Instructional Design Basics

As demand for learning has grown, so too has the need for quality instructional design. 

This course unpacks best learning design principles and introduces the models and frameworks used to design and develop effective learning. 

Through project-based assessments, you’ll identify your learners’ needs and learning contexts where they will apply their new skills. In addition, you will design the instructional strategy that will help you develop a prototype course and create an evaluation plan to evaluate the effectiveness of the course design.

Keen to expand your learning design skills? Our Design for Online Learning course is a great follow-up to this course – learn more here.

This course is equivalent to Level 8 Post Graduate study therefore applicants must meet the entry criteria as approved by NZQA, and have; 

• Either a Bachelor's degree or equivalent level qualification
• OR equivalent professional experience in a relevant field. Learners will be asked to demonstrate equivalent professional experience, which can include paid or voluntary work. If you’d like to check if you have the equivalent professional experience you can email us at info@uconline.ac.nz  

Pre-requisites
Courses are taught in English and therefore learners should be confident reading, writing and listening in English.

Technology Requirements

• We recommend a laptop or desktop computer and a reliable internet connection.
• A PDF reader (like Adobe Acrobat Reader DC) to download PDFs with assessment instructions.
• Word processing software (like Microsoft Word or Google Docs) to complete your assignments.
• A prototyping tool like PowerPoint or Google Slides.
• A digital portfolio. You can set this up using a free, online tool. We'll give you examples of tools you can use during the course. 

Our courses are flexible, enabling you to plan your study around your other commitments. You'll be able to access the online course from 17 July but can choose to study when it suits you. Check out the course overview here for more details on the timing of assessment activities and approximation of hours. 

Module 1: Introduction to Instructional Design (ID)
Foundations of the instructional design process and how people learn. Understand the role of instructional designers and who they work with.

Module 2: Analysis
Understand the needs and goals of your learners and the content you create for them – In what context will they be learning and applying their new knowledge?

Module 3: Design
Design an effective instructional strategy. Create a framework for constructive learning that includes measurable objectives and aligned assessments.

Module 4: Development
Make sure the instructional materials you're designing are accessible, usable, and inclusive. Create content your audience can relate to. It should be easy to access and engaging to interact with so you maximise value for your learners.

Module 5: Implementation
Key points every instructional designer should consider before and during the implementation phase.

Module 6: Evaluation
Do formative and summative evaluations to check whether your instructional content is effective and examine how to collect meaningful feedback.

Assessments

• Course proposal and analysis = 25%
• Course design = 30%
• Prototype development = 25%
• Evaluation plan = 20%

Erika is an instructional designer at the University of Canterbury. She has a background in Occupational Health and Safety and is experienced in designing online learning experiences for industry.