Chapter 24 takes a look at lessons learned from the chapter's author for obtaining a position in instructional design. Take a look at a few of the sources provided for job openings from lesson 1 and search for at least 3 positions that are of interest to you. Describe the general nature of the positions and list the skills required for the job. Do you have these skills?
Instructional Developer of Secondary Education for E-Learning Company
Duties/Responsibilities
· Design, develop and publish online courseware.
· Collaborate with functional subject matter experts (SMEs) and multimedia developers.
· Build partnerships and lead project teams using internal resources, cross functional groups, and external resources.
· Utilize instructional design best practices for online course delivery.
· Apply project management strategies to meet project deadlines and ensure a timely course rollout.
· Provide feedback on processes and products.
· Meet project deadlines maintaining high integrity of quality, budget and schedule criteria for each project.
· Performing other duties as assigned to meet project demand and deliverables.
Education, Experience & Skills Required:
· B.A. in Instructional Design, Education, Communication, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
· Minimum 2 years’ experience developing education or training solutions (e-learning, simulations, web-based courseware).
· Experience developing multimedia storyboards.
· Skilled in collaborating with Subject Matter Experts to gather source content.
· Knowledge and practical application of current pedagogical models, ISD theories, methodologies, and best practices.
· Experience in online education, e-learning publishing tools, and Learning Management Systems.
· Excellent Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
· High attention to detail.
· Absolute personal integrity and credibility.
· Teamwork: promotes cooperation; build bridges of cooperation; actively contributes to group efforts; supports team decisions; puts aside self-interest; works with diversity. Works as a team member through interaction, assistance, and demonstration. Strong organizational and interpersonal management skills; flexible and open to change.
· Strong written and verbal communication skills; equally strong listening skills.
· Highly organized and has very effective time management skills.
· Exceptional analytical and problem solving skills.
· Availability of personal portfolio.
Instructional Designer
Responsibilities:
- Analyze content provided by the client, develop learning objectives, develop training course and training materials, write test questions, and implement instructional strategies.
- Assist in conducting needs and task analysis and evaluations
- Design and develop Computer/Web Based Training, instructor-led training and simulation storyboards
- Performs self QC for all materials developed
- Work effectively with Subject Matter Experts to validate content
- Work efficiently in accordance with pre-existing standards and guidelines
- Work effectively as part of a design team, have daily interactions with project manager, strategist and graphic designers, manage multiple tasks and priorities
- Design and develop supplemental course materials, such as student workbooks, instructor guides, and test questions
Required Skills:
- Excellent listener with exceptionally good oral and written communication skills
- Works well in a team environment; Collaborates with others to generate ideas and improve processes
- Familiar with rapid development software and current learning trends
- Knows how to follow and provides leadership as needed
- Pays close attention to detail and sets high standards for quality
- Self-motivated learner
- Inquisitive and eager to develop new knowledge and skills
- Able to quickly master new technical content
- Creative with good analytical and problem solving skills
- Adapts well to change and embraces challenges
Job ID: Instructional Designer
Key Job Elements
- Develop online version of school-based curricula, applying a systematic instructional design and development model in real world online settings. Remain current with and have a thorough understanding of the latest industry technology tools and trends in online education, and implement improvements.
- Appraise course design quality; Identify areas of weakness in created courses, and employ strategies for improvement.
- Identify and acquire resources for projects in conjunction with Program Manager and other Curriculum Development team members. Monitor and provide feedback on the work of SMEs and other contractors in the completion of course creation duties.
- Complete other duties as assigned.
Interacts With:
Subject matter experts, contracted media and instructional designers, internal QA staff, other members of the curriculum development team. Also interacts with school appointed contact personnel and administrators.
Job Requirements
Knowledge:
- Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree preferred
- Minimum 1-3 years relevant experience in the field of instructional design and/or training
Skills:
Required Skills:
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Strong interpersonal skills with student and staff populations.
- Superior organization, prioritization, and self-motivation skills.
- Strong computer skills. MS Office Suite.
Preferred Skills:
- Excellent oral and written communication skills. High level of skill and experience using a variety of digital communications tools for timely and effective communication with academic and administrative stakeholders, co-workers and vendors.
- Knowledge of online learning technologies. Experience with one or more LMS
Preferred Skills:.
- Must be highly organized and detail oriented.
- Must be able to perform tasks effectively and efficiently using common office computer technologies.
- Apply the appropriate learning theory, instructional theory, and/or applications of media to online instructional scenarios.
- Must be able to contribute to multiple projects, and produce high quality work under tight deadlines.
Abilities:
- Ability to interact effectively as either a leader or as a member of a team and work collaboratively with other departments.
- Ability to listen to customers (e.g. staff, etc.) and to understand and respond positively to their requests.
- Ability to adapt to changing assignments and multiple priorities.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and successfully meet deadlines.
- Ability to function effectively as a member of a team
- Able to interact successfully with academic as well as business and regulatory personnel.
- Able to effectively report regularly to Program Manager and other Curriculum Development team members on project and progress.
- Able to apply a systematic instructional design and development model in real world online settings.
- Able to design and conduct usability studies and needs assessments as needed to support ongoing development and improvement of product.
Due to my past work experience and all the skills I have gained in my current position I believe I could have success in each of these positions. Of course, I am MOST interested in the first position because PK-12 education is my LOVE.
It is also very encouraging to read these job descriptions and see practical application of all we have been learning in this IDT course. :)