instructional Design

Diane Greenwood

Diane has worked in the field of instructional design for over 25 years. She is experienced in working with all levels in organizations, including senior executives, government departments and international clients. Diane is skilled at writing scripts following adult learning principles including Kirkpatrick’s levels of evaluation for assessments and the ADDIE model. Dianne has a Bachelor’s of Science in Education with emphasis in Speech Communications – University of North Dakota.