Perhaps nothing is more crucial for crafting effective educational materials and experiences than the practice of instructional design. Dedicated to enhancing learning and boosting performance, the versatility of instructional design allows professionals to apply their expertise across various sectors including education, healthcare and banking.
The St. Thomas University (STU) Master of Science (M.S.) in Instructional Design & Technology online program provides an ideal path for professionals interested in a wide variety of careers in instructional design. Graduates go on to positions in academic and corporate environments, pursuing opportunities as librarians, instructional professors, curriculum designers, corporate trainers, academic coaches, marketing directors and human resources directors.
What Is Instructional Design?
WhatFix describes the systematic process of instructional design (ID) as focused on analyzing learners’ needs, defining clear training objectives, selecting suitable instructional strategies and resources, developing engaging instructional materials and assessing learner progress. Many designers work directly with staff in designing and delivering professional development classes, according to Devlin Peck. Others work in coaching roles, teaching less experienced trainers and staff in eLearning tools, course design, assessment and best practices.
Instructional design is deeply intertwined with learning technology, making it crucial for designers to have a background in technology, software and data visualization tools, according to Digital Learning Institute. They also analyze qualitative and quantitative data to assess the effectiveness of their curriculum is and make changes in response to user feedback. Instructional designers use a variety of software to create courses and make them interactive and user-friendly.
Designers take advantage of technology-based tools, like gamified learning, to make learning products that are engaging and interactive, according to SC Training. By creating word searches or asking true or false quiz questions, instructional designers can help the material stick out in users’ minds. Other techniques include creating a curriculum with a thorough plotline that keeps the interest of learners, known as story-based design. Case studies, infographics and instructional guides are other examples of instructional design that combine data visualizations, curriculum and interactive components.
Instructional design emphasizes research-based strategies to address diverse learning styles and needs. The Digital Learning Institute points out how frameworks like the ADDIE model allow instructional designers to craft content tailored to the learners’ objectives. ADDIE — an acronym standing for Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation — 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 adjust them based on the learner’s needs
- implement training for instructors and prepare for full launch using feedback
- evaluate the curriculum through testing
Instructional Design Careers in Healthcare, Banking and Education
In the healthcare sector, instructional design is instrumental in developing training programs that ensure medical professionals remain adept with the latest knowledge and skills. An article in the academic journal Advances in Simulation details how effective instructional design in healthcare education involves creating realistic simulations that allow learners to practice and refine their skills in a controlled environment. These simulations enhance clinical competence and improve patient care outcomes.
The banking and finance industry also benefits from instructional design through the development of comprehensive training programs that address regulatory compliance, product knowledge and customer service skills, according to eLearning Industry. Still, most banks and financial services organizations tend to opt for more traditional learning approaches. With younger people entering the field, eLearning Industry identifies a growing desire to engage with staff in different ways, including story-based learning, gamification and case study scenarios. By leveraging e-learning modules, scenario-based training and assessments, financial institutions can ensure their employees are equipped to navigate complex financial products and adhere to industry regulations.
Higher education institutions and K-12 schools also regularly turn to instructional designers for help on advising instructors and transitioning in-person learning to online courses, according to Devlin Peck. Instructional designers can offer advice on how to adjust assignments, so they better fit the flow of the course. This makes the grading process easier for the instructor and ensure students remain engaged with the curriculum. By the conclusion of the consultation, both the instructor and the instructional designer agree on a course of action, and the designer can move forward with making the course a reality.
Innovating the Future of Instructional Design With St. Thomas University
In addition to a broad-based curriculum, St. Thomas University’s online M.S. in Instructional Design & Technology program provides students with hands-on experience to develop instruction and training programs for specific needs. These skills are vital for connecting with the next generation of students.
Through the Introduction to Instructional Technology course and the Instructional Design: Theories and Models course, designers gain a deeper understanding of the field. Regardless of which specialty graduates pursue, the program takes their careers to the next level.
Learn more about St. Thomas University’s online Master of Science in Instructional Design & Technology program.
