Becoming Who You Want To Be

Are you deciding on whether an instructional design career is ideal for you? First, you want to keep in mind that there are many instructional technology and instructional design programs that you can enroll in. However, the actual preparation and concentration will depend on what you want to specialize in upon graduation. Currently, my universities and colleges offer the program only at the graduate degree level. I.e. M.A., M.Ed., M.S., Ed.S. Ed.D, and Ph.D. level.

The second thing to consider it what instructional designers do and how that fits with yours interests. Keep in mind that instructional technologists develop content that is used by trainers, other instructional designers, teachers, instructors, etc, with the goal of improving or enhancing instructional outcomes and effectiveness. Instructional designers make decisions on effectiveness of instructional methods, and instructional delivery for a stated set of learning outcomes. Therefore, this requires one to have good knowledge of learning psychology, learner analysis, and instructional media selection.

As a future student, you ought to consider several issues when selecting your ideal program or university. It is important to think about your future professional goals, your expertise and interests, distance learning options, and the cost of the program.

Another consideration when doing your research on the schools is what names to type in for your Internet searches. Some fairly common titles of programs are: Instructional Design, Development and Evaluation, Learning Technologies, Educational Technology, , Instructional Technology, Instructional Design and Development, Instructional Systems Technology, Instructional Design, Instructional Design and Technology, Instructional and Performance Technology, and Computer Education. The importance of knowing this is that the name of the program might indicate the coursework you will be expected to complete.

Another important issue to consider is whether the university you are contemplating is one that has accreditation. Being accredited means that the graduate program has undergone in-depth self-evaluation evaluation by peer institution and peers, and accrediting bodies. Accreditation organizations have the task of performing evaluations so as to ensure that the programs are conforming to the established mission and goals, objectives and curricula, administrative and financial stipulations, as well as faculty and student expectations. Also, if you ever have to join a new program at a different university or to transfer your credits, the new institution will determine whether your degree is credible, so it is best to ensure the institution you graduate from is accredited.

Instructional programs prepare graduates for different areas of specialty. Whether the job title is instructional technologist, e-learning specialist, or instructional designer, one can expect to work in higher education, corporation, K-12 schools, government, military or non-governmental organizations.

Whenever possible try and schedule a visit to the institution that you are interested in and talk to the instructors and students. Ask them questions about internships, jobs, employment, the kinds of courses you will be taking and the general structure of the programs. Check out the classrooms, library resources, and computer labs to see what is available to the students. This information will help you in making final decisions.

An academic advisor will generally be assigned to work with you in developing your program of study. Different programs have different course requirements and some departments may offer specialized tracks and courses that encourage specialization in different areas in instructional design. This all depends on the structure and makeup of the program and options for electives.

Instructional design is a growing field for people who enjoy training, working with learners, developing multimedia, and designing instructional content. The profession has established a broad knowledge base in learning psychology, cultural studies, and media studies. The profession continues to expand as more organizations move toward e-learning, human performance technology, and other instructional modes.