Instructional design courses can help you learn curriculum development, assessment strategies, and learner engagement techniques. You can build skills in creating effective learning experiences, utilizing multimedia resources, and evaluating instructional effectiveness. Many courses introduce tools like Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, and learning management systems, which support the design and delivery of educational content.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Instructional and Curriculum Design, Needs Assessment, Instructional Design, Learning Theory, Diversity and Inclusion, Training and Development, Education and Training, Curriculum Development, Analysis
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Course Development, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Educational Materials, Multimedia, Instructional Design, Learning Theory, User Experience Design, Learning Management Systems, Design Thinking, Education Software and Technology, Professional Development, Brainstorming, Needs Assessment, Content Creation, Motivational Skills, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, User Centered Design, Prototyping, Design Strategies, Student-Centred Learning
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Course Development, Instructional Design, Learning Theory, Brainstorming, Design Thinking, Needs Assessment, Motivational Skills, Prototyping, Student-Centred Learning, Creativity, Analysis, Communication
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Responsive Web Design, Storyboarding, Wireframing, User Experience Design, UI/UX Research, Usability Testing, Information Architecture, Presentations, User Research, Figma (Design Software), Design Reviews, Persona (User Experience), Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, User Story, Data Ethics, User Centered Design, Usability, Mockups, Interviewing Skills, Professional Development
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Responsible AI, Prompt Engineering, Education Software and Technology, ChatGPT, Instructional Design, LLM Application, Artificial Intelligence, Brainstorming, Needs Assessment, Data Ethics, Design Strategies, Content Creation, Creative Design, Emerging Technologies, Persona Development, Professional Development
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Macquarie University
Skills you'll gain: Video Production, Infographics, Course Development, Multimedia, Peer Review, Discussion Facilitation, Content Creation, Constructive Feedback, Instructional Design, Education Software and Technology, Design Thinking, Pedagogy, Media Production, Learning Management Systems, Teaching, Design, Collaborative Software, Planning, Virtual Environment, End User Training and Support
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

The University of Edinburgh
Skills you'll gain: Educational Materials, Learning Strategies, Instructional Design, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Learning Management Systems, Web Content, Education Software and Technology, User Centered Design, Creative Thinking, Cultural Diversity
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Instructional Design, Learning Theory, User Experience Design, Design Thinking, Education Software and Technology, Professional Development, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, User Centered Design, Collaboration, Emerging Technologies
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Canva (Software), Design, Digital Design, Product Design, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Creative Design, Color Theory, Graphic Design, Intellectual Property, E-Commerce, Direct Selling, Digital Content, Digital Assets, Marketing, Marketing Materials
Advanced · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

Skills you'll gain: User Research, User Experience Design, Design Thinking, User Centered Design, Usability, Persona (User Experience), User Interface (UI), Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Wireframing, Prototyping, Sprint Retrospectives, Sprint Planning
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Responsible AI, Logo Design, Generative AI, Graphic Design, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Productivity Software, Visual Design, Digital Design, File Management, Process Design, Design Reviews, Prompt Engineering, Image Analysis, Presentations, Client Services, Content Creation, Branding, Storytelling
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
University of California San Diego
Skills you'll gain: Design Research, Interaction Design, User Experience Design, Statistical Analysis, Usability, Ideation, User Research, Graphic and Visual Design, User Interface (UI) Design, Experimentation, Prototyping, Human Centered Design, Usability Testing, Human Computer Interaction, A/B Testing, Human Factors, Collaborative Software, Telecommuting, R Programming, Storyboarding
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Instructional design is the systematic process of creating educational experiences that make the acquisition of knowledge and skills more efficient, effective, and engaging. It is important because it ensures that learning materials are tailored to meet the needs of diverse learners, facilitating better understanding and retention of information. By applying principles of learning theory, instructional designers can create resources that not only convey information but also motivate and engage learners, ultimately leading to improved educational outcomes.
Careers in instructional design are diverse and can be found across various sectors, including education, corporate training, healthcare, and technology. Some common job titles include instructional designer, e-learning developer, training coordinator, and curriculum developer. These roles often involve collaborating with subject matter experts to create effective learning materials, developing online courses, and assessing the effectiveness of instructional programs. The demand for skilled instructional designers continues to grow as organizations increasingly recognize the value of effective training and development.
To succeed in instructional design, you should develop a range of skills. Key competencies include understanding learning theories and instructional strategies, proficiency in design software, and familiarity with e-learning development tools. Additionally, strong communication skills are essential for collaborating with stakeholders and presenting ideas clearly. Knowledge of assessment methods and data analysis can also enhance your ability to evaluate the effectiveness of instructional materials. Continuous learning and adaptability are crucial as technology and educational practices evolve.
There are several excellent online courses available for those interested in instructional design. One highly recommended option is the Instructional Design Foundations and Applications, which provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of instructional design. Other notable courses include Instructional Methods in Health Professions Education and Advanced Instructional Strategies in the Virtual Classroom, which focus on specific contexts and advanced techniques.
Yes. You can start learning instructional design on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in instructional design, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
To learn instructional design, start by exploring foundational courses that cover key concepts and methodologies. Engage with practical projects to apply what you learn in real-world scenarios. Consider joining online communities or forums where you can connect with other learners and professionals in the field. Additionally, seek out opportunities for hands-on experience, such as internships or volunteer positions, to further develop your skills and build your portfolio.
Instructional design courses typically cover a variety of topics, including learning theories, instructional strategies, course development, assessment techniques, and the use of technology in education. You may also explore specific areas such as e-learning design, multimedia development, and user experience principles. These topics equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to create effective and engaging learning experiences tailored to diverse audiences.
For training and upskilling employees or the workforce, courses that focus on practical applications and real-world scenarios are particularly beneficial. The Instructional Design Foundations and Applications course is an excellent choice, as it provides a solid grounding in instructional design principles. Additionally, exploring specialized courses like Ubiquitous Learning and Instructional Technologies can enhance your understanding of how to integrate technology into training programs effectively.