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Looking to grasp the foundations of instructional design in a straightforward, easily digestible manner?

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Looking to grasp the foundations of instructional design in a straightforward, easily digestible manner?

"The Absolute Basics of Instructional Design" is the ideal starting point for you. This course is your gateway to the world of e-learning instructional design within workplace environments. It offers a comprehensive blend of theory and practical insights, and is tailored to equip you with foundational knowledge and essential skills for success in this field.

In terms of theory, we’ll explore the fundamental principles that guide the creation of effective learning. We will start by talking about how the human brain functions, and why this is essential knowledge for instructional designers. Understanding cognitive load theory, we'll learn to leverage this insight to craft impactful solutions. Additionally, we'll explore a variety of principles—including multimedia learning, spaced retrieval, and metacognition—that elevate your ability to design meaningful learning experiences.

Practically, the course provides insights into the entire instructional design process, from crafting a project brief to conducting detailed analysis. Sample consulting conversations offer hands-on experience applying your knowledge to real-world contexts.

As you progress, you'll dig into the intricacies of design, learning about curriculum development, design decisions, and content validation processes. Additionally, you'll gain insights into executing design plans, including storyboarding, utilizing course authoring tools, understanding graphic design essentials, and considerations for various learning platforms.

We'll cover learning development processes, touching upon methodologies like ADDIE and SAM, as well as offering an overview of project management essentials.

Understanding the diverse modalities of learning is paramount, and this course introduces you to a range of them, including synchronous training, mobile learning, microlearning, gamified learning, social learning, and more.

Beyond instructional design fundamentals, we also cover relevant topics like interactivity levels, collaboration with SMEs, accessibility considerations, content translation, writing for better learning outcomes, copyright issues, and managing intellectual property and information security. Additionally, you'll gain exposure to marketing basics, data analytics, content curation, and the role of AI in instructional design, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of the broader landscape, concluding with insights on continuous learning, staying updated, and dispelling common myths.

Throughout the course, quizzes are interspersed to reinforce your understanding and encourage exploration into finer details. There are various reflection points, allowing you to pause and ponder over what you’ve just learned —another principle for effective learning.

"The Absolute Basics of Instructional Design" equips you to begin your instructional design journey with confidence and proficiency.

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Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides a comprehensive overview of instructional design theory and practice, making it suitable for beginners
Emphasizes the application of instructional design principles through real-world examples and exercises
Covers the full spectrum of instructional design processes, from planning to evaluation
Includes insights into various learning modalities, such as synchronous training and microlearning
Provides practical tips on interactivity, collaboration, and accessibility considerations in instructional design
Taught by experienced instructors with a strong reputation in instructional design

