Many wonder what is the point in spending a considerable amount of time, effort, and resources to develop knowledge about methods of instructions. Simply, instructional design is an effective way to alleviate many or the pressing problems that plague education. Instructional design is the science that links learning theories and educational practices (Dewey, 1900) in order to optimize desired instructional outcomes such as course completion and student achievement.
Some may wonder, Isn't that is the purpose of the curriculum or aren't those ideas built into the curriculum? Well, the answer is no. The curriculum is mainly concerned with what to teach, whereas instruction and instructional design is concerned with how to teach it.
Faculty are at a critical place. We need to make our methods of instruction more effective, efficient, and appealing to a broader audience. Our instructional methods need to be engaging, promote critical thinking and enhance active learning strategies. We need to utilize learning theories, instructional design theories, and the instructional design process to help design, scaffold, and build the instructional components that support and optimize our learning episodes.
Technology has become the friend of the educator. Technology provides educational options and opportunities to enhance teaching and learning. It is not just about teaching online, but includes all the other ways that classroom and clinical activities can be enhanced by technology.
The sequence of instructional design is a thoughtful and deliberate process that begins with learning theories. What adult learning theories are you most familiar with? What learning theories have you experienced as a faculty member and as a student. What learning theory is most effective for you as a student and an instructor?
