Instructional Design and Learning Technology: What's the Difference?
Instructional design and learning technology overlap more
than they diverge. Instructional designers design learning experiences using
the tools of instructional design (software, graphics, videos, exercises,
assessments etc.) that are then integrated with learning technology to create
an immersive experience that learners can engage with as they follow an
educational path or track. The barriers between these two fields are also
beginning to blur – this is evident in the growing number of resources
available for both fields. Designers in either field should be well versed in
the other’s terminology and practices lest they risk creating designs that don’t
meet learners’ needs or integrate seamlessly with learning technologies. Here
we explain a few terms and basic differences between instructional design and
learning technology so that you are equipped to work effectively on projects
across these fields.
Instructional Design
Instructional design is the process of helping learners
achieve specific learning goals through the design of learning experiences. It
can fall under the domain of education, training, or assessment, and it might
be used to teach a broad range of topics, including science, math, business,
and technology. Instructional design is a field that uses evidence-based
research to develop learning experiences. For example, an instructional
designer might work with a professor to create an online course that teaches students
how to use a new program. In this course, the designer might include materials
like quizzes, assignments, and quiz results to give students feedback on their
progress and help them gauge the effectiveness of their learning. The designer
might also use diagrams, graphics, and video to help students understand
concepts and make connections between ideas. In this course, the designer might
use a content management system to manage the course materials.
What is Instructional Design?
Instructional design is the process of designing learning
experiences. It is an approach to design that focuses on learning outcomes, and
it is an integral part of the broader field of learning sciences. Instructional
design is used in a variety of settings, including education, training,
corporate training, and assessment. Instructional designers work with
stakeholders (professors, managers, or students) to design learning experiences
that help learners achieve specific learning goals. The design process involves
understanding learner needs and designing experiences around those needs to
create effective learning paths. Once the design has been created, it must be
tested to ensure that it works well in practice. The design process is
iterative and recursive, and it relies on a variety of research methods.
Differences Between Instructional design and learning technology
Instructional designers use a variety of tools and
techniques to create effective learning experiences. When working with a
learning technology, designers will select a platform or app, or create their
own learning platform. In general, these tools help design and create learning
experiences and make it possible for designers to create engaging and effective
content. Some popular learning technology platforms include: - Google Drive -
It is a productivity suite that provides cloud storage, email, and other tools
for business and education. It also has the Google Docs tool that allows you to
create and edit documents online. - Canva - This online graphics editor makes
it easy to create attractive images, charts, and infographics. It also has
templates and themes you can use to customize your graphics. - Microsoft Office
365 - This suite of apps makes it easy to create and share documents,
spreadsheets, and presentations. It also has the OneNote tool that allows you
to create to-do lists and track your work across multiple devices.
Online course or eLearning program?
Online courses and eLearning programs are a common
manifestation of the shift from on-paper learning to online learning. These
programs are often designed for both institutional and individual learners and
are often free or have some type of free content. Online courses are also often
hybrid courses that include some in-class activities and activities that happen
online. Online courses allow learners to choose their own pace and schedule,
which may increase their engagement. In addition, online courses often allow
learners to earn credit or pursue degrees that are not offered in a classroom
setting. This type of learning can also help reduce costs associated with
in-person learning, such as tuition, equipment costs, and travel expenses.
Research shows
While instructional design is largely grounded in
evidence-based research, learning technology platforms and apps are often
data-driven and grounded in algorithms. As a result, these tools may be
effective at helping learners complete specific tasks, but they are often less
effective at helping learners understand concepts, make connections, and create
meaning. As a result, it is important that designers look beyond design to
ensure that learning experiences are more than just a series of tasks with no connection
between them. It is also important to consider the context and nature of the
learning experience when designing for long-term engagement.
Conclusion
Instructional design is a domain that uses evidence-based
research to design learning experiences for specific learning outcomes.
Learning technology platforms, however, are often data-driven and grounded in
algorithms. As a result, these tools may be effective at helping learners
complete specific tasks, but they are often less effective at helping learners
understand concepts, make connections, and create meaning. Because of this, it
is important that designers look beyond design to ensure that learning experiences
are more than just a series of tasks with no connection between them. It is
also important to consider the context and nature of the learning experience
when designing for long-term engagement.