How to Be Instructional Design Specialist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 17, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The development of technology has had a significant effect on the way individuals access and use information. Instructional design specialists are essential to ensure that the content and delivery of educational materials are presented in a way that is easily understood by learners. With the use of instructional design techniques such as sequencing, organization, and visual representation of information, instruction can be tailored to an individuals learning level, style, and preferences.

This allows learners to gain knowledge efficiently and effectively. The use of technology in the educational field has also made it easier for instructional design specialists to create learning materials that are accessible, engaging, and interactive. By utilizing instructional design principles and technological resources, instructional design specialists have been able to create and deliver educational materials that meet the needs of learners in an ever-changing digital world.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to become an instructional design specialist is to earn a bachelor's degree in instructional design, instructional technology, educational technology, or a related field. Programs are available at the undergraduate level and provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to create effective learning experiences.
Obtain Professional Experience. Professionals who want to become instructional design specialists should consider obtaining professional experience in the education field or a related industry. Examples of relevant experience include working as a curriculum developer, teaching assistant, instructional coach, or educational technology specialist.
Develop Advanced Skills. Instructional design specialists should sharpen their skills when it comes to developing curriculum and materials that meet the needs of diverse learners. They should become familiar with different types of instructional materials and technologies, and be able to create engaging and effective learning experiences.
Pursue a Master's Degree. Those who wish to further their career as an instructional design specialist may pursue a master's degree in instructional design, educational technology, or a related field. A master's degree will provide students with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to create innovative and effective learning experiences.
Obtain Certification. Obtaining certification can help instructional design specialists demonstrate their expertise in the field and stand out to potential employers. The Association for Talent Development (ATD) offers certification for instructional designers, which requires candidates to complete an exam and have at least two years of professional experience in the field.

Instructional design is a process of creating instructional material that meets the needs of students and teachers. To be successful, instructional designers must be reliable and capable. Reliability is demonstrated by consistently delivering quality work in a timely fashion.

Capability is shown through the ability to assess a learning environment, determine the needs of learners, and develop appropriate instructional solutions. When instructional designers are reliable and capable, they can create materials that are both effective and engaging for learners. This not only leads to improved learning outcomes, but also a more positive learning experience for all involved.

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Job Description

Design, develop, and maintain instructional materials, assessments, and learning activities in support of curriculum and program goals.
Collaborate with subject matter experts to identify learning objectives and develop instructional materials that meet those objectives.
Develop and administer assessments for evaluating learning outcomes.
Utilize current technology and instructional design theories, practices, and trends to create engaging online courses.
Provide instructional design consultation to faculty, staff, and other stakeholders.
Identify best practices in online learning and create guidelines for online course development.
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of instructional materials and programs.
Research and recommend appropriate software tools and applications for course development.
Stay up to date on instructional design trends, technologies, and best practices.
Manage the design and implementation of multiple projects simultaneously.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of instructional design principles and theories
Understanding of adult learning principles
Ability to develop and implement educational strategies
Experience with course development and curriculum design
Ability to use technology-based learning tools
Knowledge of online learning environments
Proficiency in developing instructional content
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and writing skills
Ability to analyze data and evaluate the effectiveness of learning programs
Working knowledge of graphic design and multimedia software
Understanding of the project management process
Collaborative work style and leadership skills

Instructional Design Specialists are highly valued professionals who develop learning experiences and educational materials that help individuals and organizations reach their educational goals. To be successful in this role, Instructional Design Specialists must have strong communication, creativity, and problem-solving skills. They need to understand the principles of instructional design, be able to identify learning needs, and create learning experiences to meet those needs.

they need to have an understanding of technology and know how to use it to create effective online learning environments. The ability to collaborate with subject matter experts, project managers, and other stakeholders to develop effective learning materials is also essential. As Instructional Design Specialists use their skills and knowledge to create learning materials, they can have a direct and positive impact on the success of an organization.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in instructional design?
How would you go about creating an effective learning environment?
How do you ensure learners remain engaged throughout a course?
What techniques do you use to assess learner performance?
Describe a project you have worked on that you are particularly proud of.
What challenges have you faced in the instructional design process?
What strategies do you use to develop instructional materials?
How do you stay up to date with new technologies and trends in the field?
How do you create materials that are accessible for all learners?
What methods do you use to get feedback from learners?

