Instructional Design Course

Lesson 1 • Major Learning Theories

Surveys behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, and connectivism as design lenses. Each theory is linked to practical design implications.

Lesson 2 • Systems Thinking in ID

Introduces the instructional system as an interconnected set of components. Learners see how changing one element affects the whole design.

Lesson 3 • The ID Professional's Toolkit

Surveys core competencies, ethical standards, and professional associations. Prepares learners to position themselves within the broader ID community.

Lesson 1 • Understanding Organizational Needs

Connects business goals to learning interventions by mapping performance gaps. Establishes why analysis precedes all design work.

Lesson 2 • Audience Analysis

Profiles learners by prior knowledge, demographics, and context of performance. Audience data directly shapes content depth and delivery format.

Lesson 3 • Root Cause Analysis

Distinguishes training-solvable gaps from environmental or motivational causes. Prevents costly mismatches between problems and solutions.

Lesson 4 • Writing the Needs Analysis Report

Synthesizes findings into a structured document that justifies design decisions. Teaches concise, evidence-based professional writing for stakeholders.

Lesson 1 • Taxonomy of Learning Outcomes

Introduces cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains as classification systems. Learners match objective types to appropriate instructional strategies.

Lesson 2 • Writing SMART Objectives

Applies the ABCD model to craft specific, measurable, achievable objectives. Well-formed objectives anchor assessment and content selection.

Lesson 3 • Terminal and Enabling Objectives

Distinguishes course-level terminal goals from lesson-level enabling steps. Hierarchical objective mapping ensures logical content sequencing.

Lesson 1 • Multimedia and Content Presentation

Applies Mayer's multimedia principles to text, visuals, audio, and video design. Reduces extraneous load while maximizing germane cognitive processing.

Lesson 2 • Active and Experiential Strategies

Introduces problem-based, case-based, and simulation-based learning approaches. Active strategies build transfer by engaging learners in authentic tasks.

Lesson 3 • Collaborative Learning Design

Structures peer interaction through cooperative tasks, discussion, and peer review. Social learning strategies deepen understanding and build communication skills.

Lesson 4 • Principles of Instructional Sequencing

Covers elaboration theory, prerequisite analysis, and spiral sequencing models. Proper sequencing reduces cognitive load and builds cumulative competence.

Lesson 1 • Formative Assessment Techniques

Covers checks for understanding, quizzes, and reflective prompts used during instruction. Formative data guides real-time instructional adjustments.

Lesson 2 • Using Assessment Data for Improvement

Analyzes item statistics and learner performance patterns to revise instruction. Closes the design loop by feeding data back into the needs analysis phase.

Lesson 3 • Summative Assessment Design

Builds tests, projects, and performance tasks that measure terminal objectives. Item types are matched to cognitive levels for accurate measurement.

Lesson 4 • Rubrics and Scoring Guides

Creates analytic and holistic rubrics that make grading consistent and transparent. Rubrics also serve as learning tools when shared with learners in advance.

Lesson 1 • The ADDIE Framework

Breaks down Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation phases. ADDIE provides the structural backbone for most ID project management.

Lesson 2 • Quality Assurance in ID Projects

Establishes review checkpoints, pilot testing, and revision protocols throughout development. QA processes prevent costly errors from reaching live learners.

Lesson 3 • Design Documentation and Blueprints

Produces design documents, storyboards, and content outlines that guide development. Clear documentation aligns teams and reduces revision cycles.

Lesson 4 • Project Management for ID

Applies scope, timeline, and resource management to instructional projects. Learners build a project plan with milestones, dependencies, and risk mitigation.

Lesson 1 • Learning Management Systems

Covers LMS architecture, content upload, learner enrollment, and reporting functions. Learners configure a course shell and interpret completion and score data.

Lesson 2 • eLearning Authoring Tools Overview

Compares rapid authoring tools by features, output formats, and learning curve. Tool selection is matched to project requirements and team capabilities.

Lesson 3 • Accessibility in eLearning

Applies universal design principles and accessibility guidelines to eLearning content. Accessible design expands reach and meets professional and ethical obligations.

Lesson 4 • Interaction and Engagement Design

Builds click-to-reveal, branching scenarios, drag-and-drop, and quiz interactions. Interactions are designed to reinforce objectives, not merely add novelty.

Lesson 1 • Level 3 Behavior Transfer Evaluation

Measures on-the-job application of learned skills through observation and follow-up surveys. Identifies transfer barriers and links them to design or environmental factors.

Lesson 2 • Level 4 and ROI Evaluation

Connects training outcomes to business results and calculates return on investment. Requires isolating training's contribution from other performance variables.

Lesson 3 • Level 1 and Level 2 Evaluation

Designs reaction surveys and learning assessments that yield actionable data. Covers instrument design, administration timing, and data interpretation.

Lesson 4 • Continuous Improvement Cycles

Embeds evaluation findings into iterative revision processes for ongoing program quality. Learners build a revision schedule tied to evaluation data and business cycles.