A Day in the Life of an
Instructional Designer

Introduction

Your Task

The Process

Evaluation

Conclusion

Resources

Full Web Quest

Teacher's Notes

The Forum

Good projects begin with a firm foundation and understanding of the basic terminology in a field. As the team's Taxonomist, you will discover the basic definitions of what Instructional Design is all about.

Phase 1:

You will begin by looking at instructional design and the systems approach, but don’t be overwhelmed. We are going to take this one step at a time.

Your first task is to define instructional design (ID). To begin, visit the following sites to see how some experts define ID:

• What is Design ,UK Technology Education Centre,
  Discusses design as a shared activity.
  http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/trinity/watdes.html
• Definitions of Instructional Design , The University of Michigan, 1996,
  Discusses various definitions of instructional design, such as process, discipline, science, etc.
  http://www.umich.edu/~ed626/define.html
• Instructional Design , ALN, 2001,
  Discusses instructional design's definition, relevence, and relationship to ALN.
  http://www.aln.org/alnweb/magazine/issue1/sener/idgsn.htm
• What is Instrucional Design? , Sara McNeil,
  Discusses instructional design as the systematic process of translating general principles of learning and instruction into plans for instructional materials and learning.
  http://www.coe.uh.edu/courses/cuin6373/whatisid.html
• A Brief History of Instructional Design , IPSI
  Describes the evolution of ISD as a formal disclipline.
  http://www.pignc-ispi.com/articles/education/brief%20history.htm
• ID - Intro, Definition and Purpose
  Defines and describes ID and the processes involved. Also contains additional useful ID links.
  http://www.walterweb.com/id/introduction.htm
• ID Workshop
  Notes from NCSU's 1998 Summer Workshop Series on Instructional Design
  http://lts.ncsu.edu/guides/instructional_design/index.html

List at least 3 ways ID facilitates both teaching and learning.

Next, look at what we mean by systems approach or systems concept. Begin by looking at the primary attributes of a systems approach. Look at the following links:

• What is an example of the systematic design of instruction?
• Systematic Design and Development (Walden University, 1998)
• The Systems Approach to Training

Summarize the primary attributes of instructional systems design.

Using your personal experience, describe a scenario where application of this concept would be appropriate.

Now explain in a paragraph or two how instructional design is an application of the systems concept.

Phase 2:

Now that you understand the concept of systematic instructional design, it is time use that knowledge to look at the design philosophy your team will present to the Board. Look at the following web site:

• The ADDIE Model of Instructional Design

Now, explain how ADDIE addresses the key characteristics of your definition of Instructional Design and how this model would facilitate instruction.

What are the advantages of using a systematic method to design instruction? How could this benefit your company?