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Reviews summary

Well-regarded course on instructional design principles

Learners say this course covers the basics of instructional design in a clear and engaging manner. They appreciate the expert insights and practical exercises. However, some note that the content may not be suitable for advanced learners.
Suitable for beginners with little or no prior knowledge in instructional design.
"Loved the course. It was easy to learn as Iam beginner"
"Easy to understand for beginners. Well-structured."
"This is an excellent refresher course for me."
Course includes practical exercises to reinforce learning.
"already learned alot"
"easy to understand and lots of examples"
"Thorough course with lots of useful information."
Content is engaging and keeps learners interested.
"It’s very engaging so far"
"Very clearly explained 👌"
"Great information as always"
Concepts are presented in a clear and easy-to-understand manner.
"Easy to listen to and engaging"
"Clear, instructive, straightforward!"
"Easy to understand for beginners. Well-structured."
Instructor is knowledgeable and experienced in instructional design.
"It's very engaging so far"
"Very clearly explained 👌"
"knowledgeable and easy to understand"
Some learners feel that the content may be too basic for those with more experience in instructional design.
"Very good informations, but with lower speaking speed it could be better for the biginners, thank u"
"The course is good, profound knowledge. I hope it gets more advance when I follow with the rest."
"This course is a great place to begin for massage enthusiasts."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Absolute Basics of Instructional Design with these activities:
Read "Instructional Design: The ADDIE Model" by Charles M. Reigeluth.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the ADDIE model, which is a widely used instructional design model.
Show steps
  • Read the book and take notes.
  • Summarize the key concepts of the ADDIE model.
  • Apply the ADDIE model to a real-world instructional design project.
Read "Design for How People Learn" by Julie Dirksen.
Offers practical guidance on how to design learning experiences that are effective and engaging.
Show steps
  • Read the book and take notes.
  • Summarize the key principles of design for learning.
  • Apply the principles of design for learning to a real-world instructional design project.
Create a course design project
Helps you apply the concepts of instructional design to a real-world scenario.
Show steps
  • Define the learning objectives for your project.
  • Develop a storyboard for your project.
  • Create content for your project.
  • Test your project with learners.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Attend a workshop on instructional design.
Provides an opportunity to learn from experts in the field and network with other instructional designers.
Show steps
  • Research different workshops on instructional design.
  • Select a workshop that meets your interests and needs.
  • Attend the workshop and take notes.
  • Apply what you learned from the workshop to your own instructional design work.
Volunteer to mentor other learners.
Helps develop your leadership skills and strengthen your understanding of instructional design.
Show steps
  • Identify a learner who needs mentoring.
  • Set up a regular meeting schedule with the learner.
  • Provide guidance and support to the learner as needed.
Develop a presentation on a specific instructional design topic.
Helps you develop your communication and presentation skills.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic that you are interested in.
  • Research your topic and gather information.
  • Develop a storyboard for your presentation.
  • Create content for your presentation.
  • Practice delivering your presentation.
Join a peer group of instructional designers.
Provides support and feedback from other instructional designers.
Show steps
  • Search for peer groups of instructional designers online.
  • Join a peer group that seems like a good fit for you.
  • Participate in peer group discussions and activities.
Contribute to an open source instructional design project.
Helps you learn from others and contribute to the instructional design community.
Show steps
  • Identify an open source instructional design project that you are interested in.
  • Join the project community and get involved in discussions.
  • Contribute to the project in a way that is meaningful to you.

