Are instructional designers really needed for effective e-learning?

Ultimately, instructional design is about quality and effectiveness. An instructional designer seeks to ensure that critical concepts are explored through appropriate content presentation and learning activities. And in e-learning, one of the instructional designer’s greatest roles is to bridge technology and education so that concepts are properly developed for effective learning to take place.

An instructional designer will ask questions and make linkages. He or she will design the learning based on specific goals such as a cultural shift, a behavioral change, or knowledge exchange so that it brings about the desired result on the intended audience. This may require selecting and using appropriate technology solutions, rewriting discussion questions to promote better conversations, implementing a specific learning methodology, performing a thorough needs assessment to deliver to match specific goals and designing appropriate evaluation tools based on predefined learning objectives.

A subject matter expert’s knowledge of the material is crucial in preparing the appropriate learning content. However, an instructional designer is a learning expert and has the ability to develop an engaging learning experience. By systematically breaking down content so that it best matches the learning styles of the intended audience, an instructional designer creates courses that engage students mentally. And when they are mentally engaged, they are more apt to remember and learn.

In an organizational setting, the cost of any learning endeavor needs to be justified through measurable outcomes. Instructional designers possess the education and practical experience to create a learning experience that matches these outcomes.

The success of any e-learning endeavor depends heavily on quality design of instruction, enabled by interactive technology. It is in this way that instructional designers bring measurable value to students, instructors and organizations participating in e-learning initiatives.