Instructional Design Careers

What is an Instructional Designer?

In simple terms, an instructional designer designs and constructs learning experiences.  Instructional designers are hired for all industries ranging from education to corporate settings. To better meet the needs of the learner, instructional designers analyze a lesson’s development from the view point of a student. Instructional designers use verified learning theories and methodologies to create lessons and training that best meet the specific learning objectives. Varying on the task or work environment instructional designers may work autonomously or with a team of experts (Taylor & Parish, 2007, p. 261).

How do IDs create learning experiences?

The following are a few steps instructional designers take to construct a learning experience: 

•  Work with Subject Matter Experts and/or survey learners to determine the need
• Develop instructional objectives and ensure content is aligned with those objectives
• Develop delivery methods for student learning
• Create supplementary materials to support the learning objectives, which may or may not include the development of multimedia applications
• Deliver the lesson/training
• Develop and implement a method to evaluate the learning objectives
• Revise lessons/training as needed

(“ADDIE MODEL,” 2004)

Earnings of an ID

As of 2011, the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics note the following wage data for instructional designers*

                Map reflects the concentration of employment for IDs

Lowest 10 percent

• Hourly: $16.22
• Annually: less than $33,740

Median

• Hourly: $28.50
• Annually: $59,280

Highest 10 percent

• Hourly: $44.90
• Annually: more than $ $93,400

* These statistics are reflective of instructional coordinators, which include instructional designers

Instructional Design Careers

 Instructional designers work in K-12, higher education, and the corporate setting. They are professionals in high demand. It is estimated that between 2010 and 2020, the field will grow by 20%. Since technology changes so rapidly, instructional designers frequently attend conference and professional developments to keep abreast of the latest trends (“Instructional Design Specialist Careers,” 2012).

Current Job Postings

K12

K-12 instructional designers create multimedia programs for school sites and/or departments for districts, develop and conduct trainings, and assist teachers with technology integration. Some elementary and secondary teachers seek out professional development and find jobs within their school district as instructional designers (Taylor & Parish, 2007, p. 261) (“Instructional Design Specialist Careers,” 2012).

Colleges & Universities

Due to budget cuts around the country many universities are increasing their online learning programs and hiring instructional designers to develop and create new online courses as well as reconfigure existing courses. Instructional designers in higher education may also teach instructional development, educational psychology, or other relatable courses. As professors, their career advancements usually reflect their abilities as designers and developers, as well as their scholastic accomplishments, such as published papers and research (Taylor & Parish, 2007, p. 261).

Industry

For large corporations that have their own training departments, instructional designers are typically part of a team that designs and develops instructional resources for the company. Instructional designers can also work in the industry through contracted work. They may work independently or for an instructional design firm, which other business seek out for a variety of needs. In the corporate sector, the role of the instructional designer is utilized by the government, military, health, and business fields (“Earn Your Masters in Instructional Design and Technology,” 2006).

Resources for those in the field of Instructional Design

Click on the link above to visit a site that has 30 great resources for students of instructional design and or instructors in the field.

Associations, Organizations, & Design Sites

References

Taylor, T. A., & Parish, J. R. (2007). Career Opportunities in the Internet, Video Games, & Multimedia. New York: Ferguson.

ADDIE Model (2004). Children's Hospital and Health System. Retrieved from http://chhs.sumtotalsystems.com/sumtotal/content/BestPractices/SharedResources/Documents/ADDIEModel/ADDIEModel.pdf   

U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2012). Occupational Employment Statistics. Washington, D.C.. U. S. Governement. Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes259031.htm

Instructional Design Specialist Careers: Salary & Job Description. (2012). Retrieved from http://diplomaguide.com/articles/Instructional_Design_Specialist_Career_Info.html

Earn Your Masters in Instructional Design and Technology. (2006).The University of North Dakota. Retrieved from http://idt.ctl.und.nodak.edu/web_assets/Misc/IDT_Brochure.pdf