If you are trying to decide on whether a career as an instructional designer is for you, there are a few things to consider. First, remember that you have many options for schools that offer instructional design and instructional technology but you must choose the right one for you depending on what you want to do when you graduate. In most universities, the degree is available only at the graduate level, and programs offered may include M.Ed, M.S., A.M., Ed.D., Ph.D, and Ed.D.
The second thing to consider it what instructional designers do and how that fits with yours interests. Keep in mind that instructional technologists develop content that is used by trainers, other instructional designers, teachers, instructors, etc, with the goal of improving or enhancing instructional outcomes and effectiveness. Instructional designers make decisions on effectiveness of instructional methods, and instructional delivery for a stated set of learning outcomes. Therefore, this requires one to have good knowledge of learning psychology, learner analysis, and instructional media selection.
As a future student, you ought to consider several issues when selecting your ideal program or university. It is important to think about your future professional goals, your expertise and interests, distance learning options, and the cost of the program.
Something else to look for when doing your search is the name that the programs might be listed as. Common program titles are: Computer Education, Educational Technology, Instructional Design and Development, Instructional Technology, Instructional Systems Technology, Learning Technologies, Instructional Design, Development and Evaluation, Instructional Design and Technology and Instructional and Performance Technology. It is important to know this as this may be an indication of the types of courses you would be taking.
Another important consideration is whether your prospective graduate program is accredited. Being accredited mean that the program has undergone self-evaluation, it has been reviewed by peers and peer institutions, and accreditation bodies. Accreditation bodies are tasked with evaluating program to ensure that they conform to established standards that address the goals, mission, objectives, curriculum, students, faculty, administration, finances, and physical facilities and resources. Most employers will require you to have a degree attained from an accredited program. In addition, if you ever need to transfer or join another program, your new institution will evaluate whether your degree is worthwhile.
Instructional design programs offer different areas of specialization to prepare their students. Instructional designers, instructional technologist, or e-learning specialists work in a variety of different settings in corporations, K-12 schools, universities, government, the military, and non-governmental organizations (NGO's).
When feasible pay a visit to the college you are interested in and talk to both faculty and students in the program. Ask questions about internships and future employment. Also ask questions about the programs of study available to you. This will better assist you in making a final decision. Observe what computer, classroom, and library resources are available.
Your academic advisor can help you in the process of developing a program of study that fits your goals. The programs have required courses to provide general preparation to practice in the profession. Some departments also offer specialized tracks or courses that permit or encourage concentration in a specific area. The opportunity to specialize depends on the availability of relevant courses, on focused class projects.
Instructional design is a growing field for people who enjoy training, working with learners, developing multimedia, and designing instructional content. The profession has established a broad knowledge base in learning psychology, cultural studies, and media studies. The profession continues to expand as more organizations move toward e-learning, human performance technology, and other instructional modes.
The second thing to consider it what instructional designers do and how that fits with yours interests. Keep in mind that instructional technologists develop content that is used by trainers, other instructional designers, teachers, instructors, etc, with the goal of improving or enhancing instructional outcomes and effectiveness. Instructional designers make decisions on effectiveness of instructional methods, and instructional delivery for a stated set of learning outcomes. Therefore, this requires one to have good knowledge of learning psychology, learner analysis, and instructional media selection.
As a future student, you ought to consider several issues when selecting your ideal program or university. It is important to think about your future professional goals, your expertise and interests, distance learning options, and the cost of the program.
Something else to look for when doing your search is the name that the programs might be listed as. Common program titles are: Computer Education, Educational Technology, Instructional Design and Development, Instructional Technology, Instructional Systems Technology, Learning Technologies, Instructional Design, Development and Evaluation, Instructional Design and Technology and Instructional and Performance Technology. It is important to know this as this may be an indication of the types of courses you would be taking.
Another important consideration is whether your prospective graduate program is accredited. Being accredited mean that the program has undergone self-evaluation, it has been reviewed by peers and peer institutions, and accreditation bodies. Accreditation bodies are tasked with evaluating program to ensure that they conform to established standards that address the goals, mission, objectives, curriculum, students, faculty, administration, finances, and physical facilities and resources. Most employers will require you to have a degree attained from an accredited program. In addition, if you ever need to transfer or join another program, your new institution will evaluate whether your degree is worthwhile.
Instructional design programs offer different areas of specialization to prepare their students. Instructional designers, instructional technologist, or e-learning specialists work in a variety of different settings in corporations, K-12 schools, universities, government, the military, and non-governmental organizations (NGO's).
When feasible pay a visit to the college you are interested in and talk to both faculty and students in the program. Ask questions about internships and future employment. Also ask questions about the programs of study available to you. This will better assist you in making a final decision. Observe what computer, classroom, and library resources are available.
Your academic advisor can help you in the process of developing a program of study that fits your goals. The programs have required courses to provide general preparation to practice in the profession. Some departments also offer specialized tracks or courses that permit or encourage concentration in a specific area. The opportunity to specialize depends on the availability of relevant courses, on focused class projects.
Instructional design is a growing field for people who enjoy training, working with learners, developing multimedia, and designing instructional content. The profession has established a broad knowledge base in learning psychology, cultural studies, and media studies. The profession continues to expand as more organizations move toward e-learning, human performance technology, and other instructional modes.
About the Author:
Sophie Peters has been an instructional designer for ten year. Learn more about the instructional design profession on her website. Also read up on the instructional design principles that guide the profession.
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