Common Tools in Industry

Adobe Captivate. A software program used to create interactive eLearning content such as simulations, quizzes, and assessments. (eg: An Instructional Design Specialist might use Adobe Captivate to create an interactive quiz on the companys policies and procedures).
Articulate Storyline. A software application used to create engaging, interactive eLearning content with a variety of multimedia elements. (eg: An Instructional Design Specialist might use Articulate Storyline to create an interactive tutorial on how to use a specific software program).
Adobe Illustrator. A vector graphics editor used to create illustrations, diagrams, and other visual elements for eLearning content. (eg: An Instructional Design Specialist might use Adobe Illustrator to create an infographic illustrating the main steps involved in completing a task).
Adobe Photoshop. A raster graphics editor used to create and manipulate images for eLearning content. (eg: An Instructional Design Specialist might use Adobe Photoshop to create a series of images to illustrate a process).
Learning Management System (LMS). Software used to deliver, track, and manage eLearning content. (eg: An Instructional Design Specialist might use an LMS to host and deliver their course materials, as well as track learner progress).

Professional Organizations to Know

International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI)
Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT)
eLearning Guild
International Board of Standards for Training, Performance and Instruction (IBSTPI)
American Society for Training and Development (ASTD)
Instructional Designers and Technologists Association (IDTA)
Association for Talent Development (ATD)
International Visual Literacy Association (IVLA)
Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD)
International Association for Continuing Engineering Education (IACEE)

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Common Important Terms

Learning Objectives. Statements that define the expected outcomes of a learning experience.
Learning Outcomes. Results of a learning experience that are measurable and observable.
Instructional Design. The process of creating effective and engaging learning experiences, which includes the development of instructional strategies and materials.
Curriculum Design. The process of developing a curriculum that meets the needs of learners, including the selection and design of learning materials and activities.
Content Development. The process of creating instructional materials, such as lectures, tutorials, and reference material, to support learning objectives.
Assessment Design. The process of creating and implementing tests, assignments, and other assessment tools to measure a learner's knowledge or skills.
Educational Technology. The application of technology to the field of education to facilitate learning and teaching.
Multimedia Design. The process of creating multimedia elements, such as videos, animations, and graphics, to enhance the learning experience.
Usability Testing. The process of testing a product or system to determine its usability, including its ease of use, accessibility, and effectiveness.
Performance Support. The use of resources such as job aids, reference materials, and other tools to support the successful performance of tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Instructional Design Specialist?

An Instructional Design Specialist is a professional who designs, develops, and implements instructional materials, activities, and assessments to facilitate learning.

What qualifications are required for an Instructional Design Specialist?

An Instructional Design Specialist typically requires a Bachelor's degree in education, instructional design, or a related field, as well as extensive knowledge of instructional design principles and adult learning theories.

What types of responsibilities does an Instructional Design Specialist have?

An Instructional Design Specialist is responsible for designing and creating educational materials, activities, assessments, and evaluation processes to facilitate learning. They are also responsible for assessing the effectiveness of instructional materials and providing feedback to stakeholders.

What tools do Instructional Design Specialists use?

Instructional Design Specialists typically use a variety of tools including storyboarding software, video editing software, web-authoring tools, graphic design software, learning management systems, and other technologies.

What is the job outlook for an Instructional Design Specialist?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for Instructional Design Specialists is projected to grow 7% from 2019-2029.

Web Resources

College Instructional Design Specialists | Center for Excellence in ... cetlss.appstate.edu
EdS Instructional Design and Technology - Keiser University www.keiseruniversity.edu
5 Growing Careers in Instructional Design - JWU College of online.jwu.edu