This blog post is provided by guest blogger, Carol Sheetz, graduate student in the online Master of Science degree program in Training and Development at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois.

According to eLearning Industry, expertise is the goal of all learning.  Instructional systems must keep that goal in mind when systems are designed.  Efficiently getting students to a place where they can practice their knowledge is the key to effective design.  Material that challenges but does not overwhelm is critical.  For students who learn quickly, supplementary materials are helpful and inspiring.  Conversely, for those who struggle to grasp material, step-by-step explanations that slow things down are important to true understanding.  Simple, clear, uncluttered language helps to keep important information as the primary focus.  Small units of material aids in the students’ internalizing the information.  Providing various formats is also important.  Written material, videos, and infographics are examples of the ways that information can be presented to suit different learning styles.  Teaching strategies that begin with setting clear goals, deciding on an action to meet the goals, and using a variety of techniques, devices, and resources to achieve the goals will contribute to the effectiveness of instructional design.  By utilizing an efficient high-level instructional design strategy approach, a subject can be taught more successfully, and ROI will be achieved.

I recommend these two articles to those interested in learning more about instructional design and teaching strategies.  Omer is the COO and co-founder of CommLab India, which is a global learning solutions provider.  She has 19 years of experience in teaching, training, and e-learning, an MBA, a PhD in e-learning, and an advanced e-learning instructional design certificate from ATD.  Moloney is the CEO of the Darlo Group which is a media and publishing company specializing in technical communications, higher education, and custom learning materials.  Both experts are advocates for instructional design and teaching strategies that puts learning into a practical context, involves the learning community, and encourages students.  Designing a strategy to meet learning goals is worth the time and effort and will lead to expertise.

References:

Moloney, B. (2018, September 5). 5 basic principles of instructonal systems design. Retrieved from eLearning Industry: https://elearningindustry.com/instructional-systems-design-5-basic-principles

Omer, A. H. (2016, December 4). Instructional design strategy: what is its role in elearning design? Retrieved from eLearning Industry: https://elearningindustry.com/instructional-design-strategy-role-elearning