What is Instructional Design/What Do Instructional Designers Do?

According to the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), instructional designers are responsible for designing, developing, utilizing, managing, and evaluating processes and resources for learning and their theory and practice. Instructional designers employ theory and research processes to develop and implement learning materials that produce more significant outcomes for a particular group of people (Purdue University, 2022).

Learning is a constant process of change. Educational materials need to be revised and adapted as technology and discoveries advance. However, this only occurs by editing a textbook or adding information to a course. For individuals to digest and retain the material effectively, the entire learning process often needs to be reshaped. In this context, instructional designers play an essential role. The role of instructional designers is crucial to the learning process. They are responsible for developing instruction manuals and student guides and redesigning courses or curriculums.

From kindergarten to college to business, government, and the military, instructional designers are employed in various industries. It is possible for them to work individually or as a team. In addition to job security, instructional designers are expected to see a 13 percent increase in job opportunities within the next ten years. This is based on a median salary of $60,050, according to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

To create effective learning materials and courses, instructional designers must possess various skills. They must be proficient in both learning design and technology since they are responsible for the following:

• Designing instructional management systems.
• Evaluating newly developed eLearning materials.
• Producing podcasts, videos, and content for educational purposes.
• Developing new learning models as well as revamping existing ones.
• Reviewing program performance and implementing feedback.
• Providing training to others on delivering learning materials.
• Researching and developing innovations relevant to the designing and delivering education and learning.

As instructional designers, we primarily use the framework as a scaffold for analyzing, designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating programs. Students and practitioners will replace the scaffold with their customized solution strategies upon attaining more experience and proficiency in instructional design. This replacement strategy enables them to solve the multidimensional problems encountered in designing instruction. It is critical to note that, as with any complex endeavor, those who fail to transition from dependence to independence are, at a minimum, competent technicians rather than masters of the discipline (Dick et al., 2022).

In the learning process, instructional designers are tasked with redesigning courses, creating entire systems, developing complete curriculums, and creating training materials, including teaching manuals and student guides. As part of the development of an adult education program, the ISD process is used to create a comprehensive learning environment, including course design, accessibility, ADA compliance, Universal Design, learning outcomes, assignments, instructor role, discussion and engagement in class, community building, communication, and continuous course improvement (Gunder et al., 2021, p. 3).

Digital learning experiences of high quality are based on the principles of equality, inclusion, and accessibility for all learners. Furthermore, high-quality digital learning experiences are well-organized and thoughtfully designed. As part of instructional design principles and strategies, learning objectives must be aligned with learning assignments, activities, and assessment practices.

Some instructors may require the integration of distance learning tools, while others may be able to acquire them independently. This process can include information about designing online courses, best practices for facilitating online courses, exploring online learning communities, using assessment tools, and identifying copyright issues. Curriculum and instruction are concerned with the content taught, instructional design, and quality indicators. Standards-based curricula allow programs to define the knowledge, skills, learning activities, and materials necessary to accomplish the standards of adult education programs (Online Learning Consortium, 2018).

References

Crompton, H. & Sykora, C. (2021). Developing instructional technology standards for educators: A designed based research study. Science Direct: Computers and Education Open. https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/computers-and-education-open/vol/2/suppl/C

Dick, W., Carey, L., & Carey, J. (2022). The systematic design of instruction (9th ed.) Pearson

Oats, T. (2017). 6 skills to look for in an instructional designer. eLearning Industry https://elearningindustry. com/6-skills-to-look-for-in-an-instructional-designer

Perdue University Online. (2022). Education: What do instructional designers do? https://online.purdue.edu/blog/education/what-do-instructional-designers-do#:~:text=Instructional%20designers%20are%20paramount%20in,teaching%20manuals%20and%20student%20guides.

Sattar, E. (2020). The impact of educational technology on adult learners. QuickStart. https://www.quickstart.com/blog/the-impact-of-educational-technology-on-adult-learners/ 

Taylor, T. (2017). Top 10 in demand instructional designer skills. eLearning Industry. https://elearning industry.com/instructional-designer-skills-top-10