What is Instructional Design & Learning Technology?
You may be wondering about a new profession that suddenly seems to be everywhere. We’re talking about Instructional design and learning technology—two closely related fields that focus on creating effective and efficient learning experiences.
But while you’ve been hearing about them, you may not know exactly what they are or how they can benefit organizations as diverse as elementary schools, government organizations, and Fortune 500 companies. Ready to find out? Read on.
What is instructional design?
Many people have encountered websites, participated in online workshops or trainings, and used other interactive materials that were created and developed by instructional designers – often without realizing it.
Instructional design is the process of creating educational or training materials and experiences in a systematic and efficient way. It involves analyzing learning needs, designing instructional strategies, developing and implementing materials, and evaluating the effectiveness of the instruction.
Instructional design teams collaborate with subject matter experts in businesses and educational settings to bring learning to life. The combination of technical know-how, knowledge of best practices for learning, and a collaborative spirit helps to position instructional design professionals with a unique opportunity to contribute their expertise across a wide range of organizations.
The goal of instructional design is to create learning experiences that are effective, efficient, and appealing to the learners. It can be applied to various contexts such as schools, businesses, and government organizations.
What is learning technology?
Learning technology refers to the use of technology to support and enhance learning. This includes a wide range of tools and technologies, such as Learning Management Systems (LMS), e-learning platforms, virtual reality, mobile devices, and adaptive learning systems. Learning technology can be used to create interactive and engaging learning experiences, as well as to deliver instruction remotely and at scale.
There are many types of learning technology available that can be used to create effective instruction materials. These include:
Learning Management Systems (LMS)
These are software platforms that are used to create and deliver online learning content. Examples include Moodle, Canvas, and Blackboard.
E-learning platforms
These are online platforms that are used to create and deliver self-paced, interactive e-learning courses. Examples include Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate and iSpring.
Virtual and augmented reality
These technologies are used to create immersive, interactive learning experiences. For example, virtual reality can be used to simulate real-world situations, while augmented reality can be used to overlay digital information on the physical world.
Mobile learning
Mobile learning refers to the use of mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, to deliver and access learning content.
Adaptive learning systems
These are systems that adapt the learning experience to the individual learner's needs and abilities. They can be used to create personalized learning plans and to provide feedback on learner's progress.
Game-based learning
Game-based learning is the use of game-based elements, such as points, badges, and leaderboards, to make learning more engaging and interactive.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
These are computer systems that can be trained to perform specific tasks, such as language translation, image recognition and speech synthesis. These technologies can be used to create intelligent tutoring systems, adaptive e-learning platforms and personalized learning experiences.
Social Learning
Platforms such as discussion boards, blogs, and social media can be used to create opportunities for learners to collaborate and learn from one another.
Each type of technology has its own strengths and weaknesses, and they can be used in different ways to support and enhance learning.
Better together: Instructional design & learning technology
Instructional design focuses on the design and development of educational materials, while learning technology focuses on the use of technology to support and enhance learning. Together, these two fields work to create effective and efficient learning experiences that engage and motivate learners.
Albert Magnus College now offers a 1.5-year Master of Instructional Design and Learning Technology degree for those people passionate about making learning experiences more engaging, accessible, and inclusive.
Think that might sound like you? Read on to learn more about the ins and outs of instructional design and learning technology.
A constantly evolving field
Instructional design is constantly evolving as new technologies and learning theories become available.
Here are some additional details to know about instructional design:
Learning theories
Instructional design is based on various learning theories, such as cognitive psychology, constructivism, and behaviorism. These theories provide a framework for understanding how people learn and what instructional strategies are most effective. For example, cognitive psychology focuses on how people process information, while constructivism emphasizes the active role of learners in constructing their own understanding.
Technology
Technology plays an increasingly important role in instructional design. New technologies, such as e-learning platforms, virtual reality, and mobile devices, offer new opportunities for creating engaging and interactive learning experiences.
Adaptive learning
Adaptive learning is a type of instruction that adapts to the individual learner's needs and abilities. This can be done through personalized learning plans, adaptive assessments, and other techniques. Adaptive learning is becoming more prevalent as technology advances and allows for more sophisticated personalization.
Gamification
Gamification is the use of game-based elements, such as points, badges, and leaderboards, in non-game contexts to engage learners and motivate them to achieve their goals. It can be used to make learning more engaging and interactive, and it has been found to be effective in areas such as language learning, coding, and employee training.
Universal design for learning (UDL)
UDL is an approach to instruction that is inclusive of all learners, including those with disabilities. It involves designing instruction that can be accessed, engaged with, and progressed in by diverse learners.
Instructional design is a process of creating instruction that is effective, efficient, and appealing to learners.
It involves analyzing learning needs, designing instructional strategies, developing and implementing materials, and evaluating the effectiveness of the instruction. As technology changes and new learning theories are developed, instructional design will continue to evolve and adapt to meet the needs of learners in a variety of contexts.
A Systematic Approach to creating meaningful learning
Instructional design uses a systematic approach to creating educational or training materials that are tailored to the needs of the learners.
That systematic approach involves several key steps, including:
Analysis
In this step, instructional designers assess the learning needs of the target audience, including what they already know, what they need to learn, and what their learning goals are. This information is used to determine the instructional objectives and the content that should be covered in the materials.
Design
After the analysis, instructional designers develop a detailed plan for the instructional materials, including the content, instructional strategies, assessments, and technology to be used. They also consider how to engage learners and make the materials appealing.
Development
In this step, instructional designers create the actual instructional materials, such as lesson plans, presentations, assessments, and online courses. They also test the materials and make any necessary revisions.
Implementation
The instructional materials are then delivered to the learners, either in person or online. This step also includes the training of teachers or facilitators on how to use the materials effectively.
Evaluation
The final step in instructional design is to evaluate the effectiveness of the instruction. This includes assessing whether the learners have achieved the instructional objectives and evaluating the overall quality of the materials and instruction.
Best of all? That systematic approach can be applied to creating education and training programs, no matter what the setting—K-12 education, higher education, corporate training, museum, nonprofit, or government, to name just a few.
Is Instructional Design & Learning Technology right for you?
Does Instructional Design & Learning Technology sound like something that’s right for you? If so, be sure to check out the 1-year MS in Instructional Design and Learning Technology at Albertus Magnus College. 30 Credits. 1.5 years. Career game changer.