Saving people time is a reward of strong instructional design. A well-designed learning experience is efficient and effective which saves learners time and frustration. Instructional designers also provide supports that reinforce skills.
Interviewing Taylor Walsh gave insight into how instructional designers accomplish these time-saving tasks.
Learn through the Lingo
Taylor used quite a bit of jargon during her interview. Defining some of the terms that she used helps us to understand ways that instructional design saves time.
Adult Learning Theory
Adult learning theory is used to guide the design of instruction. Several popular theories exist. However, they are continuously being researched and revised. Instructional design began with research of adult learning theories and the training of adult learners.
Needs Analysis
Needs analysis identifies who needs training and what type of training they need. Various methods are used to determine training needs such as observation, questionnaires, assessments. Often the environment of the workers or learners determines the type of needs analysis that will be most effective.
Training Gaps
Training gaps are the difference between the wanted behavior or performance from an employee and the actual behavior or performance. These gaps are often identified during needs analysis and are then addressed with training or other supports.
Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT)
Virtual instructor-led training (VILT) usually refers to synchronous (live) training that takes place in a virtual environment with interaction between the instructor and participants. However, this is not the same as eLearning which is often asynchronous.
Job Aids
Job aids are tools used to support workers on the job. For example, they can be checklists, worksheets, digital memory joggers, etc. Most importantly, effective job aids increase employee proficiency, especially in lower level tasks.
Chat Bots
Chat bots are automated messaging systems that interact with people. Often they are used to assist with answering questions on a website. Additionally, they can be programmed for specific keywords or use artificial intelligence to be conversational. For example, you may have used one on a store website. On the other hand, some corporations use chat bots as support systems in employee training.
Return on Investment (ROI)
Return on investment (ROI) is an economic indicator of accountability. It clearly shows if the cost of an investment, such as training, was profitable for an organization. First, in the ROI process, is evaluation planning. Then there is data collection and data analysis. Finally, is the reporting.
As a result of using these approaches in their training and teaching, corporate and higher education settings can save time and frustration. Most importantly, instructional designers are experts at using these to develop effective and efficient programs and supports. To do this, however, instructional designers need tools and ongoing training themselves.
Tools of the trade
Tools that are optimal for a task will save users time. For instance, these software tools came up during the interview with Taylor:
- Adobe Suite:
- Articulate – eLearning creator
- Microsoft Teams – video conferencing
In addition to having the right tools, it is also important to know how to use them well.
Professional Development & Resources
Keeping up with changing technology and current research requires constant professional development. Certainly, this can be done by making use of professional resources. In other words, the learning of an instructional designer never ends.
Two professional development resources mentioned by Walsh:
Association for Talent Development (ATD) is a professional association offering conferences and certificates. Additionally, they have many design templates available to members.
E-Cornell is the online educational department of Cornell University based in Ithica, NY with many learning opportunities. For example, they offer online certificate programs.
To learn more, watch the full interview below.
Interview with Taylor Walsh
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