OVERVIEW
What is an Instructional Designer?
At its core, instructional design is about creating educational programs and materials that are efficient, effective, and appealing. Instructional designers work to develop courses, workshops, e-learning modules, and other training materials that help learners achieve specific outcomes. They apply learning theories and systematic methodologies to craft educational experiences that make a real difference.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does an Instructional Designer Do?
The daily responsibilities of an instructional designer can vary widely, but they often include:
- Conducting needs assessments: Identifying the learning needs of a particular audience.
- Designing curricula: Outlining the structure of a course or training program.
- Developing content: Creating or curating educational materials.
- Implementing technology: Choosing and using digital tools to enhance learning.
- Evaluating outcomes: Assessing the effectiveness of educational programs and making improvements.
Where Does an Instructional Designer Work?
Instructional designers find employment in various settings, including public and private educational institutions, corporations, nonprofits, government agencies, and as independent consultants. The work environment can range from traditional office settings to remote positions, offering flexibility to suit different work-life balance preferences.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
What Education Does an Instructional Designer Need?
Becoming an instructional designer involves a blend of formal education, practical experience, and ongoing professional development. Follow these steps to start your career in instructional design:
- Obtain relevant education: Most instructional design positions require at least a bachelor's degree. Degrees in education, instructional design, instructional technology, or subject-matter areas paired with a teaching credential can be beneficial. Higher education, like a master's degree in instructional design or educational technology, can further enhance your prospects.
- Gain practical experience: Hands-on experience is crucial. Seek opportunities to design learning materials or courses through internships, volunteer positions, or relevant employment. Experience with e-learning platforms and authoring tools is particularly valuable.
- Build a portfolio: Create a portfolio showcasing your instructional design projects. Include various materials to demonstrate your skills in curriculum development, multimedia design, and assessment creation. Your portfolio is a vital tool for illustrating your capabilities to potential employers.
- Stay current with trends: Join professional associations, attend workshops and conferences, and participate in webinars. Following industry publications can help you stay updated on the latest e-learning, technology, and pedagogy trends.
Best Degree for an Instructional Designer
Education
Education Technology and Instructional Design – M.Ed.
The M.Ed. in Education Technology and Instructional Design from WGU is for...
The M.Ed. in Education Technology and Instructional Design from WGU is for instructional designers tasked with creating engaging and immersive virtual learning experiences that can substitute for on-ground instruction.
No teaching license required.
- Time: 62% of students finish this program in 10 months.
- Tuition: $3,975 per 6-month term
- Courses: 12 total courses in this program.
This program includes two tracks for students to choose from:
- The K-12 pathway
- The Adult Learner pathway
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Learning Experience Design
- Assessment and Learning Analytics
- Learning Technology
- Research Methodology
Develop training and instruction expertise to help you in the classroom, in educational settings, or in corporate world.
Technology
Information Technology – B.S.
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online...
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online program a top choice.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish within 39 months.
- Tuition: $3,625 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 36 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
- ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification
- LPI Linux Essentials
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Networking and security
- Systems and services
- Data management
- Business of IT
How Much Does an Instructional Designer Make?
$74,620
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for instructional designers is $74,620. However, salaries vary depending on experience, geographic location, industry, and educational attainment. For example, instructional designers working for software publishers typically earn more than those in other industries such as education or healthcare. Additionally, instructional designers with advanced degrees or specialized certifications may command higher salaries.
What Is the Job Outlook?
2%
The BLS reports that employment of instructional designers is projected to increase by 2% from 2022 to 2032. This increase is the average for all occupations as companies and educational institutions seek professionals who can design effective, engaging learning experiences in online and traditional classroom settings. As a result, instructional designers can expect promising job opportunities in various industries, including healthcare, finance, and technology.
SKILLS
What Skills Does an Instructional Designer Need?
Instructional designers depend on a variety of different skills, including:
- Project management: One of the critical skills that an instructional designer must possess is project management. This involves developing a plan, executing that plan, tracking progress, and adjusting course as necessary. By using project management skills, an instructional designer helps ensure that all aspects of a project are accounted for and milestones are achieved promptly. As a result, instructional designers who are well versed in project management are better equipped to tackle complex projects and optimize the outcomes of their work.
- Collaboration: Instructional designers work with subject matter experts, graphic designers, developers, project managers, and other stakeholders to create effective and engaging learning experiences. Collaborating with others helps instructional designers bring diverse perspectives and ideas to the table, leading to better problem-solving, needs analysis, and content development. They also work closely with clients to gather feedback and make necessary adjustments.
- Analytical thinking: An instructional designer must be able to identify patterns, evaluate data, and draw conclusions based on evidence. Analytical thinking is necessary when creating effective learning programs. An instructional designer must analyze the learners' needs, the content, and the available resources to develop instruction that suits the situation. They must also be able to evaluate the effectiveness of their instruction and make adjustments as needed.
- Adaptability and flexibility: In today's dynamic workplace, the only constant is change, and an instructional designer who can't adjust to changing circumstances will quickly find themselves left behind. Adaptability and flexibility allow instructional designers to tailor their approach to the unique needs of learners, adjusting on the fly to updated conditions and demands. Whether changing course materials, adapting to a new learning context, or integrating new technologies, versatility and patience are essential for success as an instructional designer.
- User experience (UX) design: Understanding the principles of UX, including user-centeredness and usability, helps an instructional designer create compelling and engaging learning experiences. By incorporating UX techniques, an instructional designer can design for the learners' needs and preferences, resulting in a positive learning experience.
- Cultural competency: Possessing cultural competency allows instructional designers to develop content that is sensitive to learners' diverse backgrounds. This includes considerations such as values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. For example, an instructional designer may need to adjust course materials when working with learners from diverse backgrounds and varying skill levels and abilities. They may need to incorporate culturally relevant examples and alternative learning formats to engage their learners effectively.
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