Instructional design has become the beating heart of modern education. It offers a strategic approach to enhancing learning experiences for students growing up in a digital world. By blending educational theory, research and technology, instructional designers create frameworks that foster student success.
For educators and professionals aspiring to excel in this field, understanding instructional design is a crucial first step toward making impactful contributions in educational settings. Avila University’s online Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) in Curriculum & Instruction (C&I) with a concentration in Interdisciplinary program offers a clear pathway to creating responsive learning environments and building a career in this dynamic field.
Defining Instructional Design in Education
At the core of instructional design is a systemic approach to crafting educational materials, courses and learning experiences, according to Instructure. The method originated in World War II when the U.S. military began training recruits with a learning model that included objectives, an organized curriculum and assessments. Modern instructional design follows the same basic format but has incorporated data-based techniques and technology to keep students engaged and ensure their success in a modern workforce.
Instructional design emphasizes research-based strategies to address diverse learning styles and needs. Elm Learning points out how frameworks like the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation (ADDIE) model allow instructional designers to craft content tailored to the learners’ objectives. The ADDIE model provides designers with the steps to do the following:
- analyze a challenge and goals for the learner
- design instructional techniques for the student
- develop materials and make adjustments based on the learner’s needs
- implement training for instructors and prepare for full launch using feedback
- evaluate the curriculum through testing
Successful instructional designers understand how to combine this theoretical knowledge with technological tools and learning fundamentals. These professionals identify how to make a course consistently engaging through discussion boards, videos, games and group activities, giving students an immersive experience that helps them better absorb information. Making content digestible and easily accessible to different kinds of learners, especially those who are more visual learners, is the name of the game for instructional designers.
The value of instructional design extends beyond curriculum creation. Making learning accessible and adaptable supports inclusivity, equity and innovation in educational environments. Effective instructional design can have a real impact on student outcomes, according to Insight7. According to a DevlinPeck article, the Research Institute of America concluded that e-learning, or bringing digital tools into a class or training program, boosts retention rates by anywhere between 25-60% compared to 8-10% retention in traditional training.
What Does an Instructional Designer Do?
Instructional designers serve as the architects of education, bridging the gap between complex concepts and learner comprehension. They are responsible for designing, implementing and evaluating instructional materials across various platforms, including online courses, corporate training and K-12 classrooms, according to Indeed.
The role often falls under a variety of titles, including curriculum developer, training and development coordinator, campus instructional coach, learning designer or learning strategist. While K-12 schools and higher education institutions are popular destinations for instructional designers, professionals also work within private companies, healthcare organizations and nonprofit groups to develop training programs. Indeed reports that graduates can expect to make an average base salary of about $73,000, depending on their geographic location or experience level.
Many employers expect instructional designers to be comfortable using standard industry software and tools to design e-learning content, according to Indeed. Communication and technical writing skills are also crucial to success in the field, as are abilities in developing graphic design, programming and project management and research.
Step Into the Growing Instructional Design Field With Avila University
As part of Avila University’s online MEd in C&I with a concentration in Interdisciplinary program, students develop these critical skills through courses like Educational Research. It covers the basics of qualitative and quantitative research, allowing students to analyze and design research at a scholarly level while also evaluating the research of others.
In addition, rising instructional designers also learn to effectively plan instruction based on the collection and analysis of student data in the Data Literacy & Assessment course. In turn, students are prepared to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of their curriculum once they step into a full-time role after graduation. As the demand for skilled instructional designers continues to grow, Avila University’s online program provides a valuable foundation for designers eager to shape the future of education.
Learn more about Avila University’s online Master of Arts in Education in Curriculum & Instruction with a concentration in Interdisciplinary program.
