Instructional Design Resource Websites

 The Association for Talent Development (ATD) defines Instructional design as a systematic approach to designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating instructional experiences. It emphasizes the importance of clearly defining learning objectives and evaluating learner performance.

Instructional designers apply learning theory and a systematic approach to develop content, learning activities, and training materials. They conduct needs assessments to determine organizational goals, learner needs, and course objectives. Next, they analyze and select appropriate strategies, methodologies, learning activities, and technologies to enhance the learning experience and knowledge transfer.

In this post, I highlight three blog posts that would benefit instructional designers.  

"Professional Organizations For Instructional Designers"

In this blog post, the author discusses professional organizations that are useful for instructional designers. The post is part of a series aimed at guiding individuals interested in entering the instructional design field. The author highlights several organizations, including The Learning Guild, Association for Talent Development (ATD), TLDC (The Learning and Development Community), Training Magazine Network, and Learning Development Accelerator (LDA).

The Learning Guild is recommended for its focus on e-learning, instructional design, virtual training, and emerging technology. They offer a free membership level that provides access to valuable resources such as newsletters, research papers, webinars, and eBooks.

ATD is an organization that offers professional development, networking opportunities, and job search resources. While more broadly focused on training and development, ATD provides valuable information for instructional designers.

TLDC is highlighted as a smaller organization with an active community. It offers an affordable membership fee and hosts multiple online events, including free ones, throughout the year.

Training Magazine Network is recommended as a resource for free webinars that can help expand instructional design and training skills.

Lastly, the Learning Development Accelerator (LDA) is a newer organization focusing on sharing and applying research and learning science within the learning and development field. LDA offers free resources such as research reviews but requires paid membership or one-time fees for most of their events.

Overall, the blog post provides an overview of professional organizations that can support instructional designers in terms of skill development, networking, and job opportunities. It highlights the benefits of each organization and encourages readers to utilize the available resources to advance their instructional design careers.

"15 Instructional Design Models to Create Engaging and Effective Learning Experiences"

This blog post discusses the top 15 instructional design models that educators and instructional designers can use to create effective learning experiences. The post briefly summarizes each model, including its key features and benefits. The models covered include ADDIE Model, Dick & Carey Model, Gagne's Nine Events of Instruction, Kemp Model, ASSURE Model, Bloom's Taxonomy, Mayer's Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning, Merrill's Principles of Instruction, ARCS Model, Cognitive Apprenticeship Model, SAM Model, Human Performance Technology (HPT), Rapid Prototyping, Action Mapping, and The 4C-ID Model.  

The post emphasizes the importance of selecting the most appropriate model based on the audience's needs, available resources, timelines, and budget. By choosing the right instructional design model, educators and designers can create engaging, interactive, and effective learning experiences for their students.

"Impact of AI on Instructional Design – Part II"

This blog post explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on instructional design roles. It highlights several key changes and opportunities brought about by AI in the field: Automation of Routine Tasks, Enhanced Multimedia Options, New AI Skills, Increased Access to Personalized and Adaptive Learning Systems, and Shift in Roles. While AI presents challenges, it opens up new opportunities for instructional designers to leverage modern technologies and create compelling and engaging learning experiences.

These blogs are excellent resources to add to add to my instructional design toolbox.