What is Instructional Design and Why is it Key to Training Your Employees?
Instructional Design by definition is the process by which instruction is improved through the analysis of learning needs and systematic development of learning materials. Instructional designers use many theories and models to design instruction and varied technology and multimedia as tools to enhance learning.
Instructional Design (ID) is especially important in the development of employee job-related training programs. Many times too much emphasis is placed upon the content of the training and not the methods by which people understand and retain information. Instructional Designers aim to appeal to all learning styles – visual, auditory, kinesthetic – which facilitates optimum learning efficiency. With improved instruction, your company will realize improved performance and productivity. Results will also drive enhanced employee satisfaction and workforce morale, both which directly impact your bottom line. Employees will learn new skills faster, better, and retain them longer. This may eliminate the need for expensive retraining or unnecessary turnover.
An Instructional Designer works with a content expert within your company to define the audience and goal, conduct a needs assessment, analyze the results, and develop a solution that will achieve the goal for the specified audience. Learning initiatives can range from instruction on very specific jobs to company-wide training. The ID designs the materials to ensure that the specific learning goals are accomplished. It is important for the ID to work closely with the content expert to be sure that the solution is on target. Then the ID will test the solution, analyze the results, and make modifications to the materials if necessary. Learning styles of the audience are considered, and it is decided upon what the appropriate mix of the delivery will be. An ID must be familiar with learning theories, all standard modes of delivery of information and instruction, as well as with new and innovative technologies. Additionally, an ID must also create material to support learning from preparing camera-ready print materials and visual aids to building dynamic multi-media for e-leaning and web-based training.
If your company is experiencing challenges with your current training approach, and you are not getting the results you want, you may want to consider outsourcing this function to an Instructional Design firm. Some ID firms can be a one-stop shop for your learning needs: they can design, develop, deliver and evaluate training effectiveness. This is a fantastic solution if you are looking to outsource the entire training function.
