I've been working as an instructional designer in the corporate training and e-learning field since the mid-1990s. For me, instructional design is about designing "engaging and effective" asynchronous learning experiences (web-based training programs).
I've also had a few gigs as a classroom teacher, which has mostly been about implementing content and curriculum that was designed by others.
Some instructional designers have advanced degrees in instructional design, but many don't. My learning has all been completely informal. In Memoirs of an Instructional Designer, I describe how I got to the exalted position (ahem) in which I now find myself.
As you'll see by reading my job description, instructional design can include a whole lot of other things, especially when you work at a small company.
I'm a writer and a schmoozer. Many instructional designers are also responsible for building and developing content into working courses. I've always had the good fortune to have a team of graphic designers and programmers who do that heavy lifting. In Instructional Designers' Tools I talk a bit about that.
A few months ago, I started compiling a reading list at Beginning Instructional Designers Toolkit. Some of these resources can now be found in the sidebar of this blog. You can also check out my instructional design bookmarks at deli.cious.
If you're interested in learning more about instructional design, read and subscribe to the blogs of instructional designers and e-Learning practitioners who are in the trenches and doing the work on a daily basis. These are some of the folks I tune into:
- Christy Tucker
- Dennis Coxe
- B.J. Schone
- Tracy Hamilton
- Clive Shepherd
- Cathy Moore
- Dan Roddy
- Wendy Wickham
- Tom Kuhlman
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13 comments:
Thanks for the props Cammy!
Thanks for all the information so far Cammy! I've found your blog very helpful for ID and the ISD process.
tex@gannon.edu
Glad to help, Tex. Feel free to join in the conversation here and point out any useful resources you uncover.
HI Cammy, I am an Instructional Designer working at a reputed firm in CHennai, India. I came to your blog via Linkedin. Here, in India, many people from diverse backgrounds ranging from Arts to Engineering get into Instructional Design. Many of them learn ID only via their hands-on experience. I would like to know whether people in your country undergo any specific courses in order to gain knowledge on ID, if so, what are they? It would be great if you could provide some info on this.
I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you on your question about Instructional Designers here in the US. "Getting Started in Instructional Design":
As with India, I think the US is really all over the map with that. I've been in the field for almost 15 years and I don't have an advanced degree. In fact, a survey on my blog (see the blog sidebar on the right) shows that only about 38% of practicing IDs have advanced degrees in the field.
That said, there are plenty of Certificate programs and Masters Degree programs out there, should someone want to go for it.
I hope that answers your question! And thanks for asking :)
I am sooooo happy to have found your blog! I really appreciate all the time you have put into info. here! You rock! I teach online courses and I am really trying to gain more experience in ID so that I can land a job doing ID full time in the future. I am drinking in all the learning and research I can get from people. Thanks so much!!!! (Oh and I saw your post about telling other mom's what you do... hilarious! I feel the same way. Would rather avoid the question most days.)
Thanks, Deanna. There's a whole wide world of people out here willing to share what bits and dribs they have. Looking forward to you joining the fray!
Interesting to find out how others get started in the industry. I agree reading and subscribing to blogs is a great way of learning therefore to be given an idea of who are possibley leaders in the field is a valuable resource for those just starting out thanks.
Hey Lyn,
Any other suggestions for those getting started in the field?
Cammy
Hi Cammy,
I'll starting to work towards my Master's degree in Instructional Technology/Training. In honestly, how is the job prospect looking? Any advice for a newbie? Thanks a lot!
Emine --
The field is alive and well. I think there are lots of opportunity in the ID/elearning space -- corporate training, k-12, higher ed. Find your passion, find your niche -- and go for it!
Hi, Cammy,
I've been reading, learning, and self-training toward becoming an ID for about 6 months. I'm trying to massage the experience I have into a new job, but I don't know yet whether that's really going to work out. I have extensive (20+) years as a graphic designer, but mostly for print. I have an M.Ed. and public school teaching experience, plus some adult education experience (a couple of part-time gigs lasting a couple of years each). A career counselor told me I shouldn't have to take an entry level job (which is good, because every job I see asks for at least 5 years experience.) I'll report back and let people know how the search is going, in case they are going thru the same process.
Does anyone have any experience with the instructional design courses publish by Wavelength? I'm very tempted to sign up for one. The course description sounds great. I want to get more theoretical knowledge about ID, but the U.S. courses I've seen are expensive, or not that detailed, or both. For example, ASTD has a certificate, but it's very expensive for a one-day seminar.
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