What I Learned About Instructional Designers of Today

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What I Learned about Instructional Designers of Today

Are you curious about what instructional designers say about their work and the skills needed to succeed? I've had the opportunity to interview some instructional designers, and I will share insights from these conversations and some of my experiences in the instructional technology program.

As I embarked on my master’s journey in instructional design at the University of Tennessee, I was filled with a sense of curiosity and apprehension. Like many prospective graduate students, I meticulously delved into the intricacies of my chosen field and found myself captivated by the diverse array of courses on offer. Initially, I had envisioned immersing myself in the practical application of cutting-edge technology tools. However, my inaugural course primarily delved into the theoretical underpinnings, leaving me somewhat disheartened and concerned; given my prior comprehensive studies in educational theories for my undergraduate degree, I learned countless theoretical approaches for instruction. I thought my previous education was sufficient. Nevertheless, as I progressed through the master’s program, I gradually came to appreciate the wealth of knowledge and rigorous skills that awaited me.

So, what have I learned?

I've gathered some valuable insights into the role of instructional designers. They take on various job skills and responsibilities, such as project development, project management, analysis, active listening, and interpersonal skills. I came across an excellent article by Goodwin University that delves into the Ten Instructional Designer Skills and Knowledge Needed for a Successful Career, which is spot on based on these recent ID interviews.  According to the article, IDs need a combination of technical and creative skills in Project management, technological know-how, communication skills, understanding of learning methodologies and models, active listening skills, analytical skills, interpersonal skills, leadership and decision-making skills, passion for learning and knowledge, and a desire for career growth (Goodwin University, 2024, pp. 1-3). In a given workday, an ID will don many hats and tackle numerous challenges. Cathy Moore's bubble map, located below, offers a succinct overview of some of the skills an ID will employ.

What makes a great and successful instructional designer is something that academia has, of course, studied.  “It is important for IDs to be prepared to apply and adhere to instructional design processes to ensure alignment between the needs of the project and instructional strategies employed to ensure that the content they are designing meets its intended outcomes; however, they also need to be prepared for how to scale these efforts and navigate through uncertain situations to maintain momentum during design” (Yang et al., 2024, p. 10).  A sound and thorough understanding of proven principles and theories is essential in a field that requires an ID to navigate and weigh chief decisions in design and development.

So, what I did not know then, I do know now.

I am gaining a solid foundation at UT for instructional design principles and theories. In addition, I am being provided with opportunities to analyze learners and determine the best instructional resources and strategies to enhance their sense of inclusion in the learning environment (Yang et al., 2024, p. 10). During these interviews with instructional designers, some expressed how their master’s degree had equipped them with the knowledge and experience necessary for success in the field. While I am concerned about my current level of expertise in technology tools, I was reassured by these current instructional designers who had limited expertise initially yet still succeeded. It is important to note that they advised having a basic working knowledge of popular instructional design tech tools. The reality is that I will be learning many things on the fly, and my abilities and skills will constantly be evolving.  As I work towards completing my degree, I anticipate that my concerns about being ready to enter the field will not completely disappear. The actual test is when I am employed and must apply what I have learned in the real world.

I look forward to the opportunities ahead, even if I am nervous about the challenges I may face. As the famous aphorism by German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche states, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” I will adopt that attitude in my future profession.

References

Goodwin University. (2023, December 14). 10 Instructional designer skills and knowledge needed for a successful career. https://www.goodwin.edu/enews/instructional-designer-skills-and-knowledge/

Moore, C. (2023, May 7). Blog - Training design - Cathy Moore. Training Design - Cathy Moore. https://blog.cathy-moore.com/blog/

Yang, F., Farooq, K., Jin, S., Hwang, H., & Stefaniak, J. (2024). An Exploration of Instructional Designers’ Prioritization of Competencies. TechTrends. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-024-00994-7