How to Become an Instructional Designer (Abbreviated Approach)

TL;DR

Learn how to become an instructional designer without a master's degree by learning theory, mastering relevant technology, and building a strong portfolio.

Transcript

Instructional design is a wonderful career and in   this video I'm going to show you exactly  how to become an instructional designer   even if you don't have a master's degree or  any formal instructional design experience So for those of you who don't already know who I  am, I am Devlin Peck I'm a freelance e-learning   designer and developer but... Read More

Key Insights

• 💦 Instructional design offers a well-compensated career with remote work opportunities.
• 👾 The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for instructional designers in the online learning space.
• 🎨 Understanding theory, such as ADDIE and Gagne's events, is crucial for effective instructional design.
• 💍 Knowledge of technology tools like Articulate Storyline and Adobe Illustrator enhances the ability to create engaging learning experiences.
• 🤩 Building a strong portfolio and developing a professional online presence are key to attracting job opportunities.
• 🫒 Networking, attending live events, and engaging on LinkedIn can help aspiring instructional designers gain visibility in the industry.
• 🍝 Preparation for job interviews should include discussing instructional design processes and linking past experiences to the role.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the average salary range for instructional designers?

In the United States, instructional designers earn an average salary between $75k and $80k, with entry-level corporate positions offering around $60k to $65k.

Q: What are the key benefits of being an instructional designer?

Some benefits include remote work opportunities, a good work-life balance, and the potential for rewarding work that reaches a wide audience.

Q: What are some essential concepts that aspiring instructional designers should learn about?

Aspiring instructional designers should familiarize themselves with ADDIE, Gagne's nine events, Action Mapping, Kirkpatrick's model of evaluation, Bloom's Taxonomy, Mayer's principles of multimedia learning, and visual design principles.

Q: What are the recommended technological skills for instructional designers?

Instructional designers should learn how to use Articulate Storyline, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe XD, and familiarize themselves with learning management systems (LMS) such as Talent LMS.

Key Insights:

• Instructional design offers a well-compensated career with remote work opportunities.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for instructional designers in the online learning space.
• Understanding theory, such as ADDIE and Gagne's events, is crucial for effective instructional design.
• Knowledge of technology tools like Articulate Storyline and Adobe Illustrator enhances the ability to create engaging learning experiences.
• Building a strong portfolio and developing a professional online presence are key to attracting job opportunities.
• Networking, attending live events, and engaging on LinkedIn can help aspiring instructional designers gain visibility in the industry.
• Preparation for job interviews should include discussing instructional design processes and linking past experiences to the role.
• Balancing theory, technology skills, and a strong portfolio is essential for becoming a successful instructional designer.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Instructional design is a lucrative career option, with high earning potential and remote work opportunities.

• The demand for instructional designers is growing, especially due to the shift to online learning.

• Work-life balance and the scalability of instructional design projects are appealing aspects of the career.