What Is Instructional Design?
Instructional design is the systematic process of planning, creating, and delivering effective learning experiences.
Instructional designers (IDs) are learning specialists with expertise in learning theory and instructional strategies. IDs collaborate with faculty members to identify the course goals, learning objectives, and assessment strategies. Working together, we design and develop impactful learning experiences, including courses, trainings, and other learning materials.
What Do Instructional Designers Do at the CDE?
- Explore learner needs and assess learning objectives to pinpoint the knowledge and skills required. While IDs don’t create the objectives themselves, we can review and suggest improvements.
- Recommend the most effective methods for delivering instruction based on learning objectives and learner profile.
- Support faculty in identifying, developing, and curating content that best meets learning outcomes.
- Identify opportunities to enhance learning through media and offer guidance throughout the media production process.
- Assist faculty in deciding when and how to leverage technology to effectively achieve course learning objectives.
- Provide guidance on effective assessment methods to ensure a clear picture of student learning.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of course design and analyze results to suggest improvements to enhance student learning outcomes.
- Integrate Quality Matters’ research-based rubric into the design process to optimize course quality.
How Will We Work with You?
IDs work collaboratively with faculty to translate their subject matter expertise into engaging learning experiences. This collaboration involves the following:
- Schedule regular check-ins: This can be done virtually or face-to-face, depending on preference.
- Collaborate on formalized documents: We will work together to create a clear backward design plan, templates, and media strategy.
- Coordinate seamlessly: We will act as a central point of contact, keeping everyone informed and the project on schedule.
Work with an ID
Interested in working with an ID at the CDE? Find out more on our Work with Us page.