How to Become an Instructional Designer

Unlike some industries, you don’t necessarily need a qualification or licence to become an Instructional Designer.

However, in order to develop effective learning programs, you should have a strong understanding of the key elements and theories that underpin the instructional design process. These include how to conduct a learning needs analysis (LNA), adult learning principles, and assessment strategies. (Learn more here.)

An ID course will help you to develop this knowledge and understanding.

If you are starting out in instructional design, looking to further your skills, or wanting some information guides and stylish templates that take your learning materials to the next level, our Instructional Design Courses may be for you!

We offer three Instructional Design course options:

1. Instructional Design Basics Learn More
2. Instructional Design PLUS Learn More
3. Instructional Design for your Organisation Learn More

If you are beginning your career in instructional design, we recommend Instructional Design PLUS. By completing this course, you will develop an understanding of the learning theories that underpin decisions made in the instructional design process. You will become familiar with adult learning and instructional design principles and models and apply them to develop your own program. What’s more, you will receive three 90-minute one-on-one coaching and feedback sessions with one of our Senior Instructional Designers!

You will also receive access to a comprehensive Toolkit of materials, templates, and guides. Our Toolkit is structured around the ADDIE model of instructional design, making it easy to apply in practice. You will also receive a licence to use the materials to design and develop your own programs.

We’ve also found some other instructional design courses that you may be interested in:

• Instructional Design for Classroom Training
• Professional Development Learning – Instructional Design
• IDEA Academy: An instructional design course for eLearning
• RMIT: Diploma of Training Design and Development – TAE50216
• Graduate Certificate in Education (Innovative Learning Design)

We are always looking for talented Instructional Designers and Learning Designers to join our national team.

The top four things we look for in an Instructional Designer are:

1. Experience
2. Education
3. Portfolio
4. Organisational fit

1. Experience

Knowledge of, and ability to apply, contemporary adult learning principles to the development of learning experiences and materials comes with practice. Experience is something we acknowledge when looking for the right candidate to tackle one of our projects.

As a general rule, we look for 5 years+ experience creating learning materials for audiences across a range of organisational and complexity levels.

We develop learning solutions for a range of industries, therefore we also recognise experience in specialised subject matter areas. In particular, we are keen to hear from Instructional Designers who have worked on projects connected with Banking, Health, Engineering, Rail, Construction, or other technical fields.

We work with a number of RTOs, therefore we look for instructional designers who have experience creating ASQA-compliant accredited learning and assessment material, and combining ASQA-compliant accredited training with complex, organisationally-specific operational needs.

As the desire for eLearning, blended, and digital solutions continue to grow, so does our search for eLearning developers that are familiar with a range of authoring tools, including StoryLine and Rise.

2. Education

Whilst Instructional Designers are not required to complete a degree, we look for candidates who are educated in learning theories, adult learning principles, and instructional design methodology.

If you have little experience in the industry, you may consider completing one of our instructional design courses.

3. Portfolio

Portfolios are a great way to showcase your abilities and leave a lasting impression.

We look for:

• Recent and relevant example works
• Stimulating, engaging, and unique learning solutions
• Strongly developed writing, proofreading, editing, and formatting skills
• Exemplary attention to detail and ability to produce error-free work
• MS Word whizzes!

If you are thinking about transitioning to the industry, you may not have a large portfolio. Completing one of our instructional design courses could enhance your portfolio.

4. Organisational fit

We look for people who will fit in well with our team. The ability to work independently and in a team is essential.

As most of our team members work remotely, we require resourceful and proactive people with can-do attitudes. Our team members use their initiative to overcome challenges and make appropriate decisions.

We are after team players that can work with others and support the team in developing exceptional programs. The ability to take feedback onboard and seek personal development is highly valued in order to keep our team moving forward.

A flexible approach and willingness to use DLD templates and preferred learning methodologies are qualities we seek.

We pride ourselves on delivering materials on time, therefore the ability to manage time and meet deadlines is a must.

We embrace creativity and thinking outside the box, finding new and exciting ways to present and deliver content effectively, and developing unique learning programs that hit the mark!

We are often looking for exceptional Instructional Designers on an independent contractor or casual employee basis to provide instructional design support on specific projects.

We have teams in various locations across Australia, including Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, and Brisbane.

If you are interested in joining our team, visit our Work With Us page to apply.

To learn more about instructional design degrees, read this blog.

What Are The Differences Between Educational Design, Learning Design, And Instructional Design?

Whilst these terms may be used interchangeably within organisations, the definitions do highlight some differences. Learn more here.

Coming soon example job descriptions:

• Instructional Designer
• Learning Designer
• Educational Designer
• eLearning Developer
• eLearning Designer

To learn more about how to become an instructional designer contact Instructional Design Australia (IDA).

Why should I become an instructional designer?

Instructional Design is a great career choice if you like problem-solving and developing creative solutions. You’ll never get bored – instructional design is constantly evolving. New learning trends and software tools will keep you on your toes! You’ll continuously expand your skills, with the opportunity to specialise in your chosen area (e.g. eLearning, accredited training, leadership, etc.). What’s more, Instructional Designers typically have flexible work hours and work from home.

How do I become an instructional designer?

You don’t need a qualification to become an Instructional Designer. However, to create effective, engaging and efficient programs, you will require a strong understanding of how adults learn, as well as instructional design models and principles. To develop this knowledge and understanding, you may choose to complete a certificate, diploma or degree. We offer eLearning instructional design courses that will provide you with the understanding, tools and templates to kickstart in your instructional design career. Learn more.

What certifications should an instructional designer have?

Whilst you don’t require a certification to be an Instructional Designer, it’s expected that they have some training in the key elements and theory that underpin the instructional design process – including how to conduct a learning needs analysis (LNA), adult learning principles and assessment strategies. Our instructional design courses are designed to do just that, and more! Participants are provided a comprehensive toolkit of materials, templates and guides required to be an exceptional Instructional Designer.

What is an instructional design course?

An instructional design course is a program designed to provide the knowledge and skills required to create effective, engaging and efficient learning programs. A quality course will provide you with an understanding of key models (e.g. the ADDIE Model), principles and adult learning theory that underpin instructional design.

Are instructional designers in demand?

Instructional Designers will always be sought after. According to Seek (2022), it’s predicted that Instructional Designers will experience a job growth of 12.9% over the next five years. eLearning and online learning are currently booming! The industry’s experienced significant growth due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and increases in internet connectivity worldwide and digital literacy of audiences. Being able to reach participants, regardless of time or place, can significantly reduce costs. This is why eLearning will continue to be an attractive delivery method for both organisations and learners. The creativity and complex social intelligence needed for the role means the risk of automation are slim-to-none!