Career center

Learners who complete The Absolute Basics of Instructional Design will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Instructional Designer
The Absolute Basics of Instructional Design provides a solid foundation for an Instructional Designer. As an Instructional Designer, you will need to understand the fundamentals of instructional design, such as cognitive load theory and multimedia learning. This course covers these topics in depth and provides practical insights into the entire instructional design process, from crafting a project brief to conducting detailed analysis. Additionally, you'll gain insights into design, learning development processes, and various learning modalities.
E-Learning Developer
The Absolute Basics of Instructional Design is an excellent choice for aspiring E-Learning Developers. This course will provide you with the foundational knowledge and essential skills needed to be successful in this field. You'll learn about the entire instructional design process, from crafting a project brief to conducting detailed analysis. Additionally, you'll gain insights into design, learning development processes, and various learning modalities. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a successful career as an E-Learning Developer.
Learning and Development Specialist
The Absolute Basics of Instructional Design is a valuable resource for aspiring Learning and Development Specialists. This course will provide you with the foundational knowledge and essential skills needed to be successful in this field. You'll learn about the entire instructional design process, from crafting a project brief to conducting detailed analysis. Additionally, you'll gain insights into design, learning development processes, and various learning modalities. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a successful career as a Learning and Development Specialist.
Curriculum Developer
The Absolute Basics of Instructional Design is an excellent choice for aspiring Curriculum Developers. This course will provide you with the foundational knowledge and essential skills needed to be successful in this field. You'll learn about the entire instructional design process, from crafting a project brief to conducting detailed analysis. Additionally, you'll gain insights into design, learning development processes, and various learning modalities. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a successful career as a Curriculum Developer.
Instructional Technologist
The Absolute Basics of Instructional Design is a valuable resource for aspiring Instructional Technologists. This course will provide you with the foundational knowledge and essential skills needed to be successful in this field. You'll learn about the entire instructional design process, from crafting a project brief to conducting detailed analysis. Additionally, you'll gain insights into design, learning development processes, and various learning modalities. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a successful career as an Instructional Technologist.
Educational Consultant
The Absolute Basics of Instructional Design may be useful for aspiring Educational Consultants. This course will provide you with the foundational knowledge of instructional design, such as cognitive load theory and multimedia learning. Additionally, you'll gain insights into design, learning development processes, and various learning modalities. This knowledge can be beneficial for Educational Consultants who work with clients to improve their learning and development programs.
Training Manager
The Absolute Basics of Instructional Design may be useful for aspiring Training Managers. This course will provide you with the foundational knowledge of instructional design, such as cognitive load theory and multimedia learning. Additionally, you'll gain insights into design, learning development processes, and various learning modalities. This knowledge can be beneficial for Training Managers who are responsible for developing and delivering training programs.
Project Manager
The Absolute Basics of Instructional Design is a valuable resource for aspiring Project Managers. This course will provide you with the foundational knowledge and essential skills needed to be successful in this field. You'll learn about the entire instructional design process, from crafting a project brief to conducting detailed analysis. Additionally, you'll gain insights into design, learning development processes, and various learning modalities. This knowledge can be beneficial for Project Managers who work on projects related to learning and development.
Content Developer
The Absolute Basics of Instructional Design is an excellent choice for aspiring Content Developers. This course will provide you with the foundational knowledge and essential skills needed to be successful in this field. You'll learn about the entire instructional design process, from crafting a project brief to conducting detailed analysis. Additionally, you'll gain insights into design, learning development processes, and various learning modalities. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a successful career as a Content Developer.
User Experience Designer
The Absolute Basics of Instructional Design may be useful for aspiring User Experience Designers. This course will provide you with the foundational knowledge of instructional design, such as cognitive load theory and multimedia learning. Additionally, you'll gain insights into design, learning development processes, and various learning modalities. This knowledge can be beneficial for User Experience Designers who work on designing learning experiences.
Information Architect
The Absolute Basics of Instructional Design may be useful for aspiring Information Architects. This course will provide you with the foundational knowledge of instructional design, such as cognitive load theory and multimedia learning. Additionally, you'll gain insights into design, learning development processes, and various learning modalities. This knowledge can be beneficial for Information Architects who work on designing learning environments.
Technical Writer
The Absolute Basics of Instructional Design is a valuable resource for aspiring Technical Writers. This course will provide you with the foundational knowledge and essential skills needed to be successful in this field. You'll learn about the entire instructional design process, from crafting a project brief to conducting detailed analysis. Additionally, you'll gain insights into design, learning development processes, and various learning modalities. This knowledge can be beneficial for Technical Writers who work on developing learning materials.
Graphic designer
The Absolute Basics of Instructional Design may be useful for aspiring Graphic Designers. This course will provide you with the foundational knowledge of instructional design, such as cognitive load theory and multimedia learning. Additionally, you'll gain insights into design, learning development processes, and various learning modalities. This knowledge can be beneficial for Graphic Designers who work on designing learning materials.
Videographer
The Absolute Basics of Instructional Design may be useful for aspiring Videographers. This course will provide you with the foundational knowledge of instructional design, such as cognitive load theory and multimedia learning. Additionally, you'll gain insights into design, learning development processes, and various learning modalities. This knowledge can be beneficial for Videographers who work on creating learning videos.
Photographer
The Absolute Basics of Instructional Design may be useful for aspiring Photographers. This course will provide you with the foundational knowledge of instructional design, such as cognitive load theory and multimedia learning. Additionally, you'll gain insights into design, learning development processes, and various learning modalities. This knowledge can be beneficial for Photographers who work on creating learning images.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Absolute Basics of Instructional Design.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the instructional design process, from planning and analysis to development and evaluation. It valuable resource for both new and experienced instructional designers.
Provides an in-depth look at the cognitive processes involved in multimedia learning. It valuable resource for instructional designers who want to create effective and engaging multimedia learning experiences.
Provides guidance on how to use social media to enhance educational leadership. While less immediately applicable to the course, it is an excellent resource for educational practitioners who want to use social media to improve their instruction.
Provides a guide to learning theories in practice. While less immediately applicable to the course, this valuable supplemental resource for instructional designers who want to learn more about learning theories.
Provides a comprehensive guide to e-learning course development. While less immediately applicable to the course, this valuable resource for instructional designers who want to learn more about e-learning course development.

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