Instructional Designers:
an instructional designer plays an integral part in allowing a business
or organization to communicate effectively with the public and other
stakeholders. In general, instructional design is the process that
involves brainstorming strategies to meet a goal, and then implementing
the strategies and altering them as needed to become more effective.
1Create New Materials:An
instructional designer is often responsible for the creation of new
communications materials, such as a pamphlet, brochure, booklet, speech,
presentation or magazine. For example, an instructional designer who works with
a convention and visitors bureau might be the lead in creating a brochure that
highlights an area's attractions. This includes overseeing the art, images,
content, headline and graphics in the pamphlet as well as having a hand in
choosing the kind of paper the pamphlet is printed on and where it will be
distributed.
2Work With Various Groups:An
instructional designer rarely has all of the skills needed to single-handedly
make a solid product to promote an item or an idea. He must gain knowledge from
others and implement the things he learns. He also must facilitate discussions
and cooperation among the different groups working on a project. For example,
an instructional designer who works for an engineering firm must bring
engineers and content developers together to discuss the highlights of a new or
existing product. The instructional designer must understand the limitations
and strengths of several parties to understand how to create an item that will
effectively communicate all relevant aspects of a product to the public or
others.
3Implement and Achieve Goals:An instructional designer is expected to set goals that
relate to the work being done in an organization and work with internal groups
to implement them. Instructional designers are often in charge of gathering
data and information needed to achieve goals and then sharing the information
with other vested parties. The instructional designer is also responsible for
assessing the successes a group or organization is having with accomplishing goals.
He also provides feedback about ways the goals can more effectively be
achieved.
4Be a Persuasive Team Member:In addition to creating items to promote a company and its
services, an instructional designer may be responsible for bringing about
change in an organization. This change could come in the form of new processes
and items, or the changes also might need to occur in a company's thought
processes or problem-solving methods. In order to do this, an instructional
designer must become an expert on the subject or item on which she is focusing
her current efforts. The implementation of these changes sometimes comes from
the top of an organization; however, an instructional designer may also need to
create materials that help upper-level management change their opinions and
processes.
An instructional designer is someone who performs consulting and development
chores necessary to create instructional materials.Designers
may be expected to perform any or all of the following tasks:
- Gathering and analyzing information about content and skills
- Determining performance objectives based on the results of information gathered
- Writing the blueprint and draft materials for the course
- Ensuring that all components of the course adhere to the master design of the course
- Organizing the test sessions and training the instructor
- Preparing the materials for the reviews required at each stage of the instructional design process
- Making revisions specified by the project manager or sponsor
