Learning Design and Development Course

Overview

Design, create and evaluate meaningful online learning in this instructional design course.

Gain specialised instructional design knowledge and skills with our Learning Design courses. If you already have experience with teaching and learning theories this course is designed for you to extend your skills. If you’re new to instructional design, we’d recommend starting with Learning Design Principles. Hungry for more? Extend your skills by learning how to use AI tools to support effective instructional design. 

Are you familiar with instructional design principles but looking to further your skills in designing online courses for learner engagement and success? Gain the practical skills and confidence you need to create learner-centred and impactful online learning.

Based around the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation) framework, this course will take you through the full development lifecycle for online courses. You’ll analyse learner needs, design measurable objectives and meaningful assessments for online learners, and then develop a prototype of tailored online learning that resonates with diverse audiences.

Designed by our UC experts, this online micro-credential will give you hands-on practice in creating meaningful online learning. You’ll learn key techniques of project management to apply to your work and develop a tangible portfolio of learning resources to showcase your expertise.

This course is ideal for

• Learning and development professionals
• Learning and instructional designers
• Corporate trainers
• Professional development specialists
• Community and other educators

What you'll learn
 

• How to analyse needs, characteristics and contexts for learning to create learner-centred course design
• How to design measurable learning objectives and meaningful assessments that cater to diverse learner needs
• How to design and prototype online learning resources that are inclusive and culturally responsive
• How to evaluate and reflect on how suitable your online resources are for your group of learners, and propose improvements 

Course outline

Our courses are flexible, enabling you to plan your study around your other commitments. You can choose to study when it suits you during the learning period, followed by a 2-week review period for marking and feedback.

We recommend completing around 12 hours of study a week during the learning period (excluding the study break) – you can view the course overview here for more details on assessment timings. 

Module 1: Learning theories and learning design principles
Explore the fundamentals of online learning, including the roles of learners, teachers, and learning designers. Examine key learning theories and their practical application in digital environments.

Module 2: Analysis phase - Analysing learners' needs 
Discover learner-centered design approaches using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy (CRP). Learn to gather and analyse data about your learners using probing questions and design thinking tools.

Module 3: Design phase - Crafting meaningful learning experiences 
Master techniques for engaging online learners and building a strong sense of presence. Explore strategies to overcome the challenges of connection in virtual learning environments.Learn how to engage your learners and build a sense of presence which is often hard to do in the online environment. 

Module 4: Develop phase - Developing online learning using tools and technologies 
Create effective, accessible learning content and materials. Develop multimedia resources, author e-learning courses, and integrate with learning platforms. Focus on fostering social, cognitive, and teaching presence online.

Module 5: The implementation phase
Master strategies for launching online learning programs. Prepare learners, optimise virtual spaces, and equip facilitators. Explore effective orientations, digital setups, and instructor support for seamless program delivery.

Module 6: Project managing design and development 
Develop project management skills specific to learning design, including planning, reporting, and stakeholder engagement. Learn to balance educational goals with project constraints.

Module 7: Evaluation phase and professional practices 
Explore methods for assessing the effectiveness of online learning programs. Discuss professional standards and ethical considerations in learning design and development.

Module 8: Emerging trends and technologies 
Investigate cutting-edge developments in educational technology and learning design. Reflect on your learning journey and plan your next steps as a learning design professional.

Assessments

• Learning needs analysis and solution proposal = 25%
• Designing measurable learning outcomes and assessments = 30%
• Learning design solution = 45%

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be issued a digital badge to recognise your learning achievements. This can take up to 2 months to be delivered after the marking and feedback period.