Life As an Instructional Designer or Technologist
Job Description & Duties 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.
Responsibilities
- Present and make recommendations regarding course design, technology, and instruction delivery options.
- Edit instructional materials, such as books, simulation exercises, lesson plans, instructor guides, and tests.
- Provide analytical support for the design and development of training curricula, learning strategies, educational policies, or courseware standards.
- Analyze performance data to determine effectiveness of instructional systems, courses, or instructional materials.
- Adapt instructional content or delivery methods for different levels or types of learners.
- Develop master course documentation or manuals according to applicable accreditation, certification, or other requirements.
Skills Required
When polled, Instructional Designers and Technologists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
- Reading Comprehension : Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Learning Strategies : Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
- Writing : Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Instructing : Teaching others how to do something.
- Critical Thinking : Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Speaking : Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Related Job Titles
- Team Lead, Teacher Support and Student Intervention
- Instructional Technology Facilitator
- Instructional Technology Resource Teacher
- Human Performance Technologist
Job Opportunities
In the United States, there were 163,200 jobs for Instructional Designer or Technologist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 10.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 17,200 new jobs for Instructional Designer or Technologist by 2026. The BLS estimates 16,900 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Instructional Designer or Technologist are Utah, Nevada, and Washington . Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Wyoming, or Alaska . These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary Information
The average yearly salary of an Instructional Designer or Technologist ranges between $36,360 and $102,200. Instructional Designers and Technologists who work in Connecticut, District of Columbia, or California , make the highest salaries.
Tools & Technologies
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Instructional Designers and Technologists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Visio
- SAS
- Microsoft Publisher
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
Becoming an Instructional Designer or Technologist
Are there Instructional Designers and Technologists education requirements?
How Long Does it Take to Become an Instructional Designer or Technologist?
Where Instructional Designers and Technologists Work
Instructional Designers and Technologists work in various industries.
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