If you’re anything like me, then we may share a common problem. I have a passion for a wide variety of subject areas, but not enough time to learn about everything I want. For example, I have vested interests in learning about ancient mythologies, different cultural practices, strength conditioning, Asian cuisine, and mobile technology. I could ramble on about all my interests; however, they would not surmount to my passion for the field of Instructional Design (ID).
Not sure what ID is? You can read more about the field by clicking here to see Ashley’s blog about Instructional Designers. The general theory behind ID states that people learn in different ways and this must be addressed and adjusted to fit any learning experience. Thus, it is through this field that learning and training in all fields can become more manageable, efficient, and time-saving.
For me, choosing a major in college was a very vacillating process given my diverse interests and love for learning. It was this confusion that ironically aided me in deciding ID was right for me. I grasped that although I had many interests, one commonality amongst them all was that someone in some way facilitated my learning. Whether it was through a professor’s lecture, online video, live demonstration, or textbook, something and/or someone assisted me to be able to best learn the material I was invested in throughout my studies. I took this idea to heart, which in turn led me to pursue Instructional Design and Technology (IDT), as my major.
I found that through the skills and principles I acquired through IDT, I could take content that a client or I was interested in teaching or training, and present it in a manner that most effectively facilitated learning. Furthermore, this was coupled with finding the best technology to suit the job, whether it be video, job-aids, handouts, live demonstrations, etc. Completing such projects was only best achieved through closely collaborating with clients and subject matter experts on content and truly analyzing the needs of the learner in each project.
From a business perspective, Instructional Designers play a vital role in making sure that training is most effective for all learners. Otherwise, anyone could just Google “better business practices for change management or learning and talent development” and do it without any additional facilitation. Without ID in place, training may not create the desired performance outcomes and instead lead to much wasted time and effort or a stagnant workforce. When learning is managed by instructional designers who carefully analyze the needs of learners and work closely with clients, companies are able to close the gaps keeping them from achieving their goals. By doing so, training is concise, to the point, and optimized for performance objectives.
This brings me to SDI! I could not ask for a more direct application of my collegiate experience translated into a career. I feel both grateful and honored to be part of a team that shares the same desire to help clients achieve their goals and find focus within their training. At SDI, we believe the expert strategy and custom design solutions we provide give businesses the power to implement changes that get results. Without the power of Instructional Design, this strategy, design, and implementation would not be possible…however, this often goes overlooked within many companies.
How could Instructional Design principles transform your company’s training and strategy implementation?
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