Instructional design courses cover creating engaging learning experiences using various strategies and theories. You will learn about needs analysis, curriculum design, assessment methods, and how to incorporate multimedia elements into your materials. Familiarity with frameworks like ADDIE or SAM may also be included, helping you structure your approach to instructional projects.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Instructional and Curriculum Design, Needs Assessment, Instructional Design, Learning Theory, Diversity and Inclusion, Training and Development, Education and Training, Pedagogy, Instructional Strategies, Systems Analysis, Analysis, Learning Styles
★ 4.1 (904) · Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Program Evaluation, Course Development, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Educational Materials, Multimedia, Instructional Design, Learning Theory, User Experience Design, Design, Design Thinking, Education Software and Technology, Brainstorming, Human Centered Design, Professional Development, Needs Assessment, Diversity Awareness, Digital pedagogy, Content Creation, Motivational Skills, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives
★ 4.8 (147) · Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Agile Methodology, Project Planning, Needs Assessment, Instructional Design, Education Software and Technology, Project Coordination, Digital pedagogy, Learning Theory, Communication Planning, Project Management Life Cycle, Pedagogy, Technology Solutions, Project Scoping, Sprint Planning, Instructional Strategies, Stakeholder Communications, Project Estimation, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Learning Strategies
★ 4.6 (2.8K) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Course Development, Instructional Design, Learning Theory, Brainstorming, Design, Needs Assessment, Motivational Skills, Prototyping, Student-Centred Learning, Analysis, Communication, Collaboration
★ 4.9 (45) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Macquarie University
Skills you'll gain: Infographics, Canva (Software), Podcasting, Video Production, Instructional Design, Multimedia, Content Creation, Lesson Planning, Pedagogy, Interactive Learning, Adult Learning Principles, Presentations, Visual Storytelling, Graphic Design, Teaching, Driving engagement, Instructional Strategies, Digital pedagogy, Virtual Environment, AI literacy
★ 4.8 (436) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, AI Personalization, Responsible AI, AI powered creativity, Prompt Engineering, Education Software and Technology, Course Development, ChatGPT, AI literacy, Instructional Design, LLM Application, Curriculum Planning, AI Integrations, Brainstorming, Artificial Intelligence, Data Ethics, Design Strategies, Content Creation, Emerging Technologies, Professional Development
★ 4.7 (98) · Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Instructional Design, Learning Theory, User Experience Design, Design, Design Thinking, Education Software and Technology, Professional Development, Human Centered Design, Diversity Awareness, Digital pedagogy, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, Personal Development, Collaboration
★ 4.7 (91) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Madecraft
Skills you'll gain: Instructional and Curriculum Design, Instructional Design, Training Programs, Training and Development, Project Design, Developing Training Materials, Adult Learning Principles, Program Evaluation, Education Software and Technology, Employee Training, Process Design, Educational Materials, Needs Assessment, Learning Management Systems, Collaboration, Adult Education, Multimedia, Photo/Video Production and Technology, Analysis, Media Production
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

The University of Edinburgh
Skills you'll gain: Educational Materials, Learning Strategies, Instructional Design, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Web Content, Digital pedagogy, Education Software and Technology, Diversity Awareness, Cultural Diversity, Scripting
★ 4.5 (233) · Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Instructional Design, Adult Learning Principles, Teaching, Education Software and Technology, Learning Theory, Health Education, Digital pedagogy, Learning Styles, Clinical Practices, Technology Strategies, Liberal Arts
★ 4.7 (547) · Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Madecraft
Skills you'll gain: Instructional and Curriculum Design, Instructional Design, Style Guides, Curriculum Development, Typography, Visual Design, Training Programs, Training and Development, Culture Transformation, Color Theory, Project Design, Developing Training Materials, Adult Learning Principles, Graphic and Visual Design, Program Evaluation, Education Software and Technology, Employee Training, Safety Culture, Organizational Development, Learning Styles
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Instructional and Curriculum Design, Needs Assessment, Education Software and Technology, Instructional Design, Education and Training, Diversity and Inclusion, Learning Theory, Training and Development, Instructional Strategies, Educational Materials, Pedagogy, Curriculum Development, Systems Analysis, Analysis, Adult Education, Learning Styles, Computer Science, Emerging Technologies, Data Ethics, Change Management
★ 4.5 (3.1K) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Start with what you want to focus on. If you’re focused on e-learning development, choose courses covering e-learning authoring tools like Articulate Storyline or Adobe Captivate. If you want to apply the ADDIE model, check for courses that teach the ADDIE framework and its use in course development.
Top-rated Instructional Design courses offered by University of Michigan on Coursera.
Earn a certificate in Instructional Design from top universities and companies.
Top-rated beginner-friendly Instructional Design courses with no prerequisites.
Instructional design is the systematic process of creating educational experiences that make the acquisition of knowledge and skills more efficient, effective, and engaging. It is important because it ensures that learning materials are tailored to meet the needs of diverse learners, facilitating better understanding and retention of information. By applying principles of learning theory, instructional designers can create resources that not only convey information but also motivate and engage learners, ultimately leading to improved educational outcomes.
Careers in instructional design are diverse and can be found across various sectors, including education, corporate training, healthcare, and technology. Some common job titles include instructional designer, e-learning developer, training coordinator, and curriculum developer. These roles often involve collaborating with subject matter experts to create effective learning materials, developing online courses, and assessing the effectiveness of instructional programs. The demand for skilled instructional designers continues to grow as organizations increasingly recognize the value of effective training and development.
To succeed in instructional design, you should develop a range of skills. Key competencies include understanding learning theories and instructional strategies, proficiency in design software, and familiarity with e-learning development tools. Additionally, strong communication skills are essential for collaborating with stakeholders and presenting ideas clearly. Knowledge of assessment methods and data analysis can also enhance your ability to evaluate the effectiveness of instructional materials. Continuous learning and adaptability are crucial as technology and educational practices evolve.
There are several excellent online courses available for those interested in instructional design. One highly recommended option is the Instructional Design Foundations and Applications, which provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of instructional design. Other notable courses include Instructional Methods in Health Professions Education and Advanced Instructional Strategies in the Virtual Classroom, which focus on specific contexts and advanced techniques.
Yes. You can start learning instructional design on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in instructional design, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
To learn instructional design, start by exploring foundational courses that cover key concepts and methodologies. Engage with practical projects to apply what you learn in real-world scenarios. Consider joining online communities or forums where you can connect with other learners and professionals in the field. Additionally, seek out opportunities for hands-on experience, such as internships or volunteer positions, to further develop your skills and build your portfolio.
Instructional design courses typically cover a variety of topics, including learning theories, instructional strategies, course development, assessment techniques, and the use of technology in education. You may also explore specific areas such as e-learning design, multimedia development, and user experience principles. These topics equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to create effective and engaging learning experiences tailored to diverse audiences.
For training and upskilling employees or the workforce, courses that focus on practical applications and real-world scenarios are particularly beneficial. The Instructional Design Foundations and Applications course is an excellent choice, as it provides a solid grounding in instructional design principles. Additionally, exploring specialized courses like Ubiquitous Learning and Instructional Technologies can enhance your understanding of how to integrate technology into training programs effectively.