What Is Instructional Design?
Instructional design is the art and science of designing curricula and training to teach people new knowledge and skills effectively. Read on to learn more about this field and its educational options. Schools offering Instructional Design degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
Overview of Instructional Design
The field of instructional design, which integrates psychology, communications and education, developed after World War II as educators struggled to serve war veteran students. Modes of learning and delivery of education to adult learners are the focus. With the boom in online and distance education, the importance of technology has become an important part of this field. Many educators earn graduate certificates, master's degrees or doctoral degrees in instructional design at university graduate schools or online.
Graduate Certificate Programs
Instructional design certificate programs are shorter than degree programs. These programs can prepare workplace trainers and other adult teachers to use interactive media, computer-mediated instruction and educational planning software. Some certificate programs specialize within the field of instructional design in areas like instructional technology, which focuses on computer-assisted learning and multimedia, or distance learning, which focuses on effective online education.
Graduate Degree in Instructional Design
Teachers often earn graduate degrees in this field to stay current with the latest teaching methods and technologies or advance in their teaching careers. Administrators may choose this degree to increase curriculum planning skills or initiate online learning programs. Curricula for graduate degrees in instructional design can include learning needs assessment, instructional material design, outcomes evaluation, curriculum development, computing and instructional technology and multimedia. Graduate degree programs in this field can also offer specialization options, such as K-12, corporate or web-based instruction.
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below: