Curriculum Developer vs Instructional Designer: Which to Pursue?

TL;DR

Discover the differences between curriculum developers and instructional designers and why transitioning to a corporate instructional design role may be more beneficial for educators.

Transcript

If you're an educator exploring careers outside of the classroom, then you've probably seen terms like curriculum developer or instructional designer thrown around, but which one's right for you? In this video, we're going to explore some of the key differences between those two job titles and check out why one in particular might be a better fit. ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🗯️ Educators seeking to leave the classroom often struggle to identify the right career path outside of education.
• 🖤 Curriculum development roles in K-12 education may involve limitations in creative output, lack of resources, and additional requirements.
• 🎨 Corporate instructional design roles offer better funding, access to resources, and career advancement opportunities.
• 💗 Instructional design is a growing field with a higher demand for professionals.
• 🥺 Transitioning into instructional design may lead to quicker career advancement and earning potential compared to curriculum development roles in education.
• ❓ Becoming an instructional designer involves reframing experiences and upskilling.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the main differences between a curriculum developer and an instructional designer?

While the roles may overlap, curriculum developers usually focus on creating cohesive educational content, while instructional designers design effective learning experiences, considering adult learning principles and strategies.

Q: Why might transitioning into a corporate instructional design role be more advantageous?

Corporate roles offer better funding and access to resources, allow for more creative freedom, do not have the same degree and experience requirements, and provide quicker career advancement opportunities compared to education-based curriculum development roles.

Q: How long does it typically take to transition into an instructional design role?

Transitioning into instructional design can vary, but some individuals have successfully made the switch within three to six months, as there is a higher demand for instructional designers in the corporate sector.

Q: What resources are available to help educators make the transition?

Interested educators can download Devlin's Become an ID Checklist for a step-by-step process and access other resources provided in the video description and channel to aid in transitioning to a corporate instructional design role.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Educators often consider transitioning out of the classroom and into roles like curriculum developer or instructional designer.

• A curriculum developer role may involve more research and limited creative output, as well as additional requirements like advanced degrees and years of experience in the classroom.

• On the other hand, corporate instructional design roles offer better funding, more resources, flexibility in timelines, and potential for career advancement.