Technology is quickly changing many aspects of our lives, including education. Of course, this should come as no surprise to you, since you are already considering earning a degree online. The upsurge of technology in education has brought with it an increased demand for professionals who know how to use the available technologies to address the learning needs of clients both in education and in business. This role is being filled by instructional designers.
What do instructional designers do?
Instructional designers are education professionals who usually do not teach in classrooms. They specialize in developing curriculums and teaching materials, especially those that involve technology such as elearning. Instructional designers work in educational settings from elementary to postsecondary levels, in the training and development departments of businesses, and even in governments. This is an excellent career choice for people who are passionate about education but don’t necessarily want to teach.
What instructional design degrees are available online?
The field of instructional design is undergoing rapid change. In the past, there were few opportunities for earning degrees in instructional design, and most of the available degrees were master’s degrees or graduate certificates. Today instructional design students have a wide variety of options. Some schools combine instructional design and educational technology into one degree program.
Bachelor’s degrees in instructional design introduce students to learning theory, instructional design practices, elearning and online education, curriculum development, and educational technologies. Students learn how to analyze the education needs of the target audience and develop instructional materials to meet those needs.
Master’s degree programs in instructional design are targeted toward education and training professionals who want to advance their careers or move into online learning, such as corporate trainers and other specialists in adult education. These programs focus on the process of instructional design, designing and evaluating programs for adult learning, and how to use technology to enhance adult learning.
Graduate certificates in instructional design are shorter postsecondary degree programs for professionals who are interested in enhancing their skills or switching careers. These certificate programs generally focus on elearning design and development and other forms of computer-based training. Other courses include instructional design project management and the use of social media in adult elearning.
Instructional design is a very hands-on field. Students in all of these degree programs not only study learning theories, they also apply those theories to instructional design projects. So by the time they graduate, students have solid portfolios of work samples they can show potential employers.
As technology continues to revolutionize learning, more instructional designers will be required in all organizations that supply education and training. Pursuing an online degree in instructional design today is a great way to ensure you are ready to meet the workforce demands of tomorrow.