Instructional design (ID) is the field of study and practice that considers how people learn, and develops instructional materials and strategies to facilitate learning. Instructional designers often work with subject matter experts to create educational materials, including lesson plans, tutorials, and training courses.
ID has its roots in the field of educational psychology, which considers how people learn and develop. The first instructional designers were teachers who were interested in finding better ways to help their students learn. In the early 1900s, a group of educators in the United States developed the first model for instructional design, which laid out the steps needed to create effective instructional materials.
Since then, ID has evolved into its own field, with its own theories, methods, and professional organizations. Instructional designers work in a variety of settings, including schools, businesses, and government agencies.
The goal of instructional design is to create materials that help students learn effectively. This can be done in a variety of ways, including:
-Creating instructional materials that are tailored to the learner’s needs
-Developing learning goals and objectives
-Designing instructional activities that are engaging and motivating
-Using multimedia and interactive technologies
-Measuring and tracking student progress
Instructional design is a complex field, and there are many different theories and methods to consider. However, there are some basic principles that all instructional designers should follow. These include:
-Understanding how people learn
-Knowing the goals of the instruction
-Designing for different learning styles
-Using effective instructional methods
-Testing and modifying materials as needed
Good instructional design takes time and effort, but it can be well worth it. When done correctly, instructional materials can help students learn more effectively and achieve their educational goals.
