What Do Instructional Designers Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Instructional Designers develop instructional materials and products and assist in the technology-based redesign of courses. Assist faculty in learning about, becoming proficient in, and applying instructional technology. They also present and make recommendations regarding course design, technology, and instruction delivery options.

Other tasks include:

• Define instructional, learning, or performance objectives.
• Develop instructional materials and products for technology-based redesign of courses.
• Design learning products, including Web-based aids or electronic performance support systems.
• Provide analytical support for the design and development of training curricula, learning strategies, educational policies, or courseware standards.
• Interview subject-matter experts or conduct other research to develop instructional content.
• Design instructional aids for stand-alone or instructor-led classroom or online use.

We asked Instructional Designers how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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73% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 73% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Instructional Designers define instructional, learning, or performance objectives. They design learning products, including Web-based aids or electronic performance support systems.

A typical day for an Instructional Designer and Technologist will also include:

• Develop instructional materials, such as lesson plans, handouts, or examinations.
• Adapt instructional content or delivery methods for different levels or types of learners.
• Develop instructional materials and products for technology-based redesign of courses.
• Provide analytical support for the design and development of training curricula, learning strategies, educational policies, or courseware standards.
• Design instructional aids for stand-alone or instructor-led classroom or online use.

We asked some Instructional Designers a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	61% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	57% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	52% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	22% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	0% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	32% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Instructional Designers also provide technical advice on the use of current instructional technologies, including computer-based training, desktop videoconferencing, multimedia, and distance learning technologies. They may also interview subject-matter experts or conduct other research to develop instructional content.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Instructional Designers Provide technical support to clients in the implementation of designed instruction or in task analyses and instructional systems design. They might also Design instructional aids for stand-alone or instructor-led classroom or online use.

In addition, they Recommend instructional methods, such as individual or group instruction, self-study, lectures, demonstrations, simulation exercises, and role playing, appropriate for content and learner characteristics.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Edit instructional materials, such as books, simulation exercises, lesson plans, instructor guides, and tests.

To some Instructional Designers, it is also their responsibility to Conduct needs assessments and strategic learning assessments to develop the basis for curriculum development or to update curricula.

Working life

More than 40 hours per week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as an Instructional Designer and Technologist, you can expect to work more than 40 hours per week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like starting up and carrying out projects. They like leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business..

They also like working with, communicating with, and teaching people. They like helping or providing service to others.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm

http://www.learningforward